Deepneue
DJ | Producer
Portuguese producer, DJ and performer Deepneue describes himself as a ‘nomad from all tribes’ and the same can be said for his approach to anything that involves art and music. Known as Bráulio to his friends and family, the Berlin-based artist explores all aspects of music, from composing film soundtracks to producing minimal to fast-paced techno; for Bráulio, no stone is left unturned when it comes to making and mixing music.
As cliché as it sounds, it was in Berlin where Bráulio fully fell into techno and branched out into the city’s collective of artists, DJs, producers and various creatives residing in the German capital. 2015 marked a significant point when he co-founded the creative communications agency TrashEra alongside Geovane Pedro De Bortoli aka Madame Trash, followed by Omer Saban aka Lipstick Trash and later on Stasys Žak aka Syrthaa.
The combined experience of performance, visual design, dancing and musical production between them acted as the catalyst to develop ideas and the launch of the TrashEra event series, to highlight ‘the needs of those in the margins of a normative society, opening a channel between the core of society and its borders.’ Playing as Deepneue with TrashEra allowed Bráulio to explore Berlin’s LGBTQ+ parties and play throughout the city with bookings at ://about blank, Suicide Circus, Funkhaus and beyond into D-Edge, São Paulo, Egg London, Milkshake Festival in Amsterdam and many more.
Now flying solo and focusing on Deepneue productions and his new label DARKROOMMAFiA, Bráulio’s attitude to creating and immersing himself in music has remained unchanged since the pandemic began. If anything, it’s given him the chance to unlock any mental barriers and go full throttle into creative mode.
Bráulio’s last set was at one of those parties where you melt into the atmosphere and bounce in tandem with the dancefloor’s energy. He describes it further below, along with a handful of tunes which have brightened his days since this all began…
Photo: Victor Diniz
Where was this photo taken and why did you choose it?
This picture was taken in Brasilia at a venue called Sub Dulcina. I chose it cause it was my last gig before the pandemic and I remember looking at that steaming dance floor and sharing the energy with the crowd, and somehow I did live it as if there was no tomorrow…ironically…
It was the second time I played in a Lust party and the energy at these parties is unique! Sexy and groovy to the max!
How have you been over the last few months?
I guess a bit like everybody, up and down. I have been trying to not lose my mind and dedicate myself to music strongly. These times I have been taking a little step back to evaluate where I stand and boost my creativity. I have a few tracks coming up and hopefully at the end of this year, my first record will be out - it is already in the oven, under my new label DARKROOMMAFiA.
What about life in Berlin, has it been strange to live in a city that’s known for its club culture which is pretty much non-existent at the moment (unless you include illegal raves…)?
Yes. I am a creature of the night. Club culture is my culture, my social environment and also part of my professional environment. Needless to say that I feel like the floor has been swept off my feet.
You were out playing almost every weekend before the pandemic hit. Are you craving to get back to that lifestyle or are you enjoying some of the elements this pause has brought to your day-to-day life?
I want to go back to the clubs! One can always learn to enjoy what one has but I miss the clubs! Deeply!
Do you have a certain track or genre which you listen to in order to lift your spirits on the days when you feel down or uncertain about all of this?
Lately I do have a few favourites for different situations:
What has been an essential coping skill for your physical and mental health throughout this time?
Music. Besides that, relearn to centre, by balancing between exploring solitude and sharing with friends.
Listen to Deepneue’s Pride Special mix for Grace Club, Dublin here and follow him below: