T.H.E Interview – Drunk & Play

Today, we have the pleasure of introducing you to a rising star in the Electronic music scene, Drunk & Play.

Known for crafting infectious beats and a distinctive Tech House sound, Drunk & Play, also known as Lúcio Merçon, has been making waves in the Electronic music industry. In this exclusive interview with T.H.E, we’ll take a look at the artist’s musical journey, exploring the inspirations behind his tracks and learning more about his creative process.

But that’s not all, alongside this interview, Drunk & Play has curated an exclusive guest mix that will take readers on a unique sonic journey, showcasing his eclectic taste, powerful production, exceptional mixing skills. So, prepare to immerse yourself in the world of Drunk & Play, where beats and melodies come together in perfect harmony.

T.H.E – Hi Lúcio! How are you?

Drunk & Play – Hey guys, I’m feeling great! And I’m so excited for this new phase in my career!

T.H.E – When did you first find a passion for dance music and what led you to become a producer?

Drunk & Play – So, since my teens I’ve been playing instruments mostly percussion in groups of samba here in Brazil. And when I was 14 summer electro hits was really huge in Brazil and I was in love with the beats. Later, one friend introduced me to an app called virtual DJ, I’m sure everyone knows it, and it blew my mind. I spent nights on it doing “live mashups” and “learning” how to mix tracks there. But school and college canceled that passion for a while. After 10 years I was a bit lost in my life doing college but I knew that wasn’t for me, so I dropped out and I started chasing my young ages dream. And that’s why I became DJ/Producer today!

T.H.E – Can you tell us about your journey as a DJ Producer and how you developed your unique style inTech House?

Drunk & Play – I started a bit late in life, around 26 years old, and I have a strong percussion background cause I used to play in groups, as I told you.

I stoped playing on events a lilttle before I decided to become a DJ! So I love grooves and rich combinations of it. Call and response it’s a tecnique that I like a lot. Along with it, I like to add melodies that catch me, usually with vocals!

T.H.E – What would you say is your favorite genre to produce and how do you put yourself in a creative state of mind?

Drunk & Play – I don’t really like putting music in a genre, I like good music! The DJ’s most important job is to know the type of music he is going to play according to the party, the place, the line up and the vibe that he wants to create. That’s my opinion. And about the second question, I really like to open the DAW and start scratching ideas, if it’s a good day, good music will be made. But to help with that I’m always listening to good music and music from my references!

T.H.E – Your sonic creations are often described as a treat for the senses. Could you walk us throughyour creative process when producing a track? Where do you usually draw inspiration from?

Drunk & Play – As I said earlier, I don’t really have a unique way to start a beat. But I try to start from some sound that catches me, to be an example, for my track ‘Juanita’ I started with the flute, I found the flute and made a beat around it. I only have two rules, if you like some sound, try it on the track, if it sounds bad, make it sound good, cause even if you don’t like it after, you are learning and improving your skills! The other rule is about telling a story on your track, don’t just put breaks and drops, put some feeling on it, put a part of yourself on the track.

T.H.E – Can you share any memorable moments or highlights from your career so far?

Drunk & Play – A memorable moment for me was when I heared Michael Bibi (all the love to him and I hope he gets healthy soon) playing my song in one of his lives during the pandemic. I was really really tired that day. I started listening on the headphones and I slept. Five to seven minutes in I was woken up by the drums of my track and the joy in my heart! It was a turning point in my career!

And about playing live, just one month ago I had the opportunity to play together in the same line-up with great friends that I haven’t seen in a while! Mochakk, Jay Mariani and Cesar Nardini. It was a huge honor! I love those boys, you should check them and thier label, DOGGHAUZ records.

T.H.E – What sets your live performances apart from others in the industry? How do you create animmersive experience for your audience?

Drunk & Play – I’d like to say that the experience I deliver is different, I really give myself body and soul, along with tracks that I believe are the best for the public! I create my sets by listening to my refs and I really like to fill my sets with moments, like a ‘love’ moment, the ‘smoke time’ moment, the ‘let’s buy another bottle’ moment, the ‘jumping ‘moment, the ‘hugging my best friend’ moment, the moments that I’d like to have if I were in the dance floor.

T.H.E – As an emerging artist in the Electronic music scene, what challenges have you faced and how have you overcome them?

Drunk & Play – I think the biggest challenge is breaking the bubble of being recognized by great artists and being well connected. For the first part there is no secret, sit on your PC and produce a lot to get good results. For the second part, what works for me is just being myself. Don’t push people or situations, don’t try to be what you are not. Everybody will see the real you at some point.

T.H.E – How do you stay inspired and motivated as a producer?

Drunk & Play – People. Meeting people and share experiences is what keeps me motivated! See and feel the dancefloor vibing is VERY essential for me.

T.H.E – How do you see the future of Drunk & Play evolving? Are there any exciting projects orcollaborations on the horizon?

Drunk & PlayDrunk & Play – The biggest dream for me right know is to play in Europe, I think my sets are made for there.

I have some tracks that I’m in love at the moment, both of them are on the mixing stage! And I have a collab with one of my biggest references and friend, Viot. If you don’t know him, you definitely should. This track was played on Coachella, Sónar in Spain and some other places, all over Brazil. And It’s called ‘Esta Noche’!

T.H.E – We’re thrilled to feature your exclusive guest mix. Can you give us a sneak peek into what listeners can expect and any special tracks or surprises they should watch out for?

I’ve been talking a bit about the guest mix the whole interview, is just because I love my songs! And I will bring lots of collabs that I have with big friends, so I hope you like it!!

Tracklist

Drunk & Play, Sillaz – ID
Trallez – French Desire (Original Mix) [Organic Pieces]
Drunk & Play, Sillaz – ID
ABBUD W. GR3G – PUTA MEXICANA
Maur & Roobinz – End of Time -Edit-
Julien Chaptal – Illin (Original Mix)
KIERAN SAN JOSE – Keep Up (Original Mix)
Manu Medina – Lick Ma (Original Mix) [Clarisse Records]
FEX (IT) – Tribalica (Extended Mix) [Downtown Underground]
Green Velvet, Harvard Bass – Lazer Beams (Bontan Remix) [Relief]
Green Velvet – Bigger Than Prince (Classmatic 2k23 Remix) [Relief]
Miky R – Intoxicated Smoke (Paco Wegmann Remix) [Pandemonium]
Kieran San Jose – Fuck You
MALAMENTE – ( LONELY EDIT )
Scoff Boys – In The House (Extended Mix) [Housesession Records]

T.H.E – Any releases or big shows we can look forward to?

Drunk & Play – The collab with Viot is a big project that I’m working on right now, we are looking for the label to release it!

And I would like to thank everyone that are reading this interview! Much love to you all, wish the best to each and every one of you! Hope in a near future you can experience some of my sets, live with me! Thanks a lot!

We thank Drunk & Play for his time and insights shared in this interview, we wish him the best and expect many new milestones on his exciting musical journey that’s only getting started. And now, without further ado, let’s seamlessly transition into the exclusive guest mix by Drunk & Play, it’s time to let the music take over and transport you to another dimension. Get ready to dance, unwind, and lose yourself in the sounds of Drunk & Play. Enjoy!