Interviews

Aline Rocha sits at a pivotal moment in her artistic journey — one shaped by deep Brazilian roots, global dancefloors, and a growing sense of musical identity. With her Berimbau EP - out on Razor-N-Tape - arriving this week, she opens up about heritage, intention, collaboration, and the emotional world behind her sound. What follows is a conversation that reveals both her groundedness and her magnetism as an artist.

Thanks for taking the time to talk. How are you doing, are you good?

Yes, I'm good, thank you. Busy, but in a good way, and very happy to be sharing this new music.

We are talking to you on the week you are about to release your Berimbau EP. How are you feeling about that?

I'm feeling excited and a bit emotional. It always feels special when a release carries something personal and cultural at the same time.

Where were you born exactly?

I was born in Franca, in the countryside of São Paulo state, Brazil.

Where are you based now? What brought you there?

I'm based in London now. Music brought me there, and it became a place that connected me to so many new opportunities and people.

What do you love most about where you are living? What keeps you where you are today?

I love the mix of cultures and the access to music, art and movement all the time. It keeps me inspired and connected to the wider world.

If money was no object, and you could choose anywhere in the world to live, where would that be and why?

Honestly, I think I would live a little bit everywhere. I feel very grateful that music allows me to travel so much and experience different cultures, but most of the time it all happens very fast and I'm already moving to the next place. So if money was no object, I'd love to spend real time in different parts of the world — maybe a few months in Tokyo, then somewhere like the Bahamas, then somewhere else — just to really live each place more deeply.

How long have you been making music? What was your first step in the game?

I’ve been in music for many years now. My first step was DJing, learning by practicing, researching and being deeply curious about sound and the dancefloor.

What came first DJing or production?

DJing came first.

What kind of artists, DJs, genres were you into growing up?

Growing up, it was a little bit of everything, but definitely a lot of Brazilian music. Because I’m from the countryside, Brazilian country music was very present too, but MPB was especially strong in my home because of my father. That mix of rhythm, emotion and strong musical identity stayed with me from very early on.

Who are the artists that you follow right now?

I always keep an eye on artists who bring identity and emotion into dance music. There are many, but I’m always drawn to people who sound honest and musical.

What is the most recent record you purchased or downloaded?

The most recent track I downloaded was actually an unreleased one by my friend Julio Torres. I really loved it and ended up playing it at two recent shows in Brazil.

If you could choose a few words to describe the vibe of Aline Rocha, what would they be?

Groove, warmth, magnetism and emotional connection.

Tell us about Caio Cenci?

Caio is a very talented Brazilian producer with a strong musical instinct. He has sensitivity, taste and a very natural understanding of groove.

Talk to us about your collaboration on Berimbau?

It felt very organic. We wanted to create something that carried Brazilian identity but still worked with strength in a club context.

When did you first approach this concept and what was your original intention?

The idea came from wanting to bring a Brazilian element into the track in a way that felt respectful and powerful. The intention was never to force a concept, but to let it speak naturally through the music.

What was most important for you to convey through these two tracks?

Contrast and identity. One track is more rooted and hypnotic, the other is more open and emotional, but both come from a very honest place.

Do you feel that you were able to accomplish all of your intentions?

Yes, I do. Of course you always hear things later and imagine more, but emotionally and musically I feel we delivered what we wanted.

What are you most proud of with this release?

I think what makes me most proud is that the release carries a Brazilian feeling in a very natural way. Even though these tracks come from an earlier creative moment, they still reflect something important in me — that connection to rhythm, identity and the musical energy I come from.

What was the most challenging part of bringing the release together?

Finding the right balance between concept and function. I wanted it to mean something, but also to really move people on the dancefloor.

Tell us a little about your relationship with Razor n Tape Records?

It feels very special to be connected to a label with such a strong musical identity and so much taste. I’ve always felt that Razor-N-Tape has a real warmth to it, and I connect with the way it brings together different influences in a very natural and musical way. That made this release feel even more special to me.

What drives you to create music?

Emotion, curiosity and connection. Music helps me translate things I sometimes cannot explain with words.

What has been one of your favorite moments from the past year?

There were many, but some of my favorite moments were the ones where I felt a real exchange with the crowd. Those moments always stay with me the most.

Where do you find the most inspiration when it comes to discovering new music?

Digging, traveling, listening to old records, other DJs, and paying attention to life in general. Inspiration can come from anywhere when you stay open.

Is there anything that you would like to tell us about you?

I think I’m someone who feels things very deeply, and that definitely shows in the way I play and create. Everything I do comes from a very real place.

What can we hope to see next from Aline Rocha?

More music, more intention and more growth. I’m in a moment where I really want to keep building something meaningful and lasting.

Check out the latest release from Aline Rocha.