Lukas: "Working with what I'm most passionate about is a true gift"

Redaction
Apr 16
3 min read

Lukas is an internationally renowned DJ, known for his unique mixing technique and energetic performances that make him a standout in the global techno scene. Starting in 2000, he quickly became one of the most respected DJs in Brazil, bringing his music to top clubs and festivals worldwide. After his first European tour in 2004, he continued to expand his career, relocating to Barcelona in 2007, where he also developed his studio work. In 2009, Lukas and Fernanda Martins founded Audiocode Records, a label that became one of the leading names in the hard techno scene. With a focus on high-quality music and supporting new talent, Audiocode quickly rose to prominence, becoming the preferred choice for many hard techno artists. Its commitment to excellence has made Audiocode a respected name worldwide, with tracks filling DJ sets across the globe.

"Blood Moon" celebrates your 25-year journey as a DJ and producer. What does this EP mean to you on both a personal and artistic level?

25 years is a long time but if I'm honest, it feels like these years passed in no time. I'm lucky to work with something I really love and even though it's not all sunshine and rainbows, working with what I'm most passionate about is a true gift. With these tracks I tried to highlight some of these feelings. "Blood moon" is raw and driving. A strong but more clean hard techno approach so the emotions that this style can make you feel gets highlighted with the melody. "Push it" is all about madness and power. On this one I just wanted to express and highlight how strong this music can be. It's amazing to think that I've been doing this for all these years and what motivates me is that I just can't wait for what tomorrow will bring us all!

Your sets blend hard techno, schranz, industrial influences, and even hints of hardcore. How do you manage to maintain such a powerful yet refined balance in your performances?

It’s just natural. Music for me is about feelings so I simply let my feelings guide me through this music journey. We have almost an infinite range of possibilities as a DJ. Our music library is large and deciding what to play and when can be challenging. I usually let the crowd tell me what they want and need. Not literally tell but if you feel the crowd and connect with them, it becomes something intuitive and natural. I just know what they want to listen to next!

You’re currently touring with Fernanda Martins, performing 4-deck sets. What kind of preparation goes into creating such complex and synchronized performances?

We talk a little bit about the tracks we may add to our music library so we avoid playing things that the other really don't like and we usually talk about a track for opening the set. Besides that it's all about feeling the crowd, feeling each other and improvising. That's why it's so fun for us to play together.

How would you describe the sound of "Your Soul Is Mine" with Vendex and the remix of "Resonate" by PRAKAS with Fernanda Martins? With the release set for June, what direction do you think your music will take with these new tracks?

Both tracks are really heavy and with a strong drive. Hard hitting hard techno but with an emotional and musical melody to balance everything. As a producer I have always been true to how I feel and see this music. Despite the trends that come and go, the real roots and essence of the style is always there and luckily that's something that I really love and always kept connected to. I will keep pushing and pushing so this style reaches a higher level day after day.

With three labels under your belt – Audiocode, Hardwork, and Devotion – what is your vision for the future of the hard techno scene, both as an artist and as a label owner?

The style is consolidating itself as one of the leading genres in the music industry. If we keep pushing and working better and better every day, we will establish a strong foundation which will make the style stronger and more stable. Raising the quality of the music being made and released and giving more credit and credibility for the DJs that are really doing a good work is key to keep the style healthy and growing!