DJ Patife Interview + Guest Mix

Often cast in DJ Marky’s far-reaching shadow as a fellow Brazilian Drum & Bass producer, DJ Patife is very much an unsung hero. As his Q&A reveals, Patife’s colourful past growing up in São Paulo during the 80/90s, spinning records for hip-hop group ‘Fatos Reais’ has shaped the person and musician that he is today. He made the switch from hip-hop to Jungle/Drum & Bass seamlessly, sighting "love at first sight” as his reason for doing so, and immediately began turning heads in Brazil with his samba-infused style. V Recordings’ 2001 release of the 4-track ‘Brasil EP’ contained 3 of Patife’s tracks, for which he gained deserved recognition in the UK and Europe alike. Since then, releases on Marky’s Innerground Records and UK-based Movement Records have only served to reinforce the talent with which Patife is brimming.

His guest mix for YO is characteristically harmonious, and a good introductory foray into Brazilian Drum & Bass beats for any curious listeners, combining Brazilian “samba-bass” classics with contemporary releases from UK producers such as Saxxon and Random Movement, whose jazzier numbers compliment perfectly Patife’s truly unique style.

So, DJ Patife, ‘tudo bem’?!

‘Patife’ is portuguese for ‘scoundrel’ right? What gave you the nickname?

A good friend of mine used to call all the boys that, and 'cause of my DJing thing he decided to call me "Patife". I didn't like it at all but everyone found it funny, so I stuck with it, and now it's been more than 25 years of people calling me Patife.

The passion for music that so clearly comes out in music videos like ‘Pra Você Lembrar' - where does it come from? 

There's not exactly one place or direction. I believe it comes from the environment we live in. You probably know that Brazilians are very positive and full of love. Maybe our musical DNA helps a lot as well.

You started out as a hip-hop DJ, right? Do you still listen to a lot of hip-hop? How is the scene in modern day Brazil?

I still love the Hip-Hop thing but my favourites are still the Old School tunes. The music scene in Brazil right now is very strange if you're looking at the pop side of it. You turn on the radio and you feel scared! But if you want quality, you must look for it. A lot of great artists with lots of different styles are doing really well, but you won't see or hear them on the main media.

If you had to pick one ‘Golden Age’ hip-hop record to play, what would it be?

Such a hard question :) ... I can't mention just one... Public Enemy 'Fear of a Black Planet' and NWA 'Straight Outta Compton’.

What prompted the switch to Jungle/Drum & Bass?

Honestly? Love at the first sight!!!! I was in shock around 92/93 when I heard that fast tempo plus the ragga and the big fat bass. Boom! As a Reggae/Ragga lover and coming from the Hip-Hop camp, no other combination could be that perfect.

A lot of people when they think of Brazilian Drum & Bass music, instantly think of DJ Marky. Do you see Marky as a rival or a musical influence/mentor

Not only a mentor but big friend first and foremost. He sold the first few Jungle records to me back in 1993 when he used to work in a record shop. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have been sure on what way to go at the time. Def a huge influence still these days.

I noticed a ‘Saxxon’ tune in your guest mix - which British DJs are on your SoundCloud at the moment?

Love Saxxon tunes!!!! I'm not good on the internet still so I can't mention who's up there but I believe so many of them are on SoundCloud.

You can really feel the Brazil coming out in a lot of your tracks - how would you describe your style in 1 word?

Love

How do you see the music industry worldwide these days? How has it changed since the 90s when you were starting out?

Totally different. I never thought about seeing all these changes. I couldn't even imagine getting music for free straight on my computer at home. Some things are really good now, but, some others I still don't like. Before, you’d hear a great tune with one or two DJ's then wait at least two years to get your hands on it. Now, even before somebody mix down a tune, a video or audio clip its up on the internet making buzz about it! But, new times, new people out there I guess.

And where might we catch you back home in Sāo Paulo sipping a cold ‘Brahma’?

Sujinho's for sure :):):)

Muito Obrigado!

DJ Patife:
SoundCloud | Discogs | RA | Facebook | Twitter

Words by Tom
16/05/16