Portugal’s Buraka Som Sistema have been shaking up dancefloors for some years now. Their album Black Diamond bought Angolan-Portuguese rhythms called kuduro and baile-funk together, led them to work with M.I.A and to a MTV Europe Music Award. The man behind the beats is João Barbosa, who joined this year’s Red Bull Music Academy in London as a member of the studio team.
You first came to the Red Bull Music Academy as a participant in 2002. What has changed over the years?
Well, everything and nothing. It is still the same great vibe and there is the same speech on the first day. But then everything has changed: eight years ago in Sao Paolo, the academy was a very DJ-oriented place. This was annoying for me, since I came from a producer background and felt a little left out.
You had some really busy and successful years with Buraka Som Sistema and you returned to the academy as a lecturer in Barcelona last year.
That was really nice. It was great to see how much the whole project has evolved. Now you have a lot of musicians and producers here, who all actually work together. Much more like I imagined it.
What is you part here in London this year?
I’m part of the studio team. We take care of the eight smaller production suits. Our job is to keep it running, help out and show the people around with the gear and computers. Or just hang out and make beats with people I would not have met another way.
For example?
There is an amazing theremin player here. I never had to chance to work with this instrument.
Are those two weeks actually enough to learn a lot?
Yes, people here learn a lot. For example, many of the participants never used the software Logic and they can try it first hand here. This is a huge software-pack and it’s an important step if you want to work professionally.
What is your day like?
Today I did something for Buraka. I have this track that contains a sample. The label can’t clear the rights and is worried we might get in trouble if we use it illegally. So I am trying to find someone who can sing the same thing here. There are so many good people around...
What’s in store for the last days?
Well, everyone is trying to finish their tracks and pieces. It’s a bit hectic.
Check the lecture with Buraka Som Sistema at the Red Bull Music Academy 2008 in Barcelona. There’s lots of ways to keep up with this year's Red Bull Music Academy: you can download the Daily Note, tune in to Red Bull Music Academy Radio or follow the Academy blog, the Twitter feed or connect via Facebook.
You can watch highlights from the Red Bull Music Academy lectures on the YouTube channel
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