MastikSoul

MastikSoul is a house and electronic producer and DJ from Angola and Portugal. He starts his career in 1992, at a point when he is split between Portugal and France, and his sound develops from a mix of strong African roots and an interest in the rise of new dance music culture. He is first connected to techno, where he releases his first twelve-inch and develops his skills as a DJ and producer, before moving more fully into house music in the late 1990s.

Style and musical direction

His work is described as percussive and tribal, with his background shaping both his vision and his production style. House music becomes his main inspiration, while his earlier techno experience remains part of his development as an artist.

Recognition and support

His productions attract support from a number of house and techno figures, including Tony Thomas, Tom Stephan, Grant Dell, Terry Francis, Nathan Coles, Layo, Circulation and Justin Drake of Peace Division. He also receives attention from UK dance press including Mixmag, Jockey Slut and DJ Magazine.

Labels and projects

In the early 2000s, he builds a production studio in London and begins two key projects with DJ Token Pace: 4Kenzo Recordings and Digital Distribution. In 2003 he strengthens his work with 4Kenzo Recordings and releases the South Tribal EP on Difference Records. That release is licensed to a UK TV show and receives DJ support. In the same year, he licenses a track called I Believe to a compilation mixed by Eddie Richards for Fabric.

He later founds Moxi Records with Tony Thomas, and the label gains support from DJs including Carl Cox and Tenaglia. By the end of 2004 he is an established producer with releases due on labels including Wiggle Recordings, Tribo Recordings, Household Recordings and Eye4sound.

In 2005 he starts two more labels: Yoda Recordings with ADD, also known as Jay Household, and Hoshi Recordings for the Iberian market. His releases that year appear on labels including Wiggle, Household Recordings, Uppercutz, Warbled, Is This, Territory, 4Kenzo, Hoshi and Yoda.

He also launches Kitsam Records, a digital label exclusive to Beatport, and 4Kenzo Recordings includes artists such as DJ Sneak, Renato Cohen, Brett Johnson, Johnny Fiasco, 1200 Warriors, Angel Alanis, Tony Thomas and Joey Youngman.

Performances and collaborations

MastikSoul plays clubs including Rex in Paris, Ultimate Base, Gas, The Cross and other venues in London, Locomia in Albufeira, Kremlin and Alcantara Club in Lisbon, and Decadance in Belgium. He tours in countries including Germany, Austria, Belgium, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Bulgaria, Portugal and the United States. His studio collaborations include work with Nathan Coles, Gabo, DJ Sneak and Renato Cohen.