With his brand new single Breathe now out (check it out HERE!), Italian-Brazilian dj producer Leandro Da Silva stopped by to chat with us about his music, his life in lockdown and his plans for the future!
First of all, thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us today. How’s life going?
Thank you, boohooMAN! Life is going pretty good even if we are in lockdown here in Italy, but I spend my day in the studio producing some music so I just need my computer and I’m ok.
When did you first realise you could make a career in music?
Since the beginning, it was clear to me that I could make a career in music. When I was around seventeen or eighteen years old, all my friends used to work in pizzerias at the weekend to get some money, while I was already working at a radio radio. So, I’ve always considered music my passion but also a source of income. And of course, something changed when I won a contest for the most important radio in Italy (Radio DeeJay) and I got my first big contract. I was really happy and in that moment it became clear to me that I could have made music for a living.
1001Tracklist’s placed you “Top 101 Producers of 2020”alongside Tiësto, David Guetta and Diplo. How does it feel?
Yes, I feel so good about that! Also because if I look at the other names in the Top 10 I think “what am I doing here?”. I know that I worked a lot in the studio last year and I know that my tracks have been supported by my colleagues. I knew it would have been an important year for me, but I didn’t expect to rank so high in this chart. So, I am really really happy.
You are the official remixer of global hits such as Flames by David Guetta & SIA and Solo by Clean Bandit (feat. Demi Lovato). What do you find more challenging from a creative point of view: creating new tracks or remixing?
I loved to remix these amazing tracks. When I received the vocals drive from SIA it was incredible. I had goosebumps! But I think that the process of creating an original song is more creative. When you have to remix an important track like Flames or Solo, you have to respect what the original artists already did. When you create something new, you can do everything you want…so you need more creativity!
How much is your sound influenced by your Italian-Brazilian roots?
A lot! I always try to put my roots into my music. You can always find Brazilian vocals or Brazilian percussive sounds in my music. Brazil has always been with me in my production.
Your brand new single Breathe – alongside Matt Kerley and Rion – is set to be released on November 13th. How did this collaboration come about and what can we expect from it?
It’s a proper house club track, but it’s incredible because many big mainstream artists and deejays such as Hardwell and Oliver Heldsen are supporting it. The track is doing really well. Matt sent me the first draft of the song and he asked me if I wanted to collaborate with him, and I say “yes, amazing!” I’ve always loved Rion’s voice, and me and Matt shared the stands many time. He put the structure and I put the groove, and this is how our collaboration came about.
2020 has been a crazy year. How are you coping with this new reality? What impact is having on your creativity?
Obviously, being in the studio all the time and not having the chance to travel is not good in terms of creativity. But at the same time, I’ve had more time to work and try new things. So, now I’ve got quite a lot of new tracks for next year.
Do you miss touring? When do you think we could see you performing live again?
Yes, I miss it a lot. It’s a bit like when a football player plays well, but can never score a goal. For me the live show is the highest form of expression for an artist and I miss it a lot. I hope to be touring again soon! I had planned a number of tours before the Coronavirus breakout, but because of the situation I had to cancel tours in Mexico, Brazil and Asia. So, I hope to be back performing live very soon.
Let’s talk about fashion. How would you describe your style? What’s the piece that can’t be missing in your wardrobe?
I love tracksuits, because I like to feel comfortable all the time. So, this is my style…the man in tracksuits.
And now, 5 Rapid Fire Questions for you:
1. If you weren’t a DJ, what would you be?
A football player.
2. Your dream collaboration?
David Guetta.
3. A song you’ve got stuck in your head recently?
Like Gold, by Luxury and Frank Walker feat. Stephen Puth.
4. Favourite festival you plaid at?
Federal Music Festival in Brazil.
5. Lasagna or Feijoada?
Lasagna (but please, don’t tell the Brazilians 😀 ).
Last question: what can we expect from Leandro Da Silva for the rest of 2020 and 2021?
I’ve got a lot of new, cool collaborations coming up and I’m also developing a new sound. I’m working on it.
Thank you so much boohooMAN! I love your style and of course, I love your tracksuits. See you soon!
Thank you so much for your time Leandro, and good luck!
