Conversations with: Xinobi

Let us commence;.

Wizards & Glass presents...

Xinobi
Who is the man behind Xinobi? If you may please introduce yourself.

Hi, I’m Bruno.

What prompted you to become a musician?

I think it was my father. He doesn’t know but I grew up seeing him all interested in music. He showed me a lot of old music. From early pop rock to jazz. We both used to check those TOP charts Tv shows together in the 80’s. And would comment every single song and video clip. I was very young, but I really remember that. He also tried to teach me how to play the guitar and paid for some piano lessons but I was too young not to be bored with all the attention it would be necessary to actually learn music. But anyway, I would blame almost everything on him and on his brother who had all these bands and took me to a lot of shows.

Do you play any instruments?

I ended up knowing how to play the guitar. I broke my arm when I was 12, and being at home with nothing to do while recovering I pick these old acoustic guitar and tried to remember all the chords my father had teached me. I actually still knew 2 or 3. Then I tried to follow some Pink Floyd record… Not being very successful. I also know some piano chords.

Monsieur Bruno Tearing A Set @ Lux

I've noticed that in all your tracks you have a very distinctive bass drive. How long does it take you to finally say "ahh, this is the sound that I want." ?

I have created 4 or 5 bass patches that I really like. But normally I mix a synth bass with a real bass sample and merge them. It can take a lot of time if you want it to be perfect, but It’s my favourite part on doing music so…

What inspires you to write music?

Other Music, friends and Movies.

What are your relations with Moulinex? Are you currently working together?

We are best friends; Alongside with Cpt. Luvlace, Bandido$, Rockets, FliP, Double Damage, Gun N’ Rose we formed the Discotexas collective; we’re always doing stuff together. I now play the guitar in his live act and did the guitar for the songs on the album he is recording.

Xinobi & Moulinex Keep it Classy

Any plans to release an album?

Yes, I would love to release an album before the end of 2010. It's my new goal now.

Are there any tracks that you are currently working on?

I’m always working on tracks. Actually my problem is to start doing tracks and never finish them. I’m also doing a lot of remixes nowadays.

What should people expect on a night when Xinobi is behind the decks?

Groove tracks. I pretty versatile, I can go from happy in your face stuff to really progressive and down music, Rock… But normally I start with the kind of music I make.

They Can Feel The Heat

Which one of your own tracks do you enjoy most?

Valsa in NJ, Day Off, Hawaii, Tubes and 2 new tracks I’ll show soon: The Best Of Me (featuring Josh Jaqk as a singer) and Trópico Escuro. I also love my Loose Shus remix.

What was the most wild night on the road?

I think there’s always some nights you’ll remember forever. Playing with Moulinex in Korea a month ago was insane and memorable FOREVER. Also a gig with Bandido$ in these art exhibition we had to grab the turn tables on our arms while playing because people were jumping all around and the needle would jump hard too. Insane and hard to describe.

Do you have any other jobs?

Currently I just do music, play music, and run Discotexas and do work for Rooster Agency with my friends.

Are you currently living in Portugal? What is the music scene like there?

Yes, In Lisbon. It’s really creative on the “Indie ghetto” but mainstream is not that admirable.

I would recommend a lot of bands such as Paus, If Lucy Fell or Glockenwise. And there’s the Discotexas acts, or FUC DAT SHIT and Photonz on the “dance music” side.

What do you believe is the most difficult aspect about being a musician today?

Understanding the constant shifts on music industry and planning on out to deal with them. Also, being respected and not considered a freak. Common, how come be a musician be so Freaky?

Any advice to share?

Mhh, Be creative.

and lastly
any shoutouts to the world?

Thank you.

... That sums it all up. The Discotexas gang have a LOT going for them, it has to be said. Definitely my favorite discovery of 2009, it was such a honor to have this chat with Xinobi.


Mega thanks to Bruno again, and we shall see what the new year will have in store upon the shores of Portugal...

Check his myspace here!

Tunes!

BMX - Xinobi
Day Off - Xinobi
Diamonds and Rings - Xinobi

Don't take off those dancing shoes ;.