In the days of working with other artists (1994-2004), were you more a sound engineer or a producer who had a big input into the final piece?
Both. It depended on the artist. With Pato Banton, I was more like a producer and a composer as well, because it was my music with his rap/ lyrics. With Steel Pulse I was more engineer. And with Gal Costa and Daniela Mercury, I was more like a remixer/ producer.
How much freedom did you have when it came to choosing the artists you were going to work with? Was it up to you or was it the decision of EMI or BMG? I’m asking because some of the names, especially Garth Brooks, look surprising.
That time I was really young. Not only speaking of my age, but my knowledge was fresh. Of course it was EMI’s and BMG’s decision but I took that great opportunity to work with such big names. I did not meet Garth. I was a remixer/ producer with him.
But on the other hand, ‘Xilo’ has a guitar that sounds like it were taken from a western movie soundtrack. Maybe you like such sounds after all?
Yes, you are definitely right. Actually, I had some western/ bang-bang style videogames that really inspired me to get that sound. I used to play guitar for years, and I still have my Fender Telecaster. I love to use it on my productions. I love the tremolo sound.
On your MySpace profile Vincent Clarke is right after Leonardo Da Vinci and before Martin Gore. Is this a coincidence or do you admire Vince more than you admire Martin? I’m asking because I’m definitely a Depeche Mode geek rather than an Erasure or Yazoo fan.
It was a coincidence. But you can’t compare them. In my point of view, Clarke is an incredible synth programmer and producer while Martin Gore is an unbelievable composer. They are really different. And, I’m the same as you. I’m a DM geek as well. I don’t like Erasure much, but I still love Yazoo.
How many tracks did you have ready at the moment you decided to release music on the underground dance market? I assume you were making some stuff and putting it away until you decided to focus on your own productions?
Exactly. I’ve been producing techno since I began. But I never released them. I don’t know how many tracks, maybe hundreds of them.
‘Chromophobia’ – why the name?
The same meaning as monochromatism in architecture, which means simplicity. That’s all. I don’t have a morbid fear of colors at all. But also, I was ironic. My music is really colorful.
For us at Sound Revolt ‘Beautiful Life’ doesn’t really fit with the rest of the album. Was it “designed” for ‘Chromophobia’ or did you just have it and wanted to release it on an LP?
The original take of ‘Beautiful Life’ for the album was too slow, then I decided to make a more rocky version. I know that track is still a bit out of it, but, I’m like that. I’m really open minded, and I’m sure there are other tracks that are really the opposite too, like ‘Xilo’ and ’Gate 7’, for example.
And by the way, you probably know this track has big potential to become music for a commercial? Will you take the offer if it shows up?
Of course. Especially for a respected name/ brand. Why not?
Is your religion really scientology? Can you tell me more about it? Were you catholic before? Why did you change religions?
I’m still catholic, but I don’t practice. And I’m not really a scientologist, but, I think God is nature and this is really important to me. I think everything has a scientific explanation.
How big a role does religion play in your life?
Non whatsoever. But I do believe in God.
I was going through the web and found your family tree: [url]www.genealog.com.br/arvore.asp?pessoa=392[/url]. Who posted it?
I think my “uncle” Frederico posted this. Really cool….I’ve never seen this website before.
Are all those people related to you? Do they all come from Luigi and Maria? If so, it seems you have a really huge family.
Yes, we all come from them. We are a big family. Actually, my grandfather Odonne is the son of Umberto (Italian) and Luiza (German). That’s why I have Italian citizenship.
Many thanks to Gui for his time and to Kompakt for making this interview possible
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