Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: Since I was a little kid, I’ve always wanted to write and play music. I used to think that everyone else had that same dream, but most of them eventually gave up, and that’s why they became lawyers or engineers. It was a shock for me when I realised that most people never really wanted to pursue that. For me, it was the natural thing to aspire to. But I’ve always also had the notion that this is a very hard path. Especially coming from a country where alternative music is not so popular. Everybody knows that Brazil is the land of samba. It is really hard to be in an alternative rock band over there. I mean, the Brazilian crowd is incredible, but there aren’t many places to play, and most of them will only host cover bands these days. That’s why I decided to move abroad and live the rock’n’roll dream. So far, so good.
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “DKANDLE”?
A: DKANDLE started as a solo project in 2021 and only this year became a band. So far we’ve played at The Next Stars in London. It was awesome! We want to live the rock’n’roll lifestyle on the road. It is so good to play live gigs, the energy is incredible. We hope to see you all in our shows!
I view DKANDLE as a new breath on the music scene. It is greatly inspired by shoegaze mixed with other types of alternative music like post-punk and grunge. We don’t make music for algorithms, even though we are not actually enemies of the algorithm, but we think that music should not be tied to formulas shaped for the algorithm’s sake. For us, music is art, not a product. With our music, we aim to bring otherworldly pleasurable realms of delightful sounds to your music enjoyment. We want to take you to a new dimension of sonic bliss.
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: For me, the most inspiring artist right now is the English band The Telescopes. I saw them live in London some years ago and iIt was jaw-dropping. I feel so grateful for having had the opportunity of seeing them live.
As to what inspires me to make music, I need to be fed by the experiences of the world. I engage with worldly activities and from there I give back to the world what I have absorbed. I feel especially inspired when I travel. Whenever it is possible, I bring my guitar and try to make as much music as possible. But I also have other unorthodox sources of inspiration. Some songs were born in a dream, for example. Whenever it happens, I try to write them down when I wake up, before I forget them. Actually there were times when I was too lazy to wake up and to take note of them, unfortunately I totally forgot what I had heard in the dream…
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the song, “Kinda Hard To Find.”?
A: It’s about those missed connections we’ve all experienced—when you’re fascinated by someone you see on the train or in a café, but something holds you back. It’s not about anyone specific, just that feeling.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: It’s hard to pinpoint, but I’d say our sound is contemporary.
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “Kinda Hard To Find”?
A: This song was actually written for my teenage band John & Mary. Originally titled “Give It Up,” it was released on a demo tape called “Hi, Jack!”. When I started playing as DKANDLE, I decided that I would release it again, now with the post-shoegaze vibe of the sound we currently make.
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: I always want to convey a message. I love deep lyrics, I think they make the song even more intense. I’m greatly influenced by lyricists like Ian Curtis and Renato Russo.
My goal is to contribute to a new wave of effects-driven music that challenges traditional sound.
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: If I could co-write music with Kevin Shields or Robert Smith, I’d die a happy man.
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: You need to truly, deeply love music to pursue this path. You have to feel that you were born to create and play music—that it’s in your genes, that it’s your dharma. I mean, If you’re only in it for fame, you’re missing the point. Music is for those who truly feel called to it.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: Keep going, it’s gonna be worth it.
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