BRIAN CUA is a Filipino who came from the music advertising scene and who shows identity and a lot of creativity playing an important role in the current scene with his versatility to produce new sounds and beats.
“...I would tell my younger self to take more musical risks and get a music degree…”
Colors DJ couldn’t help noticing such talent and decided to leave it in the hands of our special reporter, DJ and Producer Jeff Valle, who interviewed him and understood a little more about this artist and how his mind works:
Tell us about your story. How was your relationship with music from your childhood until nowadays? What kind of advice would you give to the younger brian?
My love for music was quite accidental. My mother forced me as a child to have piano lessons to go with my sister so that I wouldn’t bother her at home, haha! But, it turned out I was better than my sister. And it was in high school that I discovered I can play the piano by ear, it was like discovering I have super powers. But… As the years went by, as all our talents and gifts came from God, that was how I viewed my music: it was always for His glory, and it was not all about me. I am very fortunate to have this my career, my livelihood and my legacy. Despite this, I would tell my younger self to take more musical risks and get a music degree haha!
“I’m constantly learning about music distribution, social media and content creation, because unfortunately, you have to learn that to get a piece of the pie” – Brian Cua.
What do you have to say about the current changes in the electronic scene and how do you see yourself in it?
The electronic music scene has always been vibrant, adventurous and innovative as long as I can remember. There is no shortage of inexpensive music tools and almost anyone can create decent music, unlike before. I think what has to be improved is the way the newer players can distribute their music fairly without having to compete expensively against the big players. I am constantly learning about music distribution, social media and content creation, because, unfortunately, one has to learn these in order to get the piece of the pie.
Techno music has been standing out and gaining worldwide popularity. What is your opinion about it?
It’s about time really. Techno has been the backbone of EDM and house music. Every DJ that started out has always some background that started in house or techno music. So, now, you have heard its influence cross-spreading into future rave, tech house, melodic tech, big room house. It’s very exciting really. I always dream of a day where there’s no sub-genres anymore and people just come to enjoy music as a whole.
“I believe that music should be inspired not just by music, but by all senses of art” – Brian Cua.
I noticed lots of diversity in your latest releases. Tell us about the creation process and who inspires you the most.
What I do is check all kinds of charts and let them marinate inside my mind. I also visit a lot of museums and art installations. I believe music should be inspired not just by music but by all senses of art. Right now, my main musical influences are Morten, Space 92, Will Sparks, Umek, John Summit, Vintage Culture to name a few.
Do you have a favorite genre to produce?
I always find it easy to produce vocal house music, like I can do it in my sleep, haha! But now, I really like a hybrid of techno and circuit house because people have always told me it couldn’t be done.
Tell us about your music references and how you found your unique sound.
Music is like a sound puzzle. You have to think in terms of rhythm, harmonies and frequencies (sorry for being technical), but that is the basic requirement to make it sound pleasing. You have to play around with other sounds, but still keep in line with what you want to achieve, whether it’s for a big room or just for one’s listening pleasure.
For example, on my track “Magbabaya’ (out now on QSquared Records), I envisioned putting a Philippine ethnic sound over a melodic/percussive tech sound. I lay out all the sounds on the computer and find ways to make them fit. Sometimes by tweaking these elements, you will find some happy ‘accidents’. Therefore, you discover your own sound and if it’s nice, stick with it. Fortunately, with my years as a music producer for commercials, my instinct has been honed by many happy ‘accidents’ and critiques.
Describe your music on technical terms.
Polyrhythmic, with a recurring musical riff, but I guess that’s what one would expect in most productions, haha! But, I will always introduce an element not found in most productions.
What would you do if you weren’t a DJ/producer?
I would probably be a boring businessman or I’d be in a software related industry, haha!
Can you send a message to your fan base and to the warm Brazilian crowd?
Hello to my Brazilian friends. Thank you for your support over the years. I am truly humbled that my music has reached you guys. Honestly, a lot of Brazilian DJs have influenced my circuit music side and now I use them to inspire me. I hope I get to play there someday!
