Marise Cardoso heralds a new breed of planet-conscious DJs. For this week’s special issue, Kate Dobinson meets the musical yogi to discuss the architecture of life and the importance of giving back.
Asia de Cuba’s new resident DJ was blessed as both a logical left brainer and a free-spirited right brainer. The Brazilian’s architectural background is a world away from another in which she produces and composes electronic music, organises international music festivals and creates projects to save the world. Marise Cardoso is role model material. And oh, she is also a passionate yogi, so we roll out our mats and meditate on how to be a dual-brained DJ.
Why do they call you the ‘dijiva?’ What kind of diva behaviour are you getting up to?
It’s not so much of my intention to be a diva, my DJ name is a tribute to my mother called Iva.
How would you describe your personality?
Tropical soul with a restless spirit. Open minded, sensible and enthusiastic.
How have you fostered both passions for architecture and the arts?
Architecture was a very natural choice to me. The opportunity to develop complementing fields including art, history, urbanism, social sciences, psychology, engineering, learning how to reason in terms of space and time. This career attracts the most creative and romantic minds in the world, because the architect is a sort of inventor. There is absolutely no monotony in life and you can use your skills in different ways because each project is different, challenging and exciting.
Can you tell us the story of how you put together 189 MHZ and Barcelona festivals?
I arrived in Barcelona in 2000 with a firm intention to settle myself in a foreign country, working with music and culture that are the aspects in which I consider myself offering the most. This entrepreneurship and good connections with artists from different fields were key to create 189 MHZ and start developing festivals and cultural events in Europe. My main and older project is the Pulgas Mix dedicated to new trends in fashion, music and recycling, of which more than 20 editions were released in 10 years. Also important are the Femelek Festival which is a platform for women, art and technology and The Planet Thanks project, which is focused in creative recycling activities to the children.
How do you fit everything in with your residency now?
The internet has created a space in which all ideas and collaborations are possible to develop, no matter where you are.
When is the time or space when your best ideas come to you?
This is very unpredictable, it can happen when I am on the beach, totally relaxed or when I´m super busy and a melody comes into my mind as if telling me, ‘Hey girl, here I am, let’s compose a new song?’30
How did you find growing up in Brazil? And where does your love of music come from?
I was born in a very musical environment. My father is a vinyl collector and my passion for old records started from a very young age. I use to spend hours in front the speakers with the vinyl covers in my hands imagining the band playing inside. At eight years of age I began to study in an excellent music school in Brasilia, playing violoncello in orchestras until I attended university.
Did you always want to be a DJ or was it more a path of putting together bits and pieces of everything you loved?
My first experience DJ-ing was in a party playing with old and dusty vinyl of a friend, very spontaneous. The people got crazy, asking me to play music in other parties, and warming up in live shows. Then, when I went to Barcelona with my records I found a very interesting and prolific musical scene Global Beats, and I began to DJ in the first week. After years DJ-ing in clubs and festivals all over Europe, the natural course was to compose and produce my own music. I began to go deep in the studies of electronic music production and the project Nsista was born, in collaboration with my young and talented sister Amarilis. We’ve toured more than 20 countries in Latin America, Europe and Asia in the last five years with a colourful and original audiovisual performance.
How long have you practiced yoga for?
I began to practice a few years ago and since then I have tried styles such as Hatha, Vinyasa Flow, Bikram, and Ashtanga in different countries with amazing teachers. Yoga has so much more to offer than flexibility and the idea of garnering a strong body. The practice helps us to focus on the moment, accepting yourself exactly as you are, here and now. Yoga increases your energy level and productivity, replenishing the mind and body with precious energy needed to respond to daily tasks and challenges, reminding how capable we actually are. I love to do my practice in open air and public spaces, and Abu Dhabi is a perfect city to do it. I used to attend the classes organized by the Raw-Yoga Meetup Group on the Corniche and El Mushrif Central Park. One of my favorite yoga poses is the Virabhadrasana or Warrior II.
What are your typical health and fitness habits?
I am vegetarian and attempt to prioritise the consumption of local, fresh and seasonal products. I´m always looking for try new flavours from Asia de Cuba´s Ceviche Bar. I try to be really aware about my ecological footprint, which depends upon the small choices that we make in our everyday life, such as what kind of products to purchase, the importance of recycling, saving water and how much we drive.
Do you sip water behind the decks or are you keen on Asia de Cuba’s mocktail menu?
When I’m DJ-ing I drink water, but after work there is nothing like one of the Asia de Cuba mocktails to relax, especially thanks to the great atmosphere and views.
What is the secret to a happy life?
Be yourself. Trust in your dreams and abilities, never stop learning, be thankful and smile.
Find Marise Cardoso playing regularly at Asia de Cuba. Follow her on twitter @Marise_Cardoso and find out more at www.nsista.net. Nation Riviera Beach Club, Corniche West (02 699 3333).
Insta-follow… Angela Müller-Habig
It seems Angela (pictured here with Marise) never sleeps as Abu Dhabi goes dotty for yoga. The Brazilian is a full time instructor at Bodytree Studio, and she comes with glowing recommendation from novices to advanced yogis looking for everything from Xtend Barre to Pilates. In need of inspiration? Follow Angela on Instagram @SweetMissAngie
Mon-Fri, 7pm-2am. Class rates from Dhs60. Bodytree Studio, Al Bateen. For class schedules, visit www.bodytreestudio.com (02 443 4448).
Last night a DJ saved my life
Avicii
Having travelled all corners of the world seeing poverty first hand, Avicii and his manager Ash Pournouri set up non-profit, House for Hunger. House music stands for love and unity and the two-time Grammy nominated DJ aims to channel this into his charity work and to mobilise young people to help the cause.
www.houseforhunger.org
Steve Aoki
The vegan punk DJ takes a proactive stance when it comes to social and humanitarian issues. His annual charity campaign ‘Aokifies’ (or donates) to a different organization every year. Last year, one dollar from every gig ticket sold went to a disaster relief fund, this year fans can vote for which one of four brain foundations he will help.
www.steveaokifund.com
David Guetta
The multi award-winning hit maker teamed up with the United Nations for World Humanitarian Day as part of social media campaign #TheWorldNeedsMore. He created a new track, ‘One Voice’ and its video and Twitter feed was projected onto walls of UN headquarters. Each tweet and RT raised one dollar for victims of typhoon Haiyan.
www.worldhumanitarianday.org
