Dj Kaspar
MEGATRONIC PUTS IT TO DJ KASPAR
How has Lisbon’s music scene evolved over time? What are the main differences between the past and today?
Lisbon’s music scene has evolved significantly since 1998. Back then, self-releasing music was nearly impossible, so I contributed to CD compilations that represented the early Lisbon scene. I remember collaborating with DJ Rui Murka and featuring vocals from Branko and Kalaf of Buraka Som Sistema before they formed the project. The African influence that appeals to the bass music crowd was already emerging, similar to the trends in London.
Lisbon, Bairro Alto, Cais do Sodré, Graça, Areeiro, Marvila… with its iconic old school venues like Frágil, Lounge, Club da Esquina, and A Capela (where I still DJ), has always had a unique sound. It blends roots, funk, soul, jazz, hip hop, bass music, deeper house, UK garage, drum’n’bass, techno, and electro, with a strong presence of disco and psych rock, all held together by an African influence. This eclectic mix has shaped the Lisbon sound, with local DJs adding their own spin.
Over time, the scene has shrunk due to gentrification, which pushed locals out of many venues. Many historic spots have closed, leading to a quieter city with fewer spaces for dancing. What was once a vibrant, bustling nightlife has become more tourist focused. Currently, Lisbon is in a phase of reinvention, waiting for Gen Z to rediscover the city’s nightlife and its tribal, communal energy, beyond the distractions of social media and viral trends.
What is the story of your label, and what is the concept behind Percebes Música?
I worked with a few labels before starting my own. I helped develop the classic Groovement Recordings for nearly a decade, then moved on to production and sound engineering for Tomorrow Is Now, Kid! One day, after a particularly inspired moment, I boldly declared, “let there be Percebes,” and just like that, Percebes Música was born.
The concept behind the label is simple: it’s not just about house music—it’s about music as a shared experience. Once a track is part of my catalog, it becomes our catalog, regardless of genre. I’m not selfish with the music I release.
The name “Percebes” is a pun. It’s a local delicacy here—an edible crustacean representing the coastline and sea life. It is also the second-person form of the verb “to understand,” posing the question, “Do you understand?”
We release work from both local and international artists with high-quality output across genres. It could be house, techno, downtempo, jazz, experimental electronics, hip hop, or whatever sounds good to me. Life is richer with contrasts. We mainly release digitally, though we’ve also put out vinyl. My heroes like Andrew Weatherall and Theo Parrish embraced eclecticism, and I take inspiration from that.
I’m not certain of many things, but I know this: the curation of this label goes beyond genres, creating its own unique realm. Or at least, that’s what I tell myself to justify all the money I’ve invested in it!
What is your vision for the future of Lisbon’s music scene?
I want to see a stronger connection between talent and opportunity. Too often, local artists who have dedicated their lives to music are undervalued while international DJs receive the bulk of the investment. This lack of support makes it difficult to build a sustainable scene. Curators tend to reinvest in the same small circle, limiting growth for emerging talent. To truly develop Lisbon’s scene, we need more financial and structural support for local artists. There’s incredible talent here—I’m working with some of them on my label—and I hope they get the recognition they deserve.
What inspires you today, and what has influenced you the most throughout your artistic career?
I’m inspired by my family, friends, and above all, my love of music. The appeal of sound, the power of loud systems, meticulous mixdowns, and the balance between old and new ideas drive me. Italo Calvino’s Six Memos for the Next Millennium had a profound impact on me as a teenager, shaping my approach to creativity and artistic evolution. My journey has been one of self-improvement, guided by honesty, intensity, emotion, history, and passion. Some of my records were ahead of their time, but I’ve learned humility through that process. I’m proud of my past and excited for the future.
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