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WELKER sat down with us to chat about growing up in Brazil, why he loves Los Angeles, his top moments from this year, and what’s to come from his project in 2025.
WELKER (real name Eduardo Welker) produces infectious beats and continues to hook audiences and fellow artists as his repertoire grows. Hailing from Brazil, this rising act immersed himself in the dance music hotbed from a young age. In 2022, he gained momentum on Beatport when his collaborative EP with Teko, Like This, reached the top slot in the bass house category.
For WELKER, 2024 has been a year of full-circle moments as he further solidified himself as a name to know. In May, he performed in LA at an underground event hosted by UNDERWAR3, mixing seductive, hypnotic grooves and dishing out a dance party for the books. He’s also gained recognition from the very artists who inspired him to create. CamelPhat, Max Styler, Solomun, Illusionize, Vintage Culture, and others have rinsed his unreleased music during major sets worldwide.
WELKER has quietly been on the grind producing original tunes, and he recently took to Instagram to share clips of at least six unreleased IDs, giving his audience a glimpse of what’s cooking for 2025. Before the new year takes hold, he’s gone on the record discussing his past, present, and future.
Listen to WELKER’s exclusive guest mix on SoundCloud, and read on for the full conversation.
Stream EDMID Guest Mix 451 || WELKER on SoundCloud:
How would you describe your journey into music? Can you share some of your earliest influences from when you were growing up in Brazil?
Since I was little, I’ve always been deeply connected to music. I remember my dad had these big speakers and would buy tons of CDs, playing everything at full volume. He would make me dance with him in the living room, and those moments are forever etched in my memory.
Later on, a stepdad came into my life and introduced me to several classic bands, like Pink Floyd. I actually have three of their albums tattooed, haha. This happened when I was about eight years old.
Also, in the region where I was born in Brazil, electronic music has always been very popular. I went to an underground nightclub for the first time when I was 12, and ever since, my passion for house music has only grown stronger.
Within the scene, what or who has impacted you as an artist and drew you to the type of music you create now?
Solomun is, without a doubt, the artist who has had the greatest impact on my career. I’ve been following his work for years and admire his ability to always bring something new and innovative to his performances. CamelPhat also influences me a lot, with their impeccable productions that balance deep, heavy, and danceable elements. And finally, Vintage Culture, one of the biggest names in Brazilian electronic music, is a great inspiration for his constant reinvention.
You’re currently living in Los Angeles, one of the biggest hubs for dance music. What’s your favorite aspect of the scene there? Is there anything you don’t enjoy about it?
I love Los Angeles because it’s a city where everyone can express themselves however they want, not just in music but in any art form or lifestyle. I love the diversity here. It definitely inspires me and has helped me find myself artistically, and there’s nothing I don’t like about it here.
Last month was huge for you, with your tracks played by Solomun, CamelPhat, Max Styler, Innellea, Gordo, and more. What does it feel like seeing such great support from these artists?
Honestly, it’s inexplicable! [Laughs] It’s definitely something I’ve been striving for for a long time, but it still doesn’t feel real. To think that my biggest inspirations are supporting my art is incredible for me. I hope it continues like this for a long time; it’s been amazing.
Can we expect some of these tunes, especially “Batucada,” to be released soon?
Yes, you can expect more! Not just the “Batucada” track, but many others will be released in 2025. I get messages almost every day asking when my music will be released, and I love it. I’m also really excited to see everything released, and I have a lot of news to share with you. I can’t wait!
Image Courtesy WELKER and Sunburn MgmtTell us about Groove Society Records! What led you to launch this imprint? Is there anything cooking for 2025?
Groove Society is a place that will explore all kinds of art, not just music. I had to pause the label to focus on my solo career for a while, but in 2025, I want to come back full force with Groove Society and release music from talented artists I admire. It will be a label without a specific genre, without limits, just like I don’t limit myself to a single style. But one thing is for sure: We’ll only release bangers.
With the dance music scene moving faster than ever with a growing number of releases every day, what do you think about the trajectory of the culture? Any prediction of where we are headed?
I believe the exponential growth of electronic music, both in terms of releases and fans, is a very positive sign. The more people connect with this universe, the more opportunities arise for everyone.
The market is becoming increasingly competitive, but I believe there is room for all types of artists. Those who prioritize numbers may find their audience, but I believe that artists who express their emotions and originality through music will have an even greater impact. Originality is fundamental in such a saturated market.
What was a “peak and a pit” of 2024 — as in, something amazing and something not so good?
The absolute peak of my year was definitely Solomun playing my tracks, and some others I can’t spill the beans on yet. Negatively, nothing much, just a ton of lessons learned.
Finally, what are you looking forward to in 2025? Are there any specific goals you’d like to achieve?
I believe 2025 will be a very productive year. I’ve been working on various projects for the past few years, and I’m excited to share them with the world. I don’t have any specific goals, but I would like to perform at some festivals and release in labels that I admire.
English (US) · 