A few weeks ago, fresh from Alok’s label CONTROVERSIA Records, is ÜHÜ’s new single, “Going Out”, which might just be your newest party anthem. Until this release I had no idea who ÜHÜ was. Nor how to pronounce his name! But “Going Out” brings references from deep house, progressive, and tech-house. I don’t know what he will release next, but I can’t wait to listen! After he dropped “Going Out” I reached out for an interview. I just had to learn more about this guy. It is is my pleasure to introduce you to ÜHÜ.
Tell me about your new single “Going Out”.
“Going Out” is the result of an idea I had to merge this new tech house that’s going super well in the clubs with some strong bass and a “catchy melody” so we can dance a lot listening to it.
“Going Out” is out now on Alok’s CONTROVERSIA. Tell me more about CONTROVERSIA and the process working with them on this single.
The CONTROVERSIA team is amazing, I love them! They’re giving me all the support I need right now. So basically “Going Out” is the first step we made for a long term project. We’ve been working together in so many songs and we decided that “Going Out” would be perfect as a first single for ÜHÜ.
It must be a sign. My wife and I are planning to visit South America later this year. You are originally from Brazil. Can you tell me more about living in South America and what we can’t afford to miss in the Land of the Holy Cross.
(Laughs) Very nice! Brazil is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. I love it here and our electronic music scene is growing up a lot; the world keeps watching us and admiring our producers so I’m very happy with the moment we’re living in.
Otherwise we still are a very poor country so sometimes specific things are 10x difficult for us but, anyway, you’ll have fun here!
Your real name is Gabriel Murilo Mello. Where did the name ÜHÜ come from and how do you pronounce it?
ÜHÜ means literally celebrating. I came with this name after a long brainstorming. Basically I put together things that I love to do, colors, letters etc and ÜHÜ is perfect.
In Portuguese we pronounce “urrú”. (Brazilians will understand!) In English it’s “youhu”.
The two dots don’t change how you pronounce it; it’s just to make a “smile” like. (Smiles)
What is your process for producing a new song? Do the sounds just come to you, or do you sit down and grind until you come up with something you like?
I really love to start making random things. I usually start with the drop. When I get a nice idea, I like to brainstorm a little bit to see what’s good for the industry and what’s not. I try to think in collaborations with other artists or specific labels.
Tomorrowland Brasil, EDC Brasil and Rio Music Conference. Do you get nervous playing in front of such big crowds? And how do you prepare for a set like that?
(Laughs) Yeah!! I’ve played these big stages with my older project. To be honest I don’t get nervous for these big places because the preparation is big. I prepare for weeks, months and then I get confident about it and it’s all natural.
Normally I get nervous playing in small clubs sometimes for different types of crowd that I’m not used to.
I’ve not seen you live… Yet. What can fans expect from a live performance? And any plans to hit the road this summer? I know a few good spots in Los Angeles you can play!
Believe it or not I did just 3 shows as ÜHÜ yet. We are planning big things and talking to some booking agencies to see what’s for the future. And yeah man would be amazing feel free to take me to the US I would love that!
Have you ever made a mistake on stage? Curious how a DJ comes back from that sort of thing.
(Laughs) I think I don’t. Just normal stuff that every DJ has been through; pressing the stop button unintentionally with my elbow.
What’s next for ÜHÜ?
You can expect very very very big collaborations this year and also some creative content for Instagram, YouTube, etc.
Thank you so much for doing this. That was fun, man! In all of the interviews I do, I always give the artist the last word. Go.
Thank you for the opportunity! Love that. I’m that kind of guy who dreams for more empathy in people’s heads. Would make our world 10000% better.
