INTERVIEW: Lourene presents EP DRAMA

Brazilian artist, vocalist and DJ Lourene will release her highly anticipated debut EP DRAMA on September 1st. Lourene's five-track EP, which she collaborated on with longtime partner Idris Bena, has been praised by electronic music platform Trommel as "packed with post-punk energy with retro synths and thunderous drum hits" and the outlet has further described her as a "uniquely talented vocalist."

We had the pleasure of interviewing Lourene and this was the result.

Your debut EP "DRAMA" is set to release soon. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the project and what themes you explore in it?

The inspiration for some songs came from difficult moments in my life when I had to face my shadows and certain painful losses - but in the opposite, other tracks are full of joy and gratitude - which makes me conclude how life is about deeply feeling and living the DRAMA of ups and downs that are presented to us. The sonorities are mixes of everything that I heard in my life that touched me somehow. 

You've collaborated with Idris Bena on this EP. How did your long-term partnership influence the sound and direction of "DRAMA"?

I always record everything that I write and then I send it to him. As he is an exquisite guitarist and music producer, he caught the vocals he loved, and built a cohesive journey that made perfect sense with all the elements. 

Trommel described your EP as “bristling with post-punk energy.” How did you integrate these post-punk elements with electronic music, and what was your creative process like?

I have a deep contact with and amazing references from both of these music movements.  The sounds, the philosophy, the performances and the fashion have been influential to me, so I believe I am strongly connected with it when it comes to songwriting and singing. Combining this with the history and the passion of Idris Bena for music, it was just natural. 

The lead track "Flying Away" has been praised for its euphoric energy. What was your vision for this track, and how do you hope it will resonate with listeners on the dancefloor?

After being forced to be a sober person, and then discovering that this is actually super nice but not that common, I am always “flying away” on my own cloud in certain social situations. Sometimes I feel the pressure of the glamourization of drugs, so I just hope people feel more and more comfortable to be themselves. Music and drugs have been connected for thousands of years but a lot of people (including incredible artists) died because of this, so this is a song to remind us that it is possible to “dance in the sky” just on our own. 

"NOT HOT" has been highlighted as a high-energy jam with distorted synths and guitar riffs. What inspired this track, and how do you approach blending different musical elements in your work?

This was the first song I wrote with anger. I was completely revolted towards other people’s discrimination against me and some friends. I think Idris felt the same with my lyrics, making the perfect distortions and guitar solos that created the perfect atmosphere for a revenge.  

"Dark Nature" delves into a more introspective and experimental sound. Can you share more about the process of creating this track and what it represents for you as an artist?

This song is about recognizing that we are on this planet exactly because we are light and shadow, yin and yang, high and low. Otherwise we would not be here. I don't agree with the toxic positivity of forgetting that we have to face our own darkness. For me this is really important in order to process and channel this heaviness in a healthy way.

You've performed across South America, Europe, and Asia. How have these diverse cultural experiences influenced your music, particularly in your debut EP?

Traveling and noticing the patterns that repeat themselves around the globe is very interesting. Also living mirroring relationships and experiencing synchronicities, learning more and more about myself and what I call “The Dance of the Universe” is amazing for accepting that I am an artist and I need to be, I don’t have another option. I believe that we are all creative but we are forced to forget this to maintain a system that often is not healthy for many of us. So I got inspiration from all of these experiences plus confidence to create.

Your vocals have been praised by influential figures like Anthea and Chris Stussy. How do you balance your dual roles as a vocalist and DJ in the electronic music scene?

I am now more and more focused on my live vocal performance and creation than anything else. But it was always a pleasure to dig deep during these past 17 years in all the genres and styles that I love and I felt connected with, discovering different possibilities for my lyrics and vocals. The more I researched the more I wanted to create different vocals than I was used to hearing, the more I played my vocals, the more I felt what the dancers felt too. So.. to be honest… it’s a brilliant combo. 

You've had numerous releases on notable labels and performed at iconic events like Boiler Room. How have these experiences shaped your career, and what advice would you give to emerging artists?

As I said before I believe in “The Dance of the Universe” so every single opportunity to play and to be in contact with music and musical beings is a big thing to me. Everytime I had a new gig in a new city or country I was vibrating and celebrating so much! But I also enjoyed the moments when I had to take a break and innovate. 

I just want to say that we need to be open and curious, focused on the present moment. Everything is an important part of the path of knowing ourselves & the Universe through feelings, emotions, relationships, situations. 

With "DRAMA" marking your first solo release, what are your future plans as an artist? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that you're excited about?

I was in Italy this summer and I had so many beautiful days in studios with Paul Lution, Voodoos and Taboos, Boston 168 and Omar Akhrif. Some beautiful tracks are coming from these days. Also be prepared for my new live format! 

BUY

More info on Lourene

Instagram | Soundcloud | Youtube | Bandcamp I Discogs|

More info on Idris Bena

Instagram | Soundcloud | Discogs