Paulete Lindacelva showcases her tropical kaleidoscope of musical references in her debut EP.
Text and interview by Dimas Henkes // @dimashenkes
Photography by Caia Ramalho // @caiaramalho
Paulete Lindacelva, a multi-artist from Pernambuco who currently resides in São Paulo, has created a legion of fans and become one of the most wanted DJs to command the best dance floors in Brazil. Her research is a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of House, Disco, Groovy sounds, and tropical rhythms, reflecting her deep connections to the iconic legacy of Chicago House Music and Brazilian rhythms. In her debut EP, "Guabiraba Chicago," Paulete showcases her ability to blend pulsating rhythms with Brazilian poetry, creating an immersive auditory experience that is extremely fresh and innovative. The EP is a journey where each beat is meticulously crafted to evoke a sense of euphoria and liberation, and like the Greek mythological figure Midas, everything she touches turns to gold.
The essence of Paulete's sound lies in its inclusivity and celebration of diversity, reflecting her strong and playful personality. It’s no wonder that we hear her iconic laughter in "Cantinela (Jam do Amor)" and immediately feel contagious joy and the urge to dance. According to Paulete, this work is about the encounters she has had over her 10-year career, especially in São Paulo, and she doesn’t come alone: with collaborations from Paola Lappicy, L_cio, Gabto, and BADSISTA, the album represents a party with the best lineup you can find in São Paulo. It is this ability to bring together brilliant people that makes her a central figure in the contemporary Brazilian music scene.
Photography by Caia Ramalho // @caiaramalho
What truly elevates Lindacelva’s sound is her deep and authentic research of references—from Frankie Knuckles to Denise Assunção. Whether she is playing in a club or a more intimate bar, her performance is always characterized by an unbridled passion for music and an intuitive understanding of making her audience dance. Her work is not just about playing and producing tracks; it’s about creating a safe and fun experience on the dance floor. Certainly, she has already made her mark in music with her first EP—and the future is at her feet.
The EP was release June 20th through Perfect Estado label. You can listen in their Soundcloud or Bandcamp.
D: I want to start by asking about your neighborhood Guabiraba. What was your first contact with electronic music when you still lived there?
P: In the North and Northeast, a phenomenon very similar to what happens in Rio occurs, which is the sampling and creation of Brazilian edits and versions of foreign songs. This happened a lot with Brega, which kind of generated the subgenre Tecnobrega that I am completely in love with. I remember in between shows at the neighborhood radio parties playing these songs, and one I remember and love a lot is Itamaraty by the band Fruto Sensual, which is a “brazilian version” of Perfect Lover by Company B.
D: The electronic music scene in the Northeast, especially in Recife, is very prosperous. Who are your references from there?
P: I have friends and people I’ve exchanged ideas with who are very unique researchers to me. I mention here Sosha (Sócrates Alexandre), Igea Martins, Linda Demorrir, and Caetano Costa.
D: And what are the essential references from Guabiraba Chicago?
P: I think it's quite complex to express because I go through many places, but I would say it's a mix of Joe Smooth, Frankie Knuckles, sambas, afoxés, maracatus, Denise Assunção, and good friendships.
D: You said your EP is a celebration of the encounters you had in São Paulo since your arrival. How was that arrival?
P: I arrived in São Paulo on a bus that brings people who go shopping in Brás coming from Brasília. I think that already says a bit that it's not the most romantic relationship. I created incredible bonds that helped me rethink my relationship with the city and manage to build a dream, because when I arrived, my only focus was to survive and get a job. I achieved that. But more than that, I managed to foresee a future and my dream.
Photography by Caia Ramalho // @caiaramalho
D: And how is the celebration of 10 years of your DJ career?
P: It’s a delight!
D: You are unanimously adored on the dance floors in Brazil, and we know that is something very rare. What is your secret?
P: I like to create emotional memories, make people create pleasant memories, and revisit other memories through music. At least, I believe I do!
D: Jokes aside, your DJ sets reflect your personality full of sympathy and good humor. How do you manage to mix all this so well?
P: I think I love what I do very much. I don't romanticize it because it’s a hard process, but I love music and its transformative capacity.
D: And how was it to express your personality in the creation of these six songs?
P: It was a process that came from a mind squeeze! But it was pleasurable to live through this and share it with other artists and learn. The studio experience was very enriching.
D: In some songs, we hear your voice, which is not very common in the releases we see in our scene. How was the process of recording your voice? Was there any insecurity?
P: Certainly! I have a heavy dysphoria with my voice, but I like the idea of contradicting myself or being a contradiction. It makes me feel alive.
D: And what was your favorite part of the entire production process?
P: Being in the studio. Listening to and seeing how each person produces, the things that influence each one's work, the sounds. It was definitely the most fun thing.
D: And how do you feel now that it’s finally time to release your own work to the world?
P: I don't know if it was the right time. I just said “I want it” and went for it.
D: You’re going on your second tour in Europe. Which countries are you going to play in? Are you excited to see the reception of your music on European dance floors?
P: I'll be playing in Portugal, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Poland, Turkey, and I think a few more. And yes, I’m super anxious to feel the dance floors not only there but especially here.
D: A message for those who will listen to the EP:
P: Listen carefully, and if you want to critique me, remember it’s my first work!
Have fun, beautiful faces!