Kino & Emilio - What You Gonna Play?

The words Phonotheque and Montevideo have been flying around in the last year and to those that have never been to what has become a world–renowned club or heard one of the DJs play could perhaps be quite perplexed as to why. Listen to some of the mixes recorded at Phonotheque and uploaded on their SoundCloud - it's a journey for the mind, body and soul.  A style that mirrors their own hybrid of a country and the significance placed on culture whilst accrediting itself to the "school" curated by DJ Koolt and Nicolas Lutz, and inspired by Bruno Gervais. A style now established after many years in the making (whether intentionally or not!). Romania curated its sound, and Uruguay has too.

In fact the irony lies in the hype surrounding these DJs, who in reality are pretty low key. Two proponents of this movement Kino and Emilio, residents of Phonotheque since the club’s opening in 2013, look to DJ Koolt and Nicolas Lutz for their principal inspiration in addition to the strong and supportive DJ community around them. But they do have their own style going on - you’d have to if you’re playing on an almost weekly basis at the ‘Robert Johnson equivalent’. Two people with different upbringings, approaches and tastes but with that common addiction that binds them: Music!

Already playing the way they did in 2014 (Emilio @ Phonotheque 29/03/14 Pt.1 & Kino @Phonotheque 24/10/14) you can imagine their level today, so don’t miss the chance to check them out while they're in Europe. In the meantime you can get cosy with a virtual introduction...

Hi Kino and Emilio! Whilst we’re approaching our Summer in Europe, you’re at the end of it. How has yours been?

Kino: We had a really nice summer… spending our time with friends in a house by the sea.

Emilio: Enjoying the beach life.

Where did you enjoy going or playing?

Kino: I don’t play a lot in January and February. I have more gigs during the winter until the end of December.

Emilio: I played occasionally by the beach, but actually I play much more during the winter too.

Are you both working in Montevideo? Did you both grow up in the city?

Kino: I was born and grew up in Montevideo. When I was 20 years old I moved to Buenos Aires, lived there for three years and moved back to Montevideo. Relating to my job I’ve been working as a chef until not long ago. I left that job to concentrate more on music.

Emilio: At the moment I am not working. I spend my time with music. I was born in Montevideo but I grew up in San José which is a city in the countryside more or less 90km up north. I came to Montevideo when I was 18 or 19. Now I’m 34.

How did you meet?

Kino: We met 5 years ago… we have so many friends in common.

Emilio: In parties, afters etc. Here the music scene is small. We all know each other sooner or later!

How did the involvement with Phonotheque come about?

Kino: We’ve been friends with Christian since many years. We were there when the club first opened and helped to set it up.

Emilio: Then gradually we became more and more involved.

How do you see the growth and development of Phonotheque?

Kino: Phonotheque has grown in all the senses. They’re always trying to improve the situation for the clubbers and the DJs.

Emilio: It just keeps getting better! They take care of all the details to create the best experience, for everyone. There’s a lot of love and dedication there.

Do you feel like it’s a good place to learn the craft of DJing? Or do you have to already be at a high standard before you can get on to those decks?

Kino: Phonotheque’s standard has always been high. That’s good for everybody, something to aspire to whether you’re a new or experienced DJ.

Emilio: It’s a bit of both. You’re always learning a lot all your life but yes I think that you’re doing your best if you play there, for yourself and for the people that come to listen to your music.

When’s your favourite time to play?

Kino: I don’t have a time preference. Playing at Phonotheque is always good. You always have fun.

Emilio: For me is the same, I don’t mind when to play. Each set time has its positive points and challenges. It’s good to play at any time!

What have been some of your favourite nights?

Kino: There’s a lot, I can’t choose!

Emilio: A lot! It’s always a really interesting experience playing in the club so it’s hard to say which ones were the best.

How did you learn how to mix?

Kino: I learnt with a friend who at the time was already learning and gave me a few basic tips.

Emilio: I started to play at the end of 2010. DJ Koolt was my teacher.

And your biggest inspirations?

Kino: We have so many, extending beyond the scene… but to name some I’d say Nicolas Lutz, DJ Koolt and Franco Digregorious.

Emilio: and our closest friends are our inspirations without a doubt. I don’t want to make a list and leave someone out of it.

Kino: Basically anyone who’s pure in his feeling for what he does, that person can be an inspiration.

The shipping costs can be a pain when ordering records from abroad. How do you manage it?

Kino: Shipping costs are a big issue. Usually when we buy records we choose countries with the cheapest international shipping. This filters some sellers. It’s complicated, but we all do it, it’s part of the job – to choose well and pay as less as possible.

Emilio: Maybe our collection would have been three times bigger if we lived in Europe. We dig and dig, a lot. We buy cheap records and we try to choose only the ones that are the most "critical" but it doesn’t always happen!

Emilio, you went to Europe a few years ago and spent 3 months just digging. Where did you start and where did you end? Which places were the most interesting for you?

It’s true. My trip was really nice. I was in Barcelona, Toulouse, Paris, Brussels, Antwerp, Rotterdam, Amsterdam and Berlin. I can tell you that in Barcelona I found a lot of good music, also in Rotterdam, Berlin too. In any case there’s good music everywhere, you just need to dig properly. It takes a lot of time and patience. I’ll be back for a month or so, playing in Russia, Spain, UK, Germany and France. London - 9th June.

Talking of Europe, Kino you're over here for a few months. What's your plan and when will you visit us in London?

I arrived in Europe a few weeks ago. Right now I’m in Paris and then over to Amsterdam to do some record shopping, after I’ll be back in Berlin. May 12 – London, followed by Mallorca, Barcelona, Frankfurt.

Kino you recently became part of the SIXNINES agency- how did this collaboration come about?

Susana contacted me when she learnt that I was coming to Europe, she’s helped me with my bookings/dates. we have a very good relationship. They have a really nice group.

Can each of you share a favourite classic UK track?

Kino:

Cabaret Voltaire

Inside The Electronic Revolution

Emilio:

GAK (Aphex Twin)

GAK 3

Kino & Emilio - What You Gonna Play?

Translated by Benedetta Brandoni