The Bahia that gave Gilberto Gil a ruler and compass is the same Bahia that gave birth to the DJ, musician and producer Processman, a fundamental part of this connection between the Northeast and Southeast of Brazil that makes up the newest release on the Aureum label!

The ‘Dendê Funk’ EP is the result of Processman’s partnership with fellow producer, musician and DJ, Fabio Santanna from Rio. ‘Dendê Funk’ is a blend of the musical culture of Bahia with that of Rio de Janeiro, and international dance music, paying homage to icons. Disco Music, House, Boogie and Funk appear as part of the producer duo’s influences.

Processman, while passing through Rio de Janeiro, stayed at Fábio Santanna’s studio, and arrived with the idea of mixing lyrics that speak of the diversity and musical richness of the land of Axé with a dance groove, very Furacão 2000, a sketch from the track “Aumenta o Som.” In a laboratory, in an intensive rhythm, a beat with an unmistakable sound is born, created with drum machines and vintage keyboards from Fabio’s collection, in a clear reference to Stevie B’s classics that rocked the dance floors in the 80s. In vocals, a feat. by the young artist also from Salvador, Felupz, bringing an MC vibe to the track.

The track ‘Chic Show’ is a tribute to the 50th anniversary of the project that gained notoriety and became synonymous with the celebration and pride of black culture in Brazil, the Chic Show. An event that since the 70s represents social, cultural, political, fashion and entertainment transformation for the black population. Processman and Fabio Santanna synthesized this diversity on the track through a mix of rhythms, combining percussive elements of ijexá with House beats and arps typical of Disco Music. The groove that rocks the dance floor is also present in the lyrics, written in English, paying homage to James Brown. It is worth remembering that James’s first show in Brazil took place at the Chic Show.

The EP also features two remixes: Bruce Leroys in ‘Aumenta o Som’ and, directly from NYC, Jacques Renault remixed ‘Chic Show.’

In addition to the research into the alternative scene, the originality in Felupz’s interpretation, the classic timbres and the characteristic groove of our music, this release has a lot of palm oil (our Dendê) and funk!

We sit down with Processman to talk about the new release, inspirations, career highlights, creative process & more…

WWD: Hey Processman! Great to meet you! What’s happening in your world at the minute?

Hi! Everything is alright. I’ve been spending some time creating new stuff and traveling a lot for gigs too. Busy days, haha.

WWD: Congratulations on releasing ‘Dendê Funk.’ Can you talk us through the release?

Dendê Funk is a blend of the musical culture of Bahia with that of Rio and international dance music, paying homage to icons. Disco Music, House, Boogie and Funk appear as part of our influences. I started with the idea of ​​mixing lyrics that speak of the diversity and musical richness of the land of Axé (Salvador, my home town) with a Furacão 2000 dance groove, inspired by vintage Miami Bass tracks. We worked together creating a beat to fit using drum machines and vintage keyboards from Fabio’s collection and then invited the young talented artist Felupz to record the vocals. We wanted ‘Aumenta o Som’ to have a MC vibe, just like it was done in the early days of Baile Funk from Rio. ‘Chic Show’ is a tribute to a homonym and very important event from São Paulo, an event that since the 70s represents social, cultural, political, fashion and entertainment transformation for the black population. In this track, we tried to celebrate diverseness using a mix of rhythms, combining percussive elements of Ijexa with House beats and Disco arpeggiators. We had full support from Aureum guys, Marcelo and Diogo, to create and express anything we wished. They also contributed with a remix for Aumenta o Som, making it housier, bringing the essence of their project, Bruce Leroys. In order to enhance the sound palette of the release we invited the New Yorker producer and DJ Jacques Renault to remix ‘Chic Show.’ He presented a more disco house version of the track and we were really happy with his contribution.

WWD: What inspired you to embark on this journey with music?

I’ve been a professional musician since the 90’s; music has always been part of my life. When I was a kid I used to spend hours listening to vinyl records and reading the technical sheets because I loved to know who were the guys behind the music: the musicians, songwriters, engineers and producers. Then I started recording my first mixtapes using cassette tapes using the records and music I loved from radio shows. I always knew I was going to be part of this chain, creating songs, playing instruments, recording, mixing and producing.

WWD: Can you describe the connection between your music and your Brazilian roots, and how they continue to influence your music today?‍

We both live in very cultural and inspiring places. Fabio lives in Rio de Janeiro, and I live in Salvador, cities with strong tradition and identity worldwide known. It translates into our music almost automatically, that’s the easiest part! 

WWD: What has been the highlight of your career so far? Can you talk about a specific moment or accomplishment that stands out as particularly meaningful to you?

When I first went to play in Canada as a DJ this year I had a great surprise. A fan joined the crowd and told me he has all my records in vinyl, and he wished me to sign them. I’m really touched by people’s interest in my music, especially when it occurs in places so distant from my hometown. My process of making music is about love and gratefulness, and when it spreads out it is magical.

WWD: Can you share some insight into your creative process when producing music? Do you have any particular rituals or methods that help you stay inspired?‍

I don’t have any specific ritual to get inspired as I breathe music 24hs a day. I have tons of small ideas recorded in my cell phone. Whenever it comes, I record. So I have a comprehensive library of musical fragments I will develop later. For this EP production we jammed together to create the beat for Aumenta o Som, which was earlier conceived as a voice memo sketch. Chic Show had a different approach. Fabio sent me the multitrack of an unfinished instrumental song and I developed it by editing, rearranging and recording vocals. There’s no rules for creating and producing, each song will be born the way they need to, we are here to make it happen!

WWD: Can you tell us about any challenges you have faced in your career and how you overcame them? Have there been any specific obstacles or difficulties you’ve had to navigate as an electronic musician?

I think that the first obstacle for creative producers is to find the right people that will understand and love the material we produce. I create original stuff, based on my musical taste (which is very eclectic) and I don’t like to do things just to fit any commercial rule or established genre. I try to innovate and one will perceive my unique touch in everything I do. It is very tempting to release formula based music  in order to adapt ourselves to the “market,” but I choose to follow the hard way and propose new things.

WWD: What advice would you give to aspiring musicians trying to make it in the industry? Are there any particular tips or strategies you’ve found to be particularly effective in building a career as an electronic musician? 

Be yourself, study hard, work hard and be persevering. And above all, be nice and friendly to people around you.

WWD: As someone deeply rooted in the electronic music scene, what state is it in right now? What notable artists are emerging?

Brazilian producers are making good music; I may cite Bernardo Pinheiro, Nocapz and Seed Selector (who has started his own label, Jardineira Records) as relevant producers. 

WWD: When you are not busy with music, what might we find you doing?

I’m a family guy, I love to spend time with my kids. We usually hang out together, watch good movies, etc…

WWD: What’s next for you?

Processman: Creating music and releasing it is a routine in my life. I have a number of other releases to come shortly. I am a guy who likes to connect with different people and make music with them. Stay tuned!

WWD: Finally, can you tell us about 3 about three of your best dancefloor fillers?

‘Continue a dançar’ (Seed Selector/ Giorgio Menegatti)

This track was released in a VA album by Jardineira Records. This album contains many interesting house tracks from Brazilian producers. As well as a track of mine named Coconuts.

‘Virabrequim’ (Bernardo Pinheiro)

Bernardo produced his own version of a Marcos Valle’s song. It has a beautiful sound of Brazilian Disco.

‘Coming for Ya’ (Nocapz)

Nocapz is a young producer from Salvador. This track is a bomb!

The ‘Dendê Funk’ EP is available here

Processman: Soundcloud