Carlos de Matos is UK based DJ, who has been supporting various promoters across England in the Trance scene. Carlos has had the privilege of playing events held at Electric Brixton, Brixton O2 Academy and The Ministry of Sound. In 2018 he supported London’s biggest trance event; Trance Sanctuary and returned to play again in 2021. His passion for trance has now taken him to the world of production and he’s had releases on D.Max Recordings, Rated Records, HQ Recordings, Future Force Recordings and most notably the iconic Future Sound of Egypt. Carlos loves being behind the decks and his sets bring a blend of uplifting and the harder sub-genre to the dance floor. Be ready to be entertained!
Carlos de Matos latest release Perpetual Cycle has landed on Future Force Recordings and we are glad to have him for a nice interview to get to know him better. Enjoy his answers on the following lines.
1-Dimitris: It would be nice to start by telling us your 3 most important achievements or goals fulfilled in your career so far that you very are proud of.
Carlos de Matos: I had the honor of playing a warm up set at the DJ Mag Top 100 DJ’s event at the Brixton O2 Academy a few years ago.
This really gave me an appetite for more and I then started producing Trance music. In 2021, after a year of working on a track; I released “Gift of Love” on the Future Sound of Egypt label. This track was especially meaningful to me, as it was dedicated to my youngest daughter.
Having supported Trance Sanctuary for many years I was eventually asked to be a supporting dj at the after-party. This was a massive highlight for me. Since then I have returned to play for a second time.
2-Dimitris: Why and under which circumstances did you took the decision to start DJing or producing electronic dance music?
Carlos de Matos: I started to learn to mix in my late teens when I bought myself a pair of belt drive turntables. I was a big 90’s hardcore rave fan and I used to go to my local record shops in Brighton back in the day to build my collection. I gave up for many years due to work and family commitments; but around 2010 I bought myself Technics 1210’s and a pair of CDJ’s and started back up again.
In 2016 I took the plunge into producing, as I wanted to challenge myself to produce one track. After 2 years I released my first track “Alkonost” on D.Max Recordings. I got so into it after this release that I then started to dedicate more time to production in order to develop my skill set and release more music; it’s like a drug now!
3-Dimitris: Can you note down the top 3 producers that have influenced your decision to get involved in the electronic dance music scene and you admire and respect them very much?
Carlos de Matos: There are so many producers out there that I admire it’s so difficult to pinpoint any individual. However, I really admire the following three producers for their individuality and quality of productions. Giuseppe Ottaviani is such a master of his craft and his versatility is insane. Bryan Kearney for me is one of the best vocal trance producers. His melodies are so uplifting and always touch a nerve. Finally, I have to say that in recent years Metta & Glyde have really raised the bar with the 140bpm genre. Their atmospheric and uplifting trance just gives me goosebumps.
4-Dimitris: It would be fantastic to talk about your track Perpetual Cycle that is out now on Future Force Recordings. Please tell us how this track came about and what was the idea behind it.
Carlos de Matos: The name Perpetual Cycle came about because I went through a period where life just appeared to repeat itself every day in the same order! I was working on a melody in my studio and started to put some ideas together.
5-Dimitris: How long it took you to produce it and can u describe the production process in simple steps?
Carlos de Matos: I actually managed to complete the track in about 3 months, which for me is pretty good considering my work/life commitments.
I always start a track by working on a melody. Once I’m happy I start to select the sound I want it to create and start to layer the sounds.
My next step is to structure the track, so using a reference track I place the Kick and bass in. I then build my track up around this.
6-Dimitris: Did you had any particular difficulties accomplishing that particular track or any specific technical challenges or obstacles that you had to overcome during its production.
Carlos de Matos: I also struggle to finish a track; I think many producers do. I start to question the track and certain elements. I had a label in mind and with some simple feedback I was able to work on a couple of elements before getting it mastered and sent to them.
7- Dimitris: Which music composition software or hardware you prefer and why? What is your opinion of the latest movement to produce music with more analogue equipment and with less or without any digital software?
Carlos de Matos: I’m a Logic Pro X user and love the arrangement window and all the plugins it comes with. I don’t use any hardware equipment as I don’t have the expertise or experience. In fact; I have no musical theory and I literally just use my ears. If it sounds great I then just check the keys are right.
8-Dimitris: Do you prefer instrumental dance tracks or you adore vocals? Please explain to us your position and if in your latest production you have vocals tell us how did you choose the specific singer and if it was great to work with her/him?
Carlos de Matos: I love Trance; end of! I love the uplifting vocal trance, but I also love the driving harder stuff. Psy Trance is also a genre I love. The psychedelic atmospheres and driving baselines is so energetic.
9-Dimitris: If you really like to produce vocal tracks which vocalist/singer or lyricist on electronic dance music you aspire to work with?
Carlos de Matos: I’d love to work with Bryan Kearrney as a producer. He really has an emotional connection with the vocalist.
If I could release a track I’d love to work with Roxanne Emery or Plumb. I also like the artist Christina Novelli.
10-Dimitris: Do you believe that artwork on your latest track is good and do you believe that artwork can attract listeners or record buyers? Can you mention the best artwork of a track ever released?
Carlos de Matos: It’s absolutely sick! The tree with the circular sphere works so well. I’m going to get a canvas of the artwork for my studio!
11-Dimitris: Can you pick your top 3 record labels including the one released the track that we discuss in this interview and give us a short comment about them?
Carlos de Matos: FSOE; what can one say that hasn’t been mentioned by others?! The quality required to have a release on this label needs to be spot on. The names associated with the label speaks a thousand words.
Kearnage; I’ve not released a track for them as yet; but I have the commitment to do so.
Future Force Recordings; this label is going places. I have the honour of being the first artist to release with them, but I’m convinced in time you will see artists such as Metta & Glyde release tracks with them.
12-Dimitris: Do you have your own record label? if yes tell us when did you set it up, the reasons behind this decision and your top 3 releases on the label so far plus 2 or 3 releases that we should look after from your label.
Carlos de Matos: I do not, and currently don’t have the ambition to set one up. I’m too focussed on producing outside my work and family life.
13-Dimitris: Are you planning to complete an album or mix compilation soon? if yes please give us all the details about regarding tracks and how will look and sound like?
Carlos de Matos: No plans currently; but I’m time who knows. If I did it would cover the whole trance spectrum from vocal to psy-trance.
14-Dimitris:How much time do you spend promoting yourself in your social media and you see this as essential tool for self promotion and getting bookings too? Which social media is the one that seems to work better for you?
Carlos de Matos: I feel social media is essential for developing a profile, but it can become tedious and perhaps too much “in your face”. It’s a fine balance I feel.
15-Dimitris: Do you have your own radio show/podcast/twitch stream or Vlog(video blog)? If yes please give us a comment about it and how long it take you to prepare for it and if you are always excited to produce it?
Carlos de Matos: My podcast Escapism with Carlos de Matos is a monthly show with guest mixes from DJ’s across the scene. I once had the privilege of getting Alex Di Stefano to do a set.
16-Dimitris: Do you have any gigs/festival performances confirmed so far for 2023 in which ones are you most excited to perform and why?
Carlos de Matos: I’m so busy in the studio and with life in general, that I don’t put myself out there enough. It’s something I must work on as my passion is playing!
17-Dimitris: Please share your most funny and most serious incident that happen to you during your DJ performance?
Carlos de Matos: Not funny; but I remember once doing a warm-up set at Electric Brixton and the sound cut out half way through my set. It took about 10 min to resolve, which was so frustrating but nobody’s fault.
18-Dimitris: Are you enjoying to visit music conferences and do you have any plans to attend any of them in 2023:
Carlos de Matos: First and foremost I’m a raver! I go to as many events as possible. The one event I have not attended is Dreamscape in the States or mainland Europe; I must sort this!
19. Are you happy with the way that royalties system works particularly regarding streaming revenue? Do you believe that artists get what they deserve from streaming providers/DJs playing your tracks in gigs/radio and selling music in physical formats like CDs/Vinyl or digitally.
Carlos de Matos: No it’s awful let’s be honest; especially in the Trance scene. Producers spend many hours, sometimes sacrificing family time, to get their music out there only to have a laughable return. The system needs to change as in time it will affect the quality of the tracks available.
20-Dimitris: Please note for all the new talents that read this interview to get some inspiration from you any technical tips in relation to your DJing or music productions. Also any piece of personal or music business' advice that has helped you to progress even further and is worth telling to the new upcoming talents.
Carlos de Matos: In terms of producing; save and spend a quality day with a top producer. Do not spends hundreds of pounds on plugins and sample packs; it’s so not needed. Be patient, be committed and set yourself goals to work on and achieve. It will come.
21-Dimitris: Many DJs who are producers too they offer online masterclasses or teach to music production courses. If you are offering any of these services please tell us about it.
Carlos de Matos: I don’t feel it’s right for me to offer these services when I’m still developing my skill set!
22-Dimitris: Is there a club classic that you would like to remix or rework in 2023? Do you attempt often to do your own bootlegs of classics?
Carlos de Matos: I do have some classics I’m working on, but I’m keeping these to myself!
23-Dimitris: Many artist right now attempt to come closer to their fan base and use the various services in order to offer exclusive content to their most dedicated followers. Do you have any plans to do the same by connecting even more with your most dedicated fans?
Carlos de Matos: No, I’m not convinced of this method considering the hard times we are all under financially.
24-Dimitris: Can you describe your music as certain music genre such as trance, house, techno or your music exempts these categorizations? What is your opinion about hybrid styles and the artists who are attempting to mix influences from various genres in their tracks?
Carlos de Matos: Trance! If I’m being honest I’m still finding myself as an artist. As o said earlier; I love all forms of Trance, so would like to tackle all sub genres.
25-Dimitris: Is your music business your full time occupation and are you able to make a leaving out of your music business (DJ/producer/label owner/teaching or mastering tracks)? If not what other jobs are you doing in order to support your income?
Carlos de Matos: I’m a teacher and this is my full time job. I also run my own car detailing business and being a father is hard work at times. I’d love to work on music full time, but don’t see it happening.
Dimitris: Your message & wishes for Flux Bpm Online readers.
Carlos de Matos: I would really like to thank Flux Bpm Online and it’s readers for giving me the opportunity to share my journey. It’s platforms such as these that really support the music scene. The time and dedication to support the artists and ravers out there is second to none.
Find Perpetual Cycle on BEATPORT 👇
Find Perpetual Cycle for STREAMING 👇
Thanks so much to Carlos de Matos for his very insightful interview.
Thanks to MJ Smallman / Future Force Recordings for arranging this interview.
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