Felipe Tampa, better known as FTampa, is a name synonymous with mind-blowing, Brazilian electro house. The young talent has graced the EDM scene with some of the most massive productions that the industry has ever heard, and he’s certainly not slowing down any time soon.
In a relatively short amount of time, Felipe has proved to be one of the most skilled and sought after producers in the game today. He has accomplished this feat mostly through the quality and complexity of his releases, on top of the hard work ethic that goes into creating them. Along the way, Felipe has gained the attention and support of countless top dogs in EDM, which has consequently allowed him to bring numerous collaborations to life. The Belo Horizonte native seems to be a natural when it comes to creating chart-topping banger after banger, and it’s no surprise why his career and fan base are constantly on the rise.
FTampa has been a long-time favorite producer of mine… I’ve ranted and raved about his work ever since I first discovered his sound nearly two years ago. Today, I am very happy to be able to share an exclusive interview with the man behind the music that I was lucky enough to take part in. Let’s get right into it!
DDB: FTampa, I just wanted to start off with a HUGE thank you for the opportunity to interview and pick at your brain a little bit. It is a very big honor, and we are glad you could take some time out of your schedule to let us get to know you better!
FTampa: It´s my pleasure. Thank you so much for this, man.
DDB: Let me start with a question that we ALL are wondering: where in the world did you acquire the mad production skills that you have today? You first started playing keyboard at age 13 and learned drums, bass, and guitar by the age of 18… did you learn through schooling, mentoring, or are you self-taught? Were you raised in a musically active family?
FTampa: I did some piano lessons when I was 13. After that, I became self-taught in guitar, drums and bass. I started producing electronic music in June 2010. I was tired of music and looking for something new. I’m really happy now.
DDB: Who were some of your biggest musical influences that really inspired you to start creating your own productions?
FTampa: Rock! I love rock. But also blues, jazz, with some Brazilian style, and funk (not the Brazilian funk). I listen to every style of music that I think is good.
DDB: Brazilian house music is at an all-time high, and it seems that everything coming from this area has literally exploded onto the rest of the world in the past couple years. Much of the reason behind this is credited to the exceptional talent of artists such as yourself, Dirtyloud, Felguk, Darth & Vader, Alex Mind, Chrizz Luvly, Eric Farias, and many more. What is it about Brazil that has been drawing out so many awesome artists with so many quality releases?
FTampa: I think we have this, how can I name it… Maybe “BRAZILIAN STYLE?” Hehe. We have this sort of “punch electro” in our blood. And I think all the Brazilian producers have a lot of 70′s funk influence. This is why our music sounds like this… it’s our own style.
DDB: It’s obvious that EDM is becoming increasingly more popular in the states both in fan base and media attention, but it seems that we are slowly catching up with the rest of the world… How does the EDM scene in Brazil differ from the scene in the U.S.?
FTampa: The Brazilian scene is one of the best in the world. Lots of partying and lots of crazy people… I love to play here. And I think all the artists love to play here too.
DDB: I can only imagine! So let’s pretend that I’m going to vacation in Brazil sometime next year to experience the music scene there. What event/festival/show should I make sure to be at, and where should I stay to get the best overall experience?
FTampa: All states here have their own great festivals, such as XXXperience, Playground, and Aquaria. Wherever you are, surely there will be quite a party.
DDB: Tell us a little bit about what we could find in your studio and what you use to make the amazing productions we hear. What is your favorite software to use? Do you have any favorite plug-ins/VSTs/sound packs/hardware/controllers?
FTampa: I use Cubase 5 as a DAW. My favorite VST is Sylenth1. Really love this one. I use also Massive, Minimoog, Nexus, Vanguard. And I have a Moog Phatty Little 2, and a Yamaha Motif XS6, (both hardware). This is how the magic goes on!
DDB: We know that the time varies greatly for each project, but how long would you say it typically takes to complete a FTampa production from start to finish?
FTampa: Sometimes a week. Sometimes a month. It depends, to be honest. It took me three months to finish Felguk – ” The Funky Drama” (FTampa Mix) [Featured below].
DDB: You’ve had the opportunity to work with many top-notch, respected producers and DJs… if you had to pick only one, what collaboration are you most proud of and why?
FTampa: Felguk maybe. They were the first electro-house that I ever heard. But here in Brazil, I did a collab with Lucas Silveira (FTampa, SIRsir – “How’s Your Romance?”). He’s the singer of one of the most important rock bands here. It was very nice to work with him. He has an electronic project too, called SIRsir. You should give him a listen. =)
DDB: Where have you never toured or performed live at yet that you look forward to visiting the most?
FTampa: USA! I should have gone this year, but I had problems with my visa. Next year for sure I will make a tour and I can’t wait. I want to go to Ibiza too, hehe. Everyone wants to go there..
DDB: Do you have any plans for going to Miami this year in March for Ultra or WMC?
FTampa: Yes, I do.. But I need to look into it better. Lots of things to do before I think about this.
DDB: When can we expect tour dates in the U.S.? We would love to see you in Chicago!
FTampa: As I said, 2012 for sure. Can’t wait, it will be a pleasure!
DDB: When that time comes, it will be OUR pleasure as well! Let’s say you’re granted one collaboration with ANY artist/producer you want at this moment… who would it be and why?
FTampa: LMFAO (the group)… I mean WTF mate, they are amazing, hahaha. But I love to do collabs… with any producer would be wonderful.
DDB: Less than six months after you first started producing, you landed your first EP on Plasmapool. What suggestions or advice would you give to new or aspiring producers/DJs/MCs out there looking to make their mark on the world through EDM?
FTampa: Trust in yourself. If everyone says to you “Don’t do this,” just believe in you. Everyone told me that I was crazy for trying to make EDM. And now, what do they say? You just need to believe in you.
DDB: It’s exciting to see the progression of new, emerging sub-genres such as moombahton and complextro. What do you think the EDM scene will be like 5 years from now? Where do you see yourself at that time?
FTampa: I think it will be changed. Everything is changing, always. In 5 years, I hope to be the next David Guetta! :p
DDB: Let’s say you’re closing out a set in front of a massive crowd of fans and you’re really catching the vibes from their high energy. What track do you end your set with to go out with a big bang?
FTampa: Electrixx – “Just a Freak” (FTampa Remix) [Featured below]. Always the last one of my set.
DDB: And a massive closing track that would make! Besides FTampa of course, which other producer(s) or project(s) should we look out for in 2012?
FTampa: Look out for (a tandem that is also) from Brazil, “Doctor Who.” They are kicking asses. From the world I’m not sure, because there are so many projects coming out constantly!
DDB: We LOVE Doctor Who! Their remix of Soundpusher’s “Milk & Honey” is a personal favorite that still blows me away every time I hear it! Now, we’re aware of your upcoming collaboration with Rabbit Killer, Farleon, and Xangaii [Featured below]. What else can we look forward to hearing next from FTampa? Do you have any big projects in the works we should anticipate?
FTampa: Secret! :p. Will tell when I can, hehe.
DDB: Any questions, comments, or insight for us?
FTampa: Thank you so much for the interview! I hope you and the fans liked it. Sorry for my English… I’m self-taught on that too, hehe. Keep up with the good work on DirtyDirtyBeats and see you soon! =)
There you have it! Once again, I want to give a BIG thanks to FTampa for his time and support!
Be sure to follow the official FTampa Facebook and Twitter profiles to stay updated on his newest and upcoming releases! And for more sounds from FTampa, check out his Soundcloud and Beatport pages.
And now for the goodies…
Featured below are FTampa’s two newest tracks in full, along with a Soundcloud preview of an upcoming release. All three are top-notch productions that you absolutely don’t want to miss out on. Turn up that volume, listen up below, and help these filthy little tunes climb the Beatport Electro House Top 100 chart by purchasing your official copies on Beatport.com!
“The Funky Drama” (FTampa Mix)
Felguk
Electro House
6:09 | 130 bpm | BugEyed Records
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
“Just A Freak” (FTampa Remix)
Electrixx
Electro House
6:19 | 129 bpm | Bazooka Records
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
To finish off, I’ll leave you with a preview to another BADASS FTampa remix of Rabbit Killer & Farleon’s upcoming track “Set Me Free,” that is set to release on Sick Slaughterhouse Recordings early next month. Highly anticipating this one, it’s a gem that is sure to be seen again in full here on DDB.
Rabbit Killer & Farleon feat. Xangaii – Set Me Free (FTampa Remix) by ftampa
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Great work on this article. Interesting reading about FTampa! Heard a lot of his productions before, but didn’t know so much about him to be honest! I also have an electro-blog so I appreciate this kind of journalistic work! Must take some time, but it’s really worth the outcome! I loved it!
Cheers,
ElectroCloud