Cue Points: Branko
This is Cue Points, a new series where DJs get granular with current tracks in their sets, giving us the low-down on what makes them work.
It’s fair to say Branko likes to keep busy. The Portuguese DJ, producer and songwriter – real name João Barbosa – has worked on production for M.I.A, presented Portuguese travel TV series Club Atlas and was formerly part of EDM project Buraka Som Sistema. He also heads up Lisbon-based independent label Enchufada, which hosts monthly NTS show Enchufada Na Zona.
At the core of Branko’s multi-faceted work is an emphasis on platforming Portuguese-speaking music scenes – within which he himself is very much embedded – as well as honing in on his global music connections. This is evidenced on his own releases which feature a wealth of collaborations – with guest appearances from the likes of Zebra Katz, Dino D’Santiago, Princess Nokia and Mayra Andrade over the years since the release of his debut mixtape back in 2013.
For the second outing of Cue Points – ahead of his live performance at NOS Alive in Lisbon in July – Branko takes us on a journey through his sets. From a staple opener in his sets and the perfect tracks to switch up the mood to his favourite closing tune.
Pedro da Linha & Kelman Duran – Pusha
I like to start on a slower bpm and then bring the energy up on my own terms, so this track is something I include on most of my sets because it just has the energy even at a slower pace.
Vhoor – Cor de Pavão
This is a great track to transition into more of a club sound. Usually I just loop the berimbau loop and drop one of my tracks on top of it.
Ghetto Kumbe – Interludio
I love clean drum tracks and this is another great example of a tool I use to keep the energy going while keeping the mood where I want it. I usually just loop it and leave it playing at the same time as whatever I decide to play after it.
Johnny Bravo – Espirito Carnaval
Percussive vocal loops and drums. This is dancefloor heaven for me.
Populous – Alala
Amazing song to transition between moods, it just works on a bunch of different bpms. I have no idea why.
Pongo – Kuzola
More of a song structure style track that I love dropping halfway through my set to calm the mood a bit before adding a huge kick drum on top and getting back into it.
Daviaa & MRo – Breathe (Traz Agua Remix)
The right energy without having to go too crazy. Perfect club track.
Gafacci – Amazonto
Amazing tool from the genius Gafacci. I can’t really play amapiano on my sets, it’s just too much of a different energy compared to everything else i’m playing, so this is a way for me to tap into the sound while keeping the same energy. Azonto vs Amapiano.
Deekapz – Croma
Amazing track. Usually it’s hard to mix Baile Funk tunes with other tracks because of the characteristic drum shuffle that the drums have, but the way they kept the intro super clean makes it all come together.
Sade – By Your Side (Cottonbelly Fool’s Mix)
My favorite last song to play! I’ve probably heard this song millions of times and never get tired of it.
Branko plays NOS Alive, Portugal on 6-8 July
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