Preceduto dal singolo “Take My Pain Away”─il video ve lo abbiamo proposto ieri, echetelodicoafare─la prossima settimana esce l´atteso debutto di Moullinex, uno degli artisti che ci stanno più simpatici di quella che certamente è una delle label di cui ci occupiamo più spesso, la Gomma. Intitolato “Flora”, l´album è un concentrato di buone vibrazioni e solare positività, dove la disco ed il funk si sposano con l’electro in un mix a cui è difficile resistere. Prontissimi come sempre, abbiamo scambiato due chiacchiere con Luis Clara Gomes AKA Moullinex:
-Can you tell us something about your first musical memories?
My father was doing the music for a theatre company so I would go to all the shows. It was fun to see everything from behind (and under) the stage. That was the main draw I had into making music, now that I think of it.
-We don´t know much about the portuguese music and club scene. What can you tell us about it?
There are a lot of great producers and acts coming from Portugal: Xinobi, Mirror People, Da Chick (they are all under our label Discotexas). And also Tiago, Social Disco Club, Photonz, Cavaliers of Fun, the list is endless…
-How did you get to record for Gomma?
We met while I was living in Munich, and we share a lot of affinities in music and tastes, so it made sense. I was a big fan of Gomma even before moving to Munich. They’re cool guys to hang around with and that’s the most important thing!
-Talking about your debut album “Flora”, tell us about the making of it?
It took me quite a while. Many sessions still in Munich, many more in Lisbon. A lot changes were done over the months, a lot of friends participated and I’m really excited to finally get it out of the door. It is a very personal and honest work – this is the first album I’ve always wanted to do as Moullinex.
-Can you tell us something about the gorgeous female vocalists, Iwona Skwarek and Da Chick? Which one of the two is the melanchollic voice of “Darkest Night”, the only downbeat and moody song out of a relentlessly uplifting collection of songs?
Iwona sang on “Darkest Night” – in fact we recorded two other songs first, “Deja Vu” and “To Be Clear”. “Darkest Night” had always been planned to be an instrumental song, but somehow I felt like something was missing. We gave it a go in the studio and this was what came out. It’s my personal favorite of the three, and I think she agrees with me.
-Talking about your vocalists, how was working with Peaches?
Super! It was a huge honor to work with someone I admire so much – and especially since she’s one of the easiest, nicest, best people to work with. Can’t wait to do it again!
-“Undertaker” reminds me of “War” by Edwin Starr. Is it a sort of hommage? And how important that late 60s-early 70s Funk and Soul sound for you?
Of course, it’s quite declared! That period is doubly fascinating to me – the most creative, beautiful and complex (but not complicated) music you can dance to was made in these decades.. And at the same time that’s when studio wizards were experimenting the most with new ideas, the warmest sound possible. You could appeal to the underground and write pop music that crosses over too, without compromising the quality and honesty of it. I’m not nostalgic just for the sake of it, but I think there’s a lot to learn from this period of music. To take what’s best and try to use it as a framework to start something new and fresh.
-The first single out of “Flora” is the song “Take my Pain Away”. Can you tell us something about the remixers – Gigamesh, Strip Steve, Rory Phillips and and DJ Steef- involved with?
Sure, they’re all artists I respect and admire a lot – for me it’s quite a little dream come true to have a release of mine remixed by this bunch… They all did an excellent job!
-Are there any more “Flora”´s remixes to be released in the future? And are there any new remixes of yours about to being released?
Yes, and yes. There’s gonna be a few more singles, with remixes and videos. And I’m preparing an EP of club versions and instrumentals, called ‘Fauna’ (thanks captain obvious!)
-Will you tour and promote your album with DJ/live sets? Are we going to see you in Italy again in the next future?
I’m doing the release parties now. After Berlin, Lisbon and Porto there’s gonna be Australia, Russia, Spain, UK, France, Belgium, Germany.. and yes, Italy of course: Gorizia and Rome in December and Milano in February (LE CANNIBALE, ndr). I’m super excited about these coming months.
Thanks!
Luis
