Interview: Buraka Som Sistema

Portuguese dance trio Buraka Som Sistema burst onto the music scene back in 2007 and with them came a head on collision of world music infused with European flavours and electronic sounds. 

Their sound is as raw as it is intense, where jungle beats and a relentless rhythm take a hold of you. This throbbing bass and chaotic collective is Lisbon’s Buraka Som Sistema.

The boys are currently working on their third album, but Jasmine Phull manages to pull them aside for a little conversation about struggle, sunglasses and the hardship that comes with marketing the Portuguese brand.

How did your hometown in Portugal help shape your love for electronic dance music?

Lisbon had a very intense house music scene from the 90's. The clubs were packed weekend after weekend and DJs like Masters at Work, Carl Cox, David Morales and Roger Sanchez were residents. Opposite to that, the drum and bass took off in the late 90's and had an interesting cult following down here, and we as teenagers had plenty of reasons to go out and enjoy the club scene.

What was the music ‘scene’ like when you were growing up?

The scene was always more Pop Rock orientated. Living in a country with amazing weather helped to inspire the local promoters to create a large number of Summer festivals. All the pop acts from the last three decades made every kid beg for an electric guitar and aspire to become a rock star by singing in English.

You are all still based in Portugal. How do you compare the way it fosters the development of music to places like the UK or US? Would you consider uprooting?

We don't believe there exists an isolated western society today! Culturally the country has a voice, not that strong when compared to the places you mentioned, but it has some qualities that turn this country into a pretty unique place; especially when combined with the effects of this digital age we living in it. The only problem is that we don't know how to market the Portuguese brand!

Did you have to experience ‘struggle’ to get to where you are today? Is that an important factor in making a ‘great’ artist?

There's no pleasure without pain. The struggle helps to shape one's proprieties; makes you grounded. That’s a good thing when you start facing all the idiosyncrasies of rock star lifestyle.

One track that makes you feel elated?

It's hard to tell… we are only listing to our beats at the moment.

Are you working on a third album?

Yes we spend most of our days in the studio. Making an album is interesting process - joyful and stressful at the same time.

Which do you prefer: studio or stage time? Why?

We don't have a special preference. We just follow what the songs dictates. The two situations are part of the same process and sometimes the same song gives two different experiences - when composed in the studio or when we perform it on stage. Being able to have both makes working with music probably the best job in the world.

What should the crowd expect from your gigs? Do you put a big importance on the live stage set-up?

After we’re done in the studio we focus our energy on the live set-up. That’s something that we love to do and we think the whole Buraka Som Sistema experience is only complete when you witness our live concert. We embody the 90's rave attitude so our gigs are highly energised, intense and raw.

One great - recently deceased - artist?

Gregory Isaacs.

Interview by: Jasmine Phull

Buraka Som Sistema will be taking over London's XOXO for a special one-off party on January 29th. Tickets are available through Skiddle below. 

Tickets are no longer available for this event