Bolivian born, based in the south of Brazil, Bakka first arrived in the spotlight back in 2020 with his collaborati- ons alongside ZAC and Ashibah, Make It Better and So High, both of which have now clocked up over 7 million streams on Spotify between them. Supported by some of the biggest producers from all around the world, he collaborated with Phonique last year on Spektre, and now lands on Phonique’s new label Zatar Music with this latest EP.
Hi Bakka, thank you for taking the time to chat with us today! How has the year been treating you so far?
Hi there, thanks for having me! The year has been treating me well so far. I’ve been working hard in the studio, experimenting with new sounds and ideas, and preparing for some exciting releases in the near future. I’ve also had the opportunity to play at some amazing venues and events, connecting with fans and other artists in the industry. Overall, it’s been a busy and productive year, and I’m looking forward to what’s to come.
Where do you think the impulse to create music comes from for you?
For me, the impulse to create music comes from a deep passion and love for the art form. From a young age, I was always drawn to music and found myself constantly listening to and exploring different genres and styles. As I grew older, I began to experiment with producing my own music, and I quickly fell in love with the process of creating something new from scratch. There’s something incredibly satisfying about bringing an idea to life and hearing it evolve into a finished track that can be shared with others. Ultimately, I think my impulse to create music comes from a desire to express myself and connect with others through this universal language.
Growing up in Bolivia, what was the local scene like? Was it easy to find like minded music fans and creators?
Growing up in Bolivia, the local music scene was quite limited, especially when it came to electronic music. There were very few clubs or venues that played this type of music, and the scene was relatively small and underground. However, there was still a community of like-minded music fans and creators who were passionate about electronic music and would seek out opportunities to share and enjoy it together.
For me personally, it was challenging to find other electronic music producers and DJs, especially since social media and online platforms were not as prevalent at that time. However, I was fortunate to have a few close friends who shared my love for electronic music, and we would often organize our own small events and parties where we could play and enjoy the music we loved. Overall, while the scene was small, there was still a strong sense of camaraderie and support among those who were passionate about electronic music in Bolivia.
What is it about the deeper end of the house spectrum that appeals to you?
For me, the deeper end of the house spectrum has always been the most appealing because it allows for a greater sense of exploration and expression. I find that this style of music has a certain depth and complexity that can really transport the listener to another place and create a certain mood or emotion. It’s not just about the beat, but also about the melody, harmony, and texture of the music that really draws me in.
I also appreciate the fact that this style of music allows for more creative freedom and experimentation. There’s no one set way to create a deep house track, and the possibilities are truly endless. This allows for a great deal of artistic expression and individuality in the music, and I find that incredibly inspiring. Ultimately, I think the deeper end of the house spectrum appeals to me because it allows for a deeper connection between the music, the listener, and the creator.
How did you hook up with Zatar for the new EP?
I recently had the pleasure of releasing a new EP on Zatar, the record label owned by Phonique, one of my biggest idols and longtime collaborator. Phonique introduced me to the label and helped facilitate the collaboration. Working with Zatar was an amazing experience. We immediately connected over our shared passion for electronic music and the potential for collaboration. We worked closely together, bouncing ideas off of each other and pushing ourselves to create something unique and special.
Overall, I’m extremely proud of the new EP ‘Wish Me Luck’ release. It was a pleasure to work with Zatar and I’m excited to see what the future holds for our creative partnership.
Stream ‘Wish Me Luck’ EP here : https://zatarmusic.lnk.to/WishMeLuck
Tell us about your current studio set up – any particular bits of go-to kit you find yourself returning to?
I have a pretty diverse studio set up that includes both hardware and software. One of my favorite pieces of hardware is the Moog Subharmonicon, which is a semi-modular analog polyrhythmic synthesizer. It’s incredibly powerful and allows me to create complex, layered sounds with ease.
For drums, I use the Roland TR-8S, which has a huge library of classic drum sounds and is very intuitive to use. I also love my Moog Subsequent 25 for bass-lines and the Moog SlimPhatty for leads. For chords, I use the Nord Rack 2x, which has a vast array of preset sounds that are perfect for layering and experimenting with.
In addition to my hardware set up, I also use Ableton Push 1 as a general working tool, and I have two audio interfaces, the Roland Mx-1 and the Motu 828, as well as a Behringer Ultrapatch Pro for patching. For additional drums, I have a Korg Volca Beats, which is great for adding more texture and variety to my tracks. One piece of equipment that is particularly special to me is my own MIDI controller, called the Bass Station. It allows me to easily automate and tweak parameters during my live sets, giving me greater control over the performance.
Overall, my studio set up is an ever-evolving combination of hardware and software that allows me to create unique, dynamic sounds and explore new musical territories.
What are some of the things you learned from working with other artists throughout your career?
Working with other artists throughout my career has been an incredibly valuable experience for me. One of the most important things I’ve learned is the importance of collaboration and being open to new ideas. When you work with other artists, you’re forced to step out of your comfort zone and explore different ways of thinking and creating.
I’ve also learned the importance of communication and clear expectations. When you’re collaborating with other artists, it’s essential to have clear lines of communication and to be upfront about your goals and expectations for the project. This helps to avoid misunderstandings and ensures that everyone is working towards the same vision.
Finally, I’ve learned the importance of being open to constructive criticism and feedback. When you work with other artists, you’re bound to receive feedback on your work, and it’s important to be receptive to it. Constructive criticism can help you grow as an artist and improve your skills, so it’s crucial to take it in and use it to your advantage.
Which artists are currently exciting you?
There are so many talented artists out there right now, but some that are really exciting me at the moment include Phonique, FairPlay, Bondi, Antdot, Ashibah, Super Flu, ZAC, and Sebastien Leger. Each of these artists has a unique sound and style, and I’m constantly inspired by their creativity and innovation. I love discovering new music and staying up to date with what other artists are doing, as it helps me to stay fresh and inspired in my own work.
What should we expect from Bakka for the rest of 2023?
For the rest of 2023, I have a lot of exciting projects in the works. I’m currently working on several new releases that will be coming out on some amazing labels, including Zatar, This Never Happened, and Sprout, among others. I’m also planning to collaborate with some other talented artists in the industry, which I’m really excited about. Additionally, I’ll be performing at some great venues and festivals throughout the year, and I’m looking forward to sharing my music with audiences all over the world. Overall, you can expect a lot of new music and some unforgettable performances from Bakka in 2023!