T.H.E – What was on your mind when you produced “Grau”?
Rimbano – When I produced Grau, I aimed to craft the ideal blend of Brazilian funk and tech house. I didn’t merely sprinkle some elements of each in there – I wanted them to sound like one sound. That’s why I fixated on the details: delay-tinged hypnotic Brazilian vocals, 808 punch-in the second breakdown, thudding kickdrums, and funky, propulsive percussion. Everything had to flow together naturally, so the track sounded new and not forced.
T.H.E – How does “Grau” enhance what you accomplished with “Safada”?
Rimbano – Safada was my most played track last year, so I didn’t want to lose the momentum. I began Grau immediately after its release, incorporating some of the same elements but taking it further. Safada was raw, spontaneous energy, but Grau is cleaner – tighter sound design, more defined arrangement. Feedback from Safada’s dancefloor response really informed Grau.
T.H.E – Are your tracks created for clubs or festivals?
Rimbano – I envision little, hot clubs with low ceilings when I’m making tracks – that’s where I see the groove striking hardest. But I’ve had my tracks played on giant festival stages like EDC Las Vegas, Tomorrowland, and at Club Space in Miami, so they apparently get it done in both worlds.
T.H.E – What do you do to make sure a track is complete?
Rimbano – Honestly, I could fiddle around forever. But if the vocals get stuck in your head, the groove gets me moving, and it all feels balanced, that’s my green light. I have to have that natural response – when I do, I stop questioning.
T.H.E – What was the Drop Low crew’s reaction to “Grau”?
Rimbano – I bumped into Andruss in Italy last year, and he congratulated me on Safada, which he had signed onto Drop Low Records. When I sent Grau to Drop Low’s A&R, D-Rivera, he loved it at first listen and passed it on to Andruss. They both considered it a solid follow-up and signed it. Having their support means a great deal.
T.H.E – Having support from John Summit and Cloonee – how did that feel?
Rimbano – It felt like what I was doing was paying off. I listen to their sound and vibe, so it was validation that I’d got the vibe. Sure, it’s a thrill personally, but it’s also validation that if you’ve got the consistency and detail right, doors are opened.
T.H.E – How did “Gimme More” with Kevin McKay materialize?
Rimbano – I sent Kevin a demo last year, and he saw potential right away. We collaborated and released it on Glasgow Underground in December. It hit the Beatport Afro House Top 100 quickly, reaching #65 in the first week. Working with Kevin, given his impact on house music, was a highlight.
T.H.E – How do you keep evolving without chasing trends?
Rimbano – I play around with rhythms, textures, and influences without being driven by trends. I remain curious and true to myself and that keeps my sound vibrant – and watching bill-topping DJs spin my tracks is evidence I’m going in the right direction.
T.H.E – Why do you believe your music resonates in the U.S.?
Rimbano – The American environment is diverse and tolerant, and my mix of tech house, Brazilian funk, and Latin rhythms fits in well. The vibe carries over well into clubs and festivals, and having my music play at EDC Las Vegas, LIV in Las Vegas, and Club Space Miami has helped establish me there.
T.H.E – Are the Brazilian influences in your music deliberate?
Rimbano – Yes. The rhythm and the energy of Brazilian funk can be perfectly meshed with tech house. I incorporate vocals and percussion to infuse that flavor – it’s more about capturing the essence, not the mere sound.
T.H.E – How do you overcome a creative block?
Rimbano – I take a step back, do something else, or experiment with new sounds and forms. I save all my projects, since tunes I have put aside have subsequently become amongst the strongest.
T.H.E – What’s your studio setup these days?
Rimbano – Nothing special – simply a PC, Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen, KRK Rokit 5 monitors, and V-Moda Crossfade M-100 Master headphones. And with that, you can take over the world.
T.H.E – Biggest challenge in the last year?
Rimbano – Balancing consistent output with industry pressures. The temptation to rush or follow trends is real, but I’ve stuck to my vision, even when patience was hard.
T.H.E – Dream collab or label next?
Rimbano – I’d like to work with Andruss – we’ve talked about it but are waiting for the right idea. For labels, Hellbent Records is on my radar. Cloonee supports my tracks regularly, so it’d be great to release there.
T.H.E – What’s next after “Grau”?
Rimbano – I have two drops next month – one on Witty Tunes in the U.S. and one on Italy’s MI.BARRIO Records. And live shows in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Austin, etc.
Mia Brooks dives deep into the beats and rhythms of the music industry, covering everything from chart-topping albums to underground artists. With a passion for discovering new talent and exploring the stories behind the songs, Mia keeps readers updated on all things music.
