Brazilian artist is Top #1 in the Organic House chart on Beatport with the release of a remix by All Day I Dream.
by Carol Carlos
Curol, an Afro House DJ and producer, has emerged as one of the main figures in the genre in Brazil, with excellent international visibility. Her music incorporates organic elements and Brazilian percussion, bringing back the ancestry and rhythms of different Afro-Brazilian styles. A regular at the country’s and the world’s biggest festivals, such as Lollapalooza, Universo Paralello, Rock in Rio, Tomorrowland and Zamna Tulum, among others, the artist has also made her debut with great style in the UK, with two crowded venues, the Amazônico and Egg London. She has also been awarded ‘Best DJ’ at the WME Awards (Women’s Music Event) and is one of the 60 artists on 1001Tracklists, as well as being the first Brazilian to take part in BBC Radio 1’s Soundsystem program.
In 2023, she had the opportunity of a lifetime. A unique and special moment that changed the course of her career from then on. During a trip to Arraial d’Ajuda, Curol had one of those surprises from the universe. At the airport, she bumped into Dimitri Nakov, a legendary DJ recognized for his pioneering mix of Techno and Psy Trance and awarded as the world’s best Psychedelic Trance DJ. After a friendly interaction, the opportunity arose to remix Nakov’s “Nocturne”, released on the All Day I Dream label. Enchanted by Curol’s talent, Dimitri took her name and sound directly to Lee Burridge, the label’s owner. Meanwhile, her agency was working to include her in the lineup for the All Day I Dream event, which would take place in September 2023 in São Paulo. A week before the event, Curol received the news that Lee had approved his remix and was ready to release it on the label in Brazil. Two gifts at once.
https://open.spotify.com/intl-pt/track/53E93OCYS1JaOS6JeFoi1o?si=20f1ab41d0494475
The result of Curol’s version of Nocturne led her to the Top #1 on Beatport’s Organic House chart, so maybe that’s three gifts. And the partnership didn’t end there. Lee Burridge’s continued supporting her at several gigs and his interest in continuing a relationship with Curol highlight the importance of her music, especially when it comes to the global scene.
To find out more about this rising star, we got an exclusive interview. Check it out:
Hello, Curol! Welcome to HMWL. Let’s start by talking about your achievement with All Day I Dream, of course. What was your reaction when you found out that your remix had reached number one? Was this your first time at the top of Beatport?
R: Yes, first time in the Top 1. I’ve always almost hit the jackpot in Afro House and Melodic House and Techno. When I saw that the song was in the Top 2 I felt so happy and it was at that moment that I realized that the Top 1 could be a reality and it was! It was an achievement not only for me, but also for my fans, especially the guys in the fan club… they celebrated it as their achievement too!
Remixing “Nocturne” by the legendary Dimitri Nakov and receiving recognition from Lee Burridge certainly marked a turning point in your career. What does this moment mean to you from a personal perspective?
R: Dimitri has been an idol for me since 2009! I never imagined that our meeting would turn out the way it did, let alone bringing together two legends like him and Lee to remix a track. Without any doubt, having the respect of people who are references in music is a great boost to continue on my path and also an important milestone in the recognition and consolidation of the project.
Music, especially in the electronic scene, is often a deeper expression of the soul and of life experiences. How do you translate these experiences into your creations? And do you think that unexpected meeting with Dimitri at the airport may have “changed” the course of your career?
R: I try to incorporate my cultural values and goals into my work as much as possible. Meeting Dimitri at the airport was a milestone, resulting in an international tour in the European summer with All Day I Dream and reaching the top 1 for the first time. Without any doubt, this unexpected encounter was decisive for the international trajectory of my career.
Afro House has an intrinsic connection with Afro-Brazilian culture and heritage. How important is it to you personally to preserve and celebrate these roots in your music?
R: Carrying forward the purpose and history of what we have inherited culturally, creating music that transcends and goes beyond itself. My aim is to tell stories through audiovisual combinations and highlight the musical wealth we possess.
What is the deepest message or feeling you want to communicate with your work? What drives you and what motivates you to keep going day after day in music?
R: Highlighting the richness of our culture and demonstrating that there are no limits in music is my goal. I try to unite possibilities and I feel motivated to see that there are people who turn to art as a way of expressing their ability to overcome barriers and prejudices and achieve what they want.
Finally, we’d like to hear about your next steps and career goals. What can you tell us and the fans who follow you? Thank you!
R: Reaching TOP1 opened the door for me to be part of the All Day I Dream cast, and now I’m scheduled for some international dates on the label’s summer tour. At the same time, my desire to integrate the pop world into my music, while maintaining my identity, is becoming a reality. Soon, everyone will be able to follow every release that comes out.