IN CONVERSATION WITH HUGO CANTARRA
Interview by Samo Šajn
Lisbon-based, French-born Hugo Cantarra doesn't just make music for the dancefloor. The producer channels his chart success into something far more lasting: education centers across West Africa through his Together We're Louder foundation. Between studio sessions in Lisbon and fundraising events across Europe, he's proving that melodic house can build more than just moments. It can build futures.
You've built a career bridging French electronic heritage with London's contemporary scene, and now you're based in Lisbon. How does each city's creative energy show up in your productions?
Oh, that's a hard question! I have always been a nomad. I lived in France, China, Hong Kong, Amsterdam, London, and now Lisbon... and I have to say that each place represents a chapter of my life and me becoming more and more mature, like my music. As an artist, I've been traveling and crafting a sound that represents who I am. I started with rock music as a drummer, then progressive when I fell in love with electronic music, and now I've gone more indie over time. This blend is who I am today, a happy boy in Lisbon!
Your latest collaboration "Alive" with John Cala has just been released on MAHOOL. How did you two connect, and what drew you to work together on this track?
John sent me a first version, and I loved it, but I imagined more atmospheric elements inside and a strong rock vocal like Max Milner. I added a few of my signature sounds and texted Max that I absolutely wanted to have him on the record. He didn't say yes straight away, but we finally made it! Max has been one of my favorite vocalists in the game, so working with him and having him on this record means a lot to me.
Together We're Louder channels streaming revenue from label releases and fundraising events into building education centers in West Africa. How do you balance running a philanthropic foundation alongside your artist career and RENDEZ VOUS label?
I love having a lot of projects on the go, it drives me! The foundation keeps my feet on the ground in this crazy industry, and it gives me purpose. RDV is my way of curating the sound and artists I love on one platform, and it’s entrepreneurial too... I do love business! And my DJ career has literally been my work for the past 20 years. I dropped out of school at 15 to become a DJ, and I’ve been working on this ever since.
The Togo education center is set to open soon after years of construction. What did it feel like to physically build something that addresses the bullying you experienced as a child?
An education center is not only a school but a place where kids can learn the basics of life, and this includes respecting each other, something I missed in school when I was young. I'm so proud to be able to help these kids become the best version of themselves so they can grow into great humans.
Looking at your partnerships across Armada, Anjunadeep, Ultra, Insomniac, MAHOOL, and Abracadabra, how do you approach each label relationship? What makes you choose one home over another for a particular track?
Labels, for me, are like art galleries, and my songs are the pieces inside. I choose them for what they represent, and I only pick labels I feel something special for. I also pay attention to who the A and R is on each label, as I want to work only with great people.
John Cala brings his own Colombian perspective and Latin American rhythms to "Alive." What was the creative process like merging your melodic sensibilities with his production style?
John approached me wanting to do something together. I’ve liked his sound for a while, and I felt that this idea could turn into a great song. The process unfolded quite smoothly. He brought his sound, I added my elements, and "Alive" was born.
RENDEZ VOUS has become both a label and event series. What's your vision for the brand, and how do you curate artists who fit that vision?
RDV had been in my head for years before creating it last year. The name was born from my first song produced with my best friend OMEM, also known as The Wooden Cross. It was back in the day when we were roommates in Macau and both resident DJs at Pacha. We signed the song “Rendez Vous” on PACHA Recordings, which was crazy for us at that time. We always wanted a label to sign songs we love.
The RDV parties are defined by one all night set where we have the rare freedom to play songs in a more curated way, without condensing our craft into a 1 hour time slot.
With 138 million streams and performances across 30 plus countries, you're clearly connecting with audiences globally. What's the human impact that matters most to you beyond the numbers?
I'm gonna be honest, I never watch the numbers. I think numbers are a trap for artists that can make you unhappy. It’s especially hard today with all the metrics artists use to compare themselves to others. The less you focus on numbers, the less you fall into trends, and the more you focus on your true art. I love my job, so the only thing that matters to me is playing the music I love around the world and producing songs that make me feel something.
How do all these pieces fit together for you: the Hugo Cantarra artist project, Together We're Louder foundation, and RENDEZ VOUS? Do they inform each other, or do you keep them separate in your mind?
They are each different in my head, mostly style wise. TWL is organic and world music inspired. RDV is deep sounds with a bit of groove and always something I'd want to play in my sets. My own music as Hugo Cantarra fits with this deep RDV sound, but it’s distinct because it has an extra layer of emotion and melody. It’s my sensitive side speaking!
