Contributing Writer
DIRTYBIRD has just signed on its youngest artist ever. Meet Cour T., a 17 year-old DJ and producer and Brazil’s latest dance music export,. Real name Vinicius Bitencourt, the ripe artist has taken his learnings from the Yellow DJ Academy and has just released his second track on DIRTYBIRD label, ‘Jungle Joker.’
Having just made his USA debut at Dirtybird Campout this month, we chatted with the young creative to learn about how he came to join the DIRTYBIRD flock, his plans for the future, and the inside scoop on Brazil’s dance music scene.
How did you and Claude meet?
I first heard the sound of Claude in my brother’s car. It was the track “Make A Cake,” and since then I fell in love with that style of music. I had the opportunity to meet him in person at Dirtybird Campout; it was awesome and exciting.
You were born and raised in Brazil. Do you see yourself staying there for awhile to build your career, especially after starting to earn some global success, or do you see yourself moving to a city with a bigger music market like LA, Berlin, NY, London, etc?
Certainly the scene outside Brazil is much bigger and different. I believe that outside my country I will be most successful in my career, at least when it comes to touring.
Who are your largest musical influences? Both non-electronic and electronic.
Electronic: I can cite as my biggest influences:
– Holt88
– Bruno Furlan
– Claude VonStroke
– Christian Martin
Non-electronic: I take everything for reference, absolutely everything. The mix of sounds of different styles I think explains well my productions.
‘Black Magic’ was your first release on DIRTYBIRD Records. Was this the first demo you ever sent in?
Black Magic was the first demo I sent to them. Amazingly it also seemed like the first track I finished completely that sounded good to me.
What are your goals as an artist? Where do you see yourself in five years?
My goals are to get to know various countries through music, and spread that feeling that electronic music brings us back. Five years from now I intend to be playing at major festivals in Brazil and abroad
Considering your younger age, when did you realize that you wanted to DJ as a career, and when did you begin your education at the Yellow DJ academy? Are you planning on continuing studies and entering another field as backup, or going full-time into music?
I started my DJ lessons at Yellow in late 2016. At first it was just a hobby, but by the end of the course I already knew that this was what I wanted for the rest of my life. I intend to follow firmly in the music, which no doubt is my greatest passion.
You just played your first American show at the Dirtybird Campout. What are your initial thoughts on the dance music crowd in the USA?
Dirtybird Campout was insane not only as a music career experience but also a life experience. The vibe of the American public is very different from what I was used to. I’d like to participate more in it all and hope to return soon
There seems to be a huge house music movement in Brazil, with many artists coming out of the country lately and becoming stars. How is the artistic community there in general? Are you close with other more established artists, or have gotten mentorship from there? Would you say it’s more competitive, or supportive?
A few months ago, I was having a remarkable recognition in Brazil. I talked to some big names in the scene and got good feedback and support from them. In Brazil the scene is more competitive; few artists help each other to grow, and unfortunately, we are in a kind of bubble and alienated in sound issues. It’s always the same kind of sound at shows, and people do not have an open mind for different things.
After entering the ‘real world’ of music, what are some of the most surprising things you have learned about the industry?
In the music industry there is room for everyone, we just have to figure out where we fit in. Contrary to what many people think, it takes a lot of work and dedication to get results and they do not come overnight. Things take time to start working; focus and perseverance is the secret of the industry!
What’s one more thing you’d like our readers to know about you?
I ask you to stay connected to my social media, as I’m always bringing music and event news. Thank you very much to those who follow me already!