Mochakk: Brazil’s hottest export
In just two short years, the 24-year-old Brazilian DJ and producer has risen through the ranks at startling speed, performing with Pete Tong, Seth Troxler and The Martinez Brothers at iconic clubs such as DC-10. L’OFFICIEL caught up with Mochakk, the hottest new talent on the island, to find out what makes him tick.
What are your early musical memories and how have they shaped your sound?
The first music I remember would be the rock my dad used to listen to - Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Pearl Jam, Pink Floyd and Metallica – so much good stuff. My own sound is a fusion of all I like in a house and techno format, from hip hop to garage to funk, soul and jazz. I don’t think it’s genre-based - each track I play or create is a unique inspiration in its own right.
What do you remember about your first Ibiza experience?
I was super nervous about playing such a legendary scene and in a legendary club. I was only 23 years old and was really coming up on the internet. I’d prepared so hard for it for it and it was really magical! But I actually think I played a much better set on that second night. I was way more confident about it because I’d had my first reading of the crowd there last time so I had a better notion of the music that fits the room. In general I just love playing the island and the sense of freedom I feel to experiment in my sets here.
How do you find the crowd at DC-10?
I love them - they’re really curious and excited about discovering new music, which makes them a tough crowd to please in the sense that they’re very musically educated, but when you find that pocket in the set and you lock them in, it’s a VIBE! ‘Da Fonk’ gets an amazing reaction there, as does Bruno Furlan’s ‘Namaste’, Jimpster’s Hip Replacement mix of Osunlade’s ‘Momma’s Groove’ and Kidoo’s ‘Wan Sugar Lady’. The music, the dark room, the planes overhead, the curation, the aesthetic; it all just blends into a crazy atmosphere of it’s own. DC-10 is one sexy club!
If you had to pick one - smaller clubs or larger festivals?
It’s really clubs for me. For sure there are club tracks and there are festival tracks and I love the club sound. The sexiness, the groove, that more minimal sound and also the intimacy with the crowd, the interaction, the dark room, the low ceiling, the strobe light. It’s part of the whole culture of being a frequent clubber in a certain club and creating those memories there in that room with those people across the years, it’s just different. Club people will definitely. relate.
You and Seth Troxler have become very close. How has that relationship developed?
As a mentor, Seth has shared so much wisdom in every conversation we’ve ever had – music-wise, career-wise and also on the personal side too. He’s also always believed in what I was doing and not only encouraged me but helped me reach some amazing people on the way. He’s just a truly good guy and has been so friendly since the day we met. Plus, he gives the most insane food recommendations - that guy is a serious restaurant expert!
Which events are you most looking forward to in 2023?
Circoloco in general, Arc Festival, Kappa Futur, Time Warp, Saga – there are SO many great events this year! The list is looong!
You have a hectic touring schedule with a lot of travel – How do you keep your mind and body healthy?
Well to be honest I could be doing a better job but it’s super hard and it’s something I need to be mindful of now I’m touring more. You need to get into routine of sleeping properly and eating healthier and excercising more. You need to view this as a job not a vacation, cause if you don’t, at this level of touring it’ll screw you up - stomach, back, liver and kidneys, ears and mind and humour and behaviour, all those things will degrade with heavy drinking every week, sleep deprivation and eating junk food because it’s all you have time to grab. Touring is tough – there’s a lot of loud noise in your unprotected ears, drugs, loneliness – it can get serious. I’m currently working on a way to have enough home time and studio time and trying to be more mindful and responsible with my habits. This year I want to get back to the gym, skate more, have more time with my friends from home, do a family trip and finally buy a house. I want to live a long life doing what I love.
