Originally from Co Kildare, David McLoughlin is a music producer based in São Paulo, his home for the past 20 years.
How did you end up in Brazil?
My first wife would be responsible for that. I met her when I worked as a buyer for Tower Records in Piccadilly, when the whole world music thing was taking off. The opportunity arose to live in Brazil and I embraced it. Within a week of arriving in the country I was working in a record company. It was all quite quick. Nowadays I work for the government, looking after the Music Export Office.
How would you describe the music scene here to gringos who might think Brazil is all about samba?
Samba does cast a long shadow, but it’s just one of many distinct rhythms. And São Paulo is the melting pot with artists from around the country coming to work and live here. I’ve done a few radio shows mapping out the various regional styles — mixcloud.com/brazil. I’m biased but few countries have the musical richness and diversity.
What else do you love about Brazil that the world is largely missing out on?
There is no sense of urgency; everything eventually gets done. Also, bank holidays on a Thursday usually extend to 4-day holidays (and nobody feels embarrassed about taking so much time off work).
What is the biggest misconception foreigners have about Brazil?
Beaches and favelas are just a tiny piece of the country. It's bigger than Europe and the individual states have very distinct cultures and climates (so bring a jumper for your World Cup visit to São Paulo).
What is the one thing you’d recommend visiting fans to do when in São Paulo?
Visit one of the SESC cultural/social centres, drink beer in Vila Madalena, go for a sushi in Liberdade, check out the indie music scene on Rua Augusta and the general vibe in Republica.
