Clubhouse Selections: Renata Do Valle
When it comes to music, it’s a fundamental for us.
It’s a pillar which has inspired, energised and made us who we are, on both a personal level and as a brand.
With that, It’s an aspiration of ours to bring our love of sound to the centre stage and in turn share the gift of music with our community.
‘Clubhouse Selections’ is a dedicated and curated playlist series which is focused on sharing the talents and tastes of our favourite artists, DJ’s and record selectors.
Each series is approached with an open brief, allowing each artist to express themselves truly through the lens of Café Mountain, sharing their most treasured tracks.
Welcoming Renata Do Valle to the Clubhouse!
Renata has long been on our list of top DJ’s and selectors, known for carefully curating the sounds, aesthetics, and flavours of her South American roots whilst paying homage the past, present and future sounds of her adopted city, New York.
A regular in many NYC clubs and the captain of her own Hello Sailor record label, Renata seeks to navigate through unexplored musical territories, and give her discoveries the platform they deserve through her eclectic DJ sets which have taken her all over the world.
Renata’s Clubhouse Selections takes a immersive yet delicate approach, which gives a subtle nod to the season’s change. Expect summer sounds that are perfect for both relaxing at home too or on your next outdoor venture.
Alongside opening our Clubhouse Selections series, Renata kindly sat down with us to discuss finding romance in the small things, being authentic to yourself and keeping your flow in a busy city.
Click here to listen to ‘Clubhouse Selections: Renata Do Valle’
CM: Hey Renata, thank you very much for getting involved with the Clubhouse Selections series! I've long been a fan of your DJing and music curation, but for those who aren't familiar, could you introduce yourself and what you do?
Renata Do Valle: My pleasure, thanks for having me! I've been a DJ and music curator based in Brooklyn NY since 2009. I was born and raised in southern Brasil, and since moving to the US, I've immersed myself in the musical realm. Motivated by my homesickness, I made it my mission to bring to the spotlight lesser-known sounds from Brasil and beyond, through my imprint Hello Sailor Recording and DJ sets.
CM: From your regular Lot Radio shows to your highlight Dekmantel Selectors set (Best mix of 2022 for me!), I'm always stunned by the flurry of unheard sounds in your sets. Having earned a reputation for being a curious digger, could you give us insight into what drives your curiosity and desire to explore music in this way?
Renata Do Valle: Ah, happy to hear it! I had a blast indeed. Guess I've developed through the years my own style that works well for me. Being true to yourself and sticking to your intuition comes out the most genuine to me. I've been told so many things but have always stuck to what feels most natural and organic. This means, there's no rule book on how you should be DJing, but the storytelling, the music selection, and being curious, and adventurous in your research, are how I enjoy playing music. I unashamedly mix different Bpm and genres. I rather play a song from beginning to end because there's a very sick instrumental portion that I don't want to cut out just for the sake of a good transition, I rather focus on the song itself. I often play Latin-infused worldly sounds and elements that resonate with my aesthetic. I've always been a very curious individual and it is reflected in my profession. mostly due to nostalgia, having left my homeland, navigated across seas, and touched different territories, it's in my DNA. hence the name on my label. I find romance in little things and weave it into everything I do.
CM: As you mentioned, you were born in Brasil but now a longtime New Yorker, are there any favourite spots to dig for records in the city and how does it compare to looking for records online?
Renata Do Valle: I have a couple of favorites I like going to, like Superior Elevation and A1 Records. I definitely enjoy in-person interactions versus staring at your laptop, which I also do a lot but nothing beats riding my bike on a sunny day, browsing and listening through records, grabbing a coffee/tea afterward, stopping by a bookshop, all an essential part of a good self-care routine to stay sane in NYC!
CM: Aside from the record stores, how do you find your balance in the hustle and bustle of the city? Are there any routines you have in place to keep you calm and connect with nature?
Renata Do Valle: I do a lot of the above to stay balanced but also do Yoga classes, ride my bike, and try to get out of the city as much as possible for hikes and the beach during the summer. I have a little park near my home that I often go to lay on the grass to read a book, catch some vitamin D and meditate. NY is one of the most unnatural places on earth, and being born on an island surrounded by beaches, I struggle a bit to survive here. It's not my natural habitat. It's a constant love & hate relationship living here for sure, but I love it (laughs).
CM: I often find myself listening to your mixes on those crisp spring days to add a little extra sunshine and your Street Soul Brasil (1987-1995) compilation has soundtracked many a summer day spent outdoors with friends. Could you give us an insight into the inspiration and intention behind your Clubhouse Selections?
Renata Do Valle: It’s spring in the northern hemisphere and everything is blooming, the sun shining. So I put together a Saturday-Sunday vibes playlist, my selections here are typically what I enjoy listening to on my weekends at home or while walking in the woods. some Ambient, jazz, funk, and soul-sprinkled songs, touching different sound territories around the globe. I hope you enjoy it too!
Special shout to Renata for being so open to sharing her philosophy and insight into her creativity.
Renata wears the Clubhouse Tee, Mushroom Cord Cap and 1960 Tote Bag.
Make sure to follow Renata here, to stay up to date with her.
Click here to listen to ‘Clubhouse Selections: Renata Do Valle’