We really tried to make an intro about Marcello Mansur aka DJ Meme, but since this guy is producing for 25 years it’s kinda hard, unless you would like to read a wall of text about his successes? Anyways he is a true Brazilian house master with whole bunch of releases and who remixed every major artist, such as Shakira, Mariah Carey, Dido or other house masters like Kenny Bobien and Frankie Knuckles. He is not releasing many tunes, but when he releases, it’s an instant bomb where his 23 gold, 15 platinum and 3 diamond records speaks for. They even call him Brazilian “Joey Negro” but we think Meme’s latin touch and fine soul and funky production speaks for himself. We have now exclusive interview for Electro Station readers with one and only – DJ Meme. So sip a cold drink, play some funky shit and enjoy in reading!

^1 Hello DJ Meme First things first, so can you introduce yourself to our readers?

My real name is Marcello Mansur. People started to call me Meme, cause it’s like the 2 initials of my names. Im a DJ since…well, I think since I found that football/soccer wasn’t my thing in a counyry that loves it so bad, and I had to find another way to socialize with boys and girls in my neighborhood, than I throw some parties in my apartment, as a way to sort it out. I was 11 years old at that time. I’ve been doing this forever, and never stopped.

^2 Lately you are getting really often on the scene with wicked releases. What is currently moving you to make music?

Thanks for your kind words. I’m not a freaky “track-releaser”. I do like one per year, but YES…lately I’ve been doing more. I think it’s because I found the cure to my laziness, and also to compensate my lack in 2010

^3 How would you describe sound you produce in the best way?

MUSICAL it’s the best word. My feelings are more based in chords and melodies than in any other part of a song, I reckon.

^4 When you look back at your past, you have a plenty of tracks, but if you need to say for one (or perhaps more?) what is your favorite tune? Personally, for me it’s remix for “Come Into Me Life”. Really digging this beauty.

I could go further , cause I’ve been doing it for so long , but probably FISH GO DEEP’s CURE AND THE CAUSE and KENNY BOBIEN’s I SHALL NOT BE MOVE are my favorites, specially cause both were responsable for a real turning point in my career.

^5 You have just released “Canto Pro Mar” and it’s dope! What’s the story behind it and what we can expect more from you this year?

This song is a quite old carnival track in Brazil. Since I heard it for the very first time, It never left my mind, and I felt I could use some parts of its chant to create a strong club track. I can say I was right !

^6 What’s your setup looks like in the studio and what do you prefer to use when your are DJing?

Right now, I’m building a new studio, so It’s a bit early to say anything, but I reduced my equipment to start using more virtual keyboards than before. I wasn’t a big fan of those, but they grew on me since the last 5 years. There are too many great sounds and instruments now, so I sold some of my hardware gear. I’m happy with that cause I love to have more space in my studio . For DJing I’ve been a big fan of Flash-drives…YES. I’m in love with those tiny lil’ things, and happy to leave my CD case at home. Obviously I’m using the Pioneer CDJs 2000.

^7 What’s a secret of good mix or live-set?

There’s no secret. You gotta have good taste to make something that most people like it. There’s no formula for that. You have it, or not.

^8 Your thoughts about the blogs/forums/sites that illegally share music for free are? This became our universal question and most of the answers were like “They are good for promotion but bad for labels”. What do you think?

I don’t question that anymore. It’s silly. That’s a reality. Who am i to go against that, and how ? It’s impossible. I feel that we are in the middle of a big move and future establishment.I just don’t know If it has an end. Probably it will be changing’ forever, for every new media created. I can’t call it IMPROVEMENTS, cause it hurts a lot of people, but I see more people happy than sad. If that so, how to change it ? We will remember that one day.

^9 It’s half of the 2011 passed. What tunes did stand out for the first part of 2011?

- DJ Meme pres Brazilianism – Canto pro Mar

 - Rouls and Doors – Gita

 - Human Life – In it together

 - Lem Springsteen – Seize the moment

 - Oliver S – Doing ya thang

^10 If you own a club – where would you put it on the map and what DJs would you bring as guests?

Probably in Italy , and House music DJs only. I’m not mentioning names, but that’s my sound.

^11 There are many new producers out there working their asses off to get into the spotlight. Who would you pick from young talents that we should watch out?

I can’t remember any new names now. Guy Robin was probably the last one on my list, but he’s an old dude now…lol ! I really love what Sean McCabe have been doing. I know he’s not a new kid on the block too, but he’s growing.

^12 Any last shot-outs for our readers, family or friends?

Remember: The chicken is the root of all funk !!

^13 Thank you DJ Meme for this lovely interview, keep up the good work and we wish you all the best!

Thank you very much for the smart and nice questions.

DJ Meme @ Beatport
DJ Meme @ Traxsource
DJ Meme @ Soundcloud
DJ Meme @ MySpace