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Nineteen year old Robaco Bossa was named as the winner of Defected’s Best Producer competition this year, having been chosen from over 1,600 entrants. More than 20,000 people registered to listen to and rate the tracks from the entrants. Robaco’s winning track, ‘Black Bird’, is now released on Defected Records as a Beatportal exclusive!
Robaco Bosso, recent winner of Defected’s Best Producer Competition, is a nineteen year old DJ/Producer from Amersfoort, Holland. Robaco's love for music started at the early age of 11 as a drummer, however, having discovered house music in his teens, the young man started to combine and create his own beats with other instruments. Robaco’s early DJ sets saw him mix up minimal house, tech and electro and he got the recognition he deserved when he was chosen to perform a regular residency at the Karseboom in his home town, Amersfoort.
Things got even better for Robaco at the end of 2008 when he got his first record deal, with his first release ‘Bounce It Up’ appearing on Roger Sanchez's ‘Release Yourself’ radio show, and subsequently, a worldwide audience. Along with his successful Defected track, he has also won a DJ competition this year in the area of Utrecht. We caught up with the rising star to talk about the track that could well make him a household name…
How does it feel to have won the Defected producer competition?
I was extremely happy to hear from Defected that they had chosen me as the best entry in the producer’s competition. During the competition I received a lot of positive feedback about my track but I never expected to the winner. It feels like a dream, and a chance to break through as a national and international DJ/Producer.
Tell us about your winning track ‘Black Bird’.
As the title implies, my inspiration for the track came from my interest in birds. When I made the track, this blackbird was constantly sitting near my window. It seemed as if this bird was listening to my music. With this in mind, I wrote the melody for the track. The sound, rhythm and vocals are all based on the sounds of the bird. Furthermore, the track is supported by a funky bass-line and contains percussive elements, which gives the track a summer feeling.
Who are your favourite DJ’s/Producers?
At the moment, Chocolate Puma & Bingo Players are two of my favourite producers. The Latin influences and the touching melodies of Chocolate Puma combined with the upfront sound of the Bingo Players makes their music unique. It works well in clubs, at festivals and also when listening to it at home.Erick E is also one of my favourites. With all his years of experience and his perfect choice of records, he knows exactly how to move a dance floor and, in doing so, maintains a sexy feeling.
Tell us about the DJ-ing you’ve been doing...
After 4 years of producing, I started playing records at clubs and festivals. I wanted my own sounds to catch the attention of the audience and so I started with a residency at the ‘Karseboom in Amersfoort, Holland. In 2008 I managed to get another residency, this time at the Hotsenses event. Through the years my sound has developed into an energetic combination of Latin & minimal house. It’s uplifting, with a lot of groovy and funky sounds. As a DJ, I try to transmit my passion and love for music to the people on the dance floor, not only with my choice of records but also through my own energy behind the turntables.
What are you up to when not DJ-ing or Producing?
Producing and being a DJ takes up most of my time in the evenings and on the weekends. During the day I study Product Design & Engineering at the ‘Hogeschool’ in Utrecht, Holland. I like to spend the rest of my time with friends and playing sports.
Where would you like to be in 5 years time?
I would like to reach the top as a DJ/Producer- on both a national and international level. The most beautiful thing a DJ can experience is to have his or her music heard and appreciated all over the world, and also the fact that you get to show what you can do at big festivals and party’s. Over the next few years I want to improve my own sound and continue to give it a new and exciting twist.
