Nia Archives on Her Trip to Rio de Janeiro
Nia Archives has had quite the rise, becoming a ubiquitous name in the electronic scene within the past year.
Known for her fresh, ‘future classic’ take on jungle, the producer has been taking over dancefloors across the UK – and the international festival circuit – this summer. The artist has more strings to her bow, however, and can count visual artist and director as just a few of her many skills. For her latest single, Baianá, Nia drew upon Brazilian influences, working with the Brazilian choir Barbatuques, and rooting through her samba and Bossa Nova playlist for songs to sample.
Accompanying the euphoric jungle track is a self-directed video. Here, Nia takes viewers on a journey through Brazil and the many sights of Rio de Janeiro. Think football in the Rocina favela and the Copacabana. We caught up with the producer and director to talk about her trip to Brazil.
You co-directed and shot this video, can you tell us a bit about the experience and what you wanted to portray in the video?
It was only right that we went to Brazil to shoot the music video, else I wouldn’t have been doing the song justice. I wanted to capture the views, people, beaches, food and culture that I hear in throughout their music. It was important for me to co-direct and shoot this one with my good friend and longterm collaborator Delphino, who also happens to be from Brazil!
Why did you decide to sample the Barbatuques choir?
I’ve always been a massive fan of samba music, bossa nova music and Brazilian culture, and had been a fan of the Barbatuques for a while. When I was looking through my samba and bossa playlist, and thinking about songs to sample, Baiana was the one that stood out for me. When I started making it, the original version was quite bouncy which I wanted to make harder, so I flipped it into this crazy amen break roller with a Reese bass line.
Is there anyone you met on your trip who left a lasting impression?
All the kids in the Rocinha community, they were such good vibes and I miss them already. Big up Ygão, Maria, Joao, Gustavo, Breno, Bryan and Ariel!
Has visiting Rio De Janeiro influenced your creative output?
I bought some cool samba and bossa nova records from a store called Only Music, which I'm looking forward to sampling and flipping into jungle.
What was the best thing you saw on the trip?
The best thing I saw was the beautiful and surreal views of Rocinha favela. Also zipping through there at 6am on the back of a motorbike was a bit wild.
Three top tips you’d give to someone visiting Rio De Janeiro?
If you’re going in September, take a coat! I thought it was gonna be hot. Check out the Only Music record store. Try your best to visit Rocinha, it’s a beautiful community and part of Rio.
