Lisbon's music scene has evolved significantly over the years. From the soulful melodies of traditional fado, the city has transformed into a hub for some of Europe's most creative music scenes. Today, both home-grown and international artists and DJs grace the city, bringing a diverse and vibrant sound to Lisbon.
We met Mario over a cold beer—perfect for the Lisbon heat—to chat about his life between Lisbon and London, the evolving music scene in Lisbon, and his own musical journey. We then made a pit stop at Peekaboo Records, one of Lisbon’s premier record shops, to listen to some music before heading to Lounge, another legendary local nightspot that Mario programs.
Could you share a bit about yourself and your journey in music?
Mario: As a teenager, I was immersed in movies, visual arts, books, music, and pop culture. I had a soft spot for soundtracks and their ability to shape the rhythm and emotions of my favorite films. From a young age, I created "soundtracks" (what you’d now call mixtapes or playlists) on tape for every special moment—holidays, parties, trips—and shared them with friends.
I didn't know what it meant to be a real DJ, but I always felt the urge to have a song for every emotion, each with a different tune and vibe. When I got my first DJ residency at a punk rock club in ’94, I started using ideas from my favourite movies and visuals, mixing as many genres as possible.
I believed you can't play the same vibe forever; you need to slow down and try something else, giving people time to breathe between bangers. I continued working in film, writing, and graphic design until I decided to pursue music full-time. Even now, I'm inspired by everything that surrounds me and sparks my creativity.
In what ways has Lisbon fueled your creativity and motivation in music?
Mario: Frágil, the club, profoundly inspired me during the early 90s. Upon my initial visits, familiar faces greeted me: most of the DJs were my neighbors, living just blocks away. Slightly older than me, they all had their own bands, record labels, or radio shows, and I admired their work greatly. We began hanging out regularly, and I often accompanied them to the club to watch and learn from their performances.
While I don't believe Lisbon itself was my primary source of inspiration, as a teenager I was fortunate to travel extensively and acquired most of my records during these journeys. Had I been born elsewhere; my story would undoubtedly differ. At that time, Lisbon was still in its infancy in terms of independent programming; there wasn't much happening yet. So, I suppose I found myself in the right place at the right time, embarking on my journey of collaborating with DJs and bands as a programmer, while also honing my skills through my own DJ sets.
What inspired the creation of your playlist for Locke de Santa Joana, and do you have any favorite tracks from it?
Mario: I attempted to weave together the storyline of an entire night out, akin to a cinematic experience: starting with meeting friends, visiting a cozy bar, grabbing a snack, moving to a larger club, possibly ending with an afterparty at someone's place, and eventually winding down comfortably at home. The journey is melodic and occasionally laidback yet infused with bursts of energy, before gently returning to a familiar, tranquil atmosphere. There's an underlying sense of melancholy throughout, reflecting on the evening's experiences.
The soundtrack predominantly features new tracks, interspersed with hidden gems from the past few decades, providing a rich melodic backdrop. As most of the artists are friends, I refrain from playing favorites, out of respect for their contributions.
Reflecting on your recent celebration of 25 years of programming Lounge, how do you perceive the changes in Lisbon's music scene over this period?
Mario: The city has evolved significantly over the years. In the 90s, the scene was small and predominantly local, but today it has expanded to a global scale. Naturally, this transformation has impacted on the nightlife dramatically. Now, nightlife can be found throughout the city, with DJs arriving from all corners of the globe.
While I might reminisce on the intimacy of the past, where familiar faces were always present at local spots, it's important to recognise the positive changes. The growth of the community has fostered unparalleled creativity in recent years. This surge in creativity is a direct result of the scene's expansion and the diverse influences it now encompasses.
Locke de Santa Joana, Lisbon.
Need a place to stay? Lisbon is home to Locke’s latest outpost, Locke de Santa Joana – a converted 19th century convent near Avenida de Liberdade with coworking spaces, a courtyard, an outdoor pool, restaurants and bars.
