Hailing from Goiânia, Brazil, Marcal is a rare bright light who swiftly ascended to prominence in the electronic music scene. His keen sensitivity to groove and mastery in crafting evolving sonic textures have earned him recognition for his powerful low-end and innovative sound design. Marcal blends captivating grooves with psychedelic atmospheres and an avant-garde outlook, creating a unique and immersive auditory experience.

Marcal’s dedication and artistry are evident in his acclaimed releases on prominent labels such as Rekids, Enemy, and Token. His distinctive style, characterized by a mix of tribal influences and cutting-edge sounds, firmly establishes him as an influential presence on the global stage.

Marcal discusses with 6AM the evolution of his bass-driven sound, blending Brazilian roots with European influences, the story behind his standout track “Bionic Jungle,” and the unique energy of iconic venues like Berghain and Bassiani.

 

Hi Marcal! Thanks so much for talking to 6AM, how are you?

I'm doing well, thank you! It’s an exciting yet challenging time for me since I recently moved from Brazil to Porto, Portugal. The transition has opened up new opportunities, but adjusting to a different culture and scene has its hurdles. I’m grateful for the chance to share a bit of my career with you guys and connect with the community here.

 

Your music is known for its powerful low-end grooves and captivating sound design. What inspired you to focus on these elements, and how do you think they connect with listeners on the dancefloor?

I've always been drawn to music that has a physical impact, and for me, the low-end in dancefloor-oriented tracks is crucial because it creates a connection that’s felt as much as it’s heard. I have a deep appreciation for bass frequencies; they are at the core of my sound. I particularly love experiencing well-translated basslines on high-tier sound systems, where the nuances can shine. This has led me to dedicate significant time to learning how to listen to and manipulate these frequencies in my productions critically.

I like to work with a 'theme' for some tracks, drawing inspiration from a blend of influences—early techno, house, and Brazilian music like bossa nova and samba, to name a few. Additionally, I enjoy exploring tribal, “lost in a jungle” sensation combined with futuristic, sci-fi concepts in my music. I feel this organic approach adds unique depth and dimension to my tracks, enhancing the overall experience for the listeners.

Growing up in Goiânia, Brazil, and now living in Porto, Portugal, how has your journey shaped your sound? Do you feel that your Brazilian roots still play a big role in your productions, even while you're based in Europe?

Growing up in Goiânia, I enjoyed the calm and familiar environment of the city, where I developed strong connections with like-minded friends. While Goiânia isn’t known for a vibrant music scene, there was a specific party organized by some of my friends and past mentors that ignited my passion for techno and helped shape my artistic direction.

Beyond my Brazilian roots, I also bring years of experience in electronic music and a background in other genres to my sound. I’ve been producing since I was 16, so nearly 14 years of experimentation and growth have gone into defining my style. Since moving to Porto in February, I’ve been DJing regularly around Europe, which has allowed me to blend my identity with new influences from the European scene. It's like adding a unique color to my sound palette that continues to evolve.

 

One of your standout tracks, "Bionic Jungle" from Cyber Dystopia, has received a lot of attention. Can you tell us a bit about the story behind this track and what you hope listeners take away from it?

"Bionic Jungle" was inspired by the contrast between nature and technology, reflecting the dualities we experience in modern life. I aimed to create a sonic landscape that immerses listeners in this theme by combining animalistic elements with robotic, futuristic sound effects. It’s a blend of organic and synthetic textures, intended to evoke both the wildness of nature and the precision of technology. I hope listeners feel this exact message and introspection while dancing, allowing them to connect with the music in a way that encourages exploring their thoughts and emotions.

 

You've toured some legendary clubs like Berghain and Bassiani. How does playing in such iconic venues influence your approach to DJing, and is there a particular memory from your tours that stands out?

Well, you’ve just mentioned the two best clubs in the world—at least for me haha! I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to play at these iconic venues. The energy and history in these spaces push me to explore and challenge myself every time I step into the booth.

One standout memory was my debut set at Berghain, where I was doing the opening act. Many of my friends from Brazil came to support me, which was heartwarming and made it feel like home. It was really special to see so many familiar faces in the crowd, and I think I did my job pretty well, considering the responsibility of doing the opening. Another unforgettable moment was at guess what? Bassiani! where I played during a peak time slot. There was an overwhelming sense of resistance and freedom in the air—an intensity that’s hard to describe. It was sick!

With your sets often being described as immersive and psychedelic, what’s the experience you aim to create on the dancefloor? Are there certain emotions or visuals that you hope resonate with the crowd?

For me, it’s all about storytelling. My main goal as a DJ is to create sonic narratives that guide listeners through a range of feelings and vibes. I try to craft an immersive experience where the music transports them, tapping into feelings of euphoria, introspection, and even nostalgia. Each track is a part of this journey, I always try to keep connected with the crowd in a way that invites them to lose themselves and explore different layers of emotion.

 

Thanks again for taking the time, is there anything else you would like to add?

I’m excited about what the future holds and look forward to sharing more music with everyone. 2024 has been a quieter year in terms of new productions, perhaps because of this transitional period moving to Europe. But I’m thrilled to say there’s a lot of fresh Marcal music ready to come to light in 2025. I appreciate everyone’s support and can’t wait for you all to hear what’s next. Thanks for having me!

 

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