Hailing from Brazil, Lukas has become a prominent force in the global techno underground, known for his raw, high-octane sets that fuse driving rhythms with hypnotic textures. With a career spanning over two decades, he has built a reputation not only for his technical mastery behind the decks but also for his uncompromising artistic vision.
From his early days playing local parties to headlining renowned clubs and festivals across Europe and South America, Lukas has consistently pushed the boundaries of sound and performance. Co-founder of label Audiocode Records and also a prolific producer, DJ Lukas uses his platforms to champion emerging talent and keep the underground spirit alive.
We caught up with Lukas to talk about the underground scene in Brazil, how he stays inspired as an artist and the journey that shaped his sound.
Thank you for sitting down with us Lukas. First off, how did your journey into the world of DJing and techno music begin?
It started with the influence of a few very good friends. I used to be a clubber and raver, going out as much as I could and I used to show great interest in what the DJs were doing. Some of my friends noticed that it was kind of easy for me to spot mistakes, my obsession to watch and not just listen to the DJs and a rising strong interest for the culture and history involving this music.
One of these friends was a great House Music DJ and he had some gear at his house. It was a very simple and non ideal DJ equipment but it was the only person I knew with a mixer and decks at home. He invited me over to his place, explained the basic functions of the DJ gear, made a little record selection with some techno vinyl that he had as he knew techno was my favourite style and from this day on I never stopped. It was love at first kick (LOL).
Who were your biggest musical influences growing up, and how have they shaped your sound today?
Luckily I grew up in an environment where a wide range of different music was being listened to. I think this influenced me until this day. I used to and still listen to very different music. From classical to Metal. I really like to just let the mood of the day tell me what I need to listen to and I go with the flow.
What was the underground scene in Brazil like when you were starting out? Are there any particular differences vs other parts of the world?
The scene in Brazil when I started was young. It was still developing and most of what was being done was new and fresh for us. Biggest difference to other scenes I would say was the financial difficulties that we had just by being from Brazil. The country has a very high importation tax. This makes access to records, studio gear, music and light equipment in general very expensive, slow and difficult.
If you add that to the fact that there was not much money on the electronic scene yet, as it was still new and to be a DJ, promoter, or anything involved with that was a very difficult task. We used to pay double to buy what we needed and of course we were not paying double, in fact, the opposite of that.
Your sets are known for their raw energy – how do you prepare and get into the right frame of mind before going on stage?
For me it has always been very natural to go on stage. I dont have big rituals or preparations. I do take a moment to calm down and just focus and concentrate. I also stretch my wrists and fingers a little bit as i like to do some fast cuts and tricks and if my hands are not fast I can’t do them as sharp as I like to. And most importantly, I feel the crowd! I simply look at the dancefloor, focus on some people’s expressions and body language. I check if there is a general vibe, if people are on fire or if they are tired. Then I know what I have to do so people have a good time!
You’ve performed all over the world but which venue or crowd left a lasting impression you’ll never forget?
It’s hard to name one as I had amazing experiences throughout my career. I am lucky enough to say that I’ve had very special experiences many times. To highlight one so it doesn’t seem like I’m dodging the question, I would say that in my former club KRAFT in my hometown Campinas I have experienced the most incredible things.
What’s the number one thing on your rider you always look forward to?
The Gear!!! It’s very important for me to play in good conditions. So the DJ gear and the monitors have to be close to perfect, if not perfect.
Moving into production, can you walk us through your setup – what gear and software do you rely on most? And how has your producing evolved over the years?
I’m a very “In the box” producer. That means that I mostly work with digital plugins and softwares. I do have some hardware that I love but most of what I do is on the computer. My evolution process is still on. Every day I learn new and amazing things. This is one of the things that made me fall in love with this work and that keeps my passion very much alive. If you don’t stop digging, you never stop finding and learning and this is very exciting.
What’s one track you’ve made that holds special meaning to you, and why?
I’m not very attached to my music. There is one called “My Hero” that is special to me. It was made to pay tribute to one of the best people I ever met and one of my best friends. This friend is not among us anymore and I made an EP to express some of the feelings I was going through and to simply pay tribute to this amazing person.
How do you stay inspired and avoid burnout in such a demanding industry?
Inspiration can come from anywhere at any time. If you keep open, sensible and even vulnerable, inspiration will come and you will be able to feel it. As for avoiding burn outs, that’s a bigger challenge. I’ve had a few during my career so I’m sorry but I can’t give a secret formula for that not to happen. Being very passionate about what you do of course helps. Focusing on the good things around you and in the scene instead of choosing to look at the negative aspects is also very important. There is no secret formula. Being positive is the best advice I could give someone about this!
Outside of music, what other passions or hobbies do you have on your days off?
I’m a huge sports fan. It has always been a very important aspect of my life. Besides that, there are normal things like enjoying gastronomy, spending time with friends and family, watching some nice movies and series, traveling, listening to good music and so on!!
Finally, what’s your favourite track by another artist that you wish you’d made?
I never thought about it. Maybe “Smack My Bitch Up” by Prodigy. It blew my mind the first time I heard it back in the days and it still gives me goosebumps when I hear it.
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