Edition #17
Rio de Janeiro, 2011
“DKANDLE weaves swirling multi-colored vibrant unearthly soundscapes, blending fuzzy and reverberating Shoegaze textures, mesmerizing Dream Pop meditations, sludgy Grungey tones and moody Post-punk strains, heightened with soul-stirring lyricism and pensive emotive vocalizations”
- Why is your nickname Rafafluor?
The name Rafafluor originated in the nightlife of Rio de Janeiro when I started to be fascinated by neon colors, around 1999. That year I moved to Sao Paulo, where I gained recognition in the local nightlife scene with this name. I came back to Rio with the character always sporting neon hair, embracing a freak chic style. I had never seen the movie Party Monster, and unknowingly became part of that world. For me, it was incredible because it was in my being; my essence was to be a freak chic, a guy who only goes out in costume to dance, never without makeup, very Dionysian. But I never wore high heels or panties... Because I'm not a woman, it's just a character. My thing is androgynous. I've gone out in a pink suit and tie, made up like a woman.
- What do you think about people who are shocked by that?
It depends on the place. Of course, if I walk past an evangelical church wedding, they would probably burn me as if I were the devil. But in the nightlife, in the scene I enjoy and frequent, no one is shocked; there’s no reason to be. People are used to different, underground figures—it's the total freak scene.
- What type of music do you enjoy listening to the most?
I like electronic music in general. There are some subgenres I’m not too fond of, like drum’n’bass and African beats, but I love electro and psy-trance. I adore Colortronic! I enjoy all that’s good in electronic music.
- What have you been listening to lately?
I’ve been listening to Madonna, which I always do, and also DJ André Moreno's podcast, and almost everything by Green Velvet. I've gone back to the '90s; I’m on a pretty retro kick at the moment.
- What was the first album you ever bought?
The first one was by Information Society, with a black cover and the four colorful figures on the front. I love it!
- Do you like funk carioca?
I don’t like favela funk that sounds like rap. I prefer the funk from the '80s and '90s, which was fun and danceable... It was the rap of Silva and so on. Today, it's full of profanity and crudity, which I don’t really enjoy. It doesn’t work for me now.
- But you’re into samba, right?...
I like samba; I’ve got samba in my blood, I’m Brazilian... I always go to União da Ilha, I really enjoy going there. I’ve never paraded, but I’ve been out as a freak character at the Banda de Ipanema.
- Do you like Carnival?
I love Carnival! I samba all the time. I really let loose... haha
- What was the best gift album you received?
It was the one by Menudos. I loved Não Se Reprima, wow... I know all their songs! I know all the choreographies; I was a Menudete! There were the Paquitas from Xuxa, and I was one of the Menudetes of Menudos. I went to their show at the Vasco stadium and almost fainted... haha
- What was the best book you’ve ever read?
The Little Prince. It had the most impact on me.
WITH RAFAFLUOR
- What's your favorite drug?
Music. In fact, did you know that music is actually a drug? Its repetition creates a stimulus in the brain that results in the release of dopamine and serotonin. It's similar to massage. I go to therapy for my back, and the therapist uses something on my body that has a big effect, and when he stops, it feels great because it releases serotonin. It provides a really pleasant sense of well-being.
- Do you believe in reincarnation?
Yes, I do. I’m actually quite religious. I’ve done things like performing a saint's ritual in Candomblé, and I’ve taught Vacation Bible School at a Baptist Church and catechism at a Catholic Church. I was initiated 17 years ago; I have been initiated and work with the orishas. I understand a bit about Buddhism and Hinduism... I’ve been through various religions and take a little from each.
- If you became President of the Republic, what would be the first thing you’d do?
I would fight to eliminate poverty in the country by increasing teachers' salaries, educating citizens better, and making the country more dignified.
- What is a huge disappointment?
Public transportation in Rio de Janeiro. It’s surreal! The subway is inadequate. The subway in Buenos Aires is much better, even though it’s old and made of wood. The buses and ferries, all the services, are shoddy in Rio.
Your opinions on:
- Claudia Leite performing at Rock In Rio:
I think if the event is called Axé in Bahia, there’s no way Paul McCartney should perform there. Rock In Rio doesn’t suit Claudia Leite. I didn’t even go to the festival; I was disappointed with the lineup. I think Medina "forced it." He put business ahead of everything.
- Rio nightlife:
It’s still very weak compared to the rest of the world. I’ve been to nights in Curitiba, Sao Paulo, etc., with everything very well produced, more organized. Everyone who dresses up gets in for free, creating a buzz in the venue. That doesn’t exist here in Rio. I’m well treated in Buenos Aires. There, in the nightlife, I even get champagne. Here in Rio, I get emails from party producers asking me not to come dressed up because it might scare people.
- DJ Jesus Luz:
I liked him more as a model. As a DJ, he mixes everything at home and just brings it ready to the club. It’s easy that way, right, darling?
- Axl Rose:
Enough already...
- What do you think of the theory that the world will end on December 26, 2012?
I don’t believe it and think it’s ridiculous.
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