interview made in July 2017.
Apulian producer Populous recently released "Azulejos", a visionary album between Portuguese and South-American cumbia's sonorities, re-invented in a digital-lounge key which is already his style signature. When you listen to Populous atmosphere becomes rarefied and sophisticated. Getting to know better Populous, you immediatly realize that even if he travels worldwide for events and private parties, he is still a down-to-earth guy with a great sense of humor. "Azulejos" is a visionary album also because he worked with director Emanuele Kabu traducing music in images with strong chromatic games and geometrical mesmerizing forms. We had an intimate Q&A Session with Populous, and we did not talk about music at all.
Your passion for music is well known. How do you spend your free time?
Usually, in leisure time, I dedicate myself to food. I take cooking lessons, I try to improvise behind the stoves, I search for restaurants and of course I go to try it as soon as I can. I realized I spend a lot of money in restaurants. But I do not care if they are top restaurants if someone recommends me a good sandwiches place I’m going to try that too.
Have you ever thought of a “Plan B” in life?
I think about it every fucking day! My mother always hopes that I will apply for teaching (I’m a graduate in musicology). She would prefer to see me taught flute for middle school children. But I hope to die before that day.
Where will you spend the summer holidays?
I usually do not travel ever in the summer. I’m lucky to live in a place that in summer has everything I want. Consequently, I try to concentrate all my travels in the times when Lecce becomes boring. Anyway, I think the next trip will be in Japan.
If you could spend three months anywhere, where would you be?
I would like to travel to Morocco. I would like to be similar to my Portuguese experience, where I used a long journey to compose new material.
An object/memory you will always bring with you.
A saint of Saint Lucia I took many years ago in the homonymous church of Venice. I am not religious, but that sanctuary has a very personal story.
What is your favorite movie?
Mysterious Skin by Gregg Araki.
What is your Favourite Food?
Carbohydrate, in general. I can safely give up the sweets but not a pizza or a focaccia. also for breakfast!
Who is your favorite artist of all time?
I’m undecided between Raymond Scott and J Dilla.
