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DJ Larissa - Bringing brazilian music to London
by Jonny Oakley
Our columnist interviewed the brazilian DJ Larissa. She arived in England in 2003 and is making success playing brazilian music in her sets across London. Check it out:
Bio:
Brought up in south of Brazil between the German colony where I was born, Blumenau, and the beach, I had a simple childhood very close to nature. On the beginning of my teenage years the Punk influence opened my eyes to what was happening musically over the Brazilian borders. I love gigs and don't play any instrument so the DJing is a good way to express my love of music. At the beginning - 1998 - I used to play Rock during the bands break at some bars - that was a hobby and I used to have some beers as fee. After a while I started to play at some raves in the Chill Out area - at this point I started mixing brazilian music and travel all over Brazil. When I moved to London in 2003 I definetely became a DJ of Brazilian music.
Born:
11 october 1981
Cultural references that have shaped you?
Native Indians – the original Brazilians, African – The people that had the biggest influence on the recent Brazilian culture; German and Azorean culture.
The North-American pop culture has always been infiltrated in my childhood though films and radio.
Nowadays, my DJ inspiration comes from the main cultural city lifestyles in Brazil: Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Recife/Olinda.
Risky compositions?
I try to be very careful with the Brazilian woman’s stereotype (sexy, easy, carefree). Specially being a female DJ I think the stereotype helps but could as well be prejudicial. I want people to listen to what I’ve been researching and the things I would like them to know about. Above all I see myself as an advertiser of the Brazilian culture.
Work background:
day: teacher at nursery school
night: brazilian music dj
Hot Tips for 2008:
The exhibition of pieces of work by “Os Gemeos” and “Nunca” at Tate Modern could be a door opening for more Brazilian graffiti artists in London.
The release of Mundo Livre’s last compilation album in 2008 - Combat Samba - intending to reach the international market could be an opportunity for them to come to London for a gig this year.
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