Now & Next: Black Pomade

Now & Next is a quick-fire interview series built around two simple but telling questions. We ask artists to reflect on where they’re at in their career and creative journey, and where they’re headed next. For each answer, they pick two tracks: one that sums up where they’re at right now, and another that hints at where they’re going. The artists also drop a few lines about each track, giving us a peek into their creative mindset.

now and next BANNER black p

Now & Next is a quick-fire interview series built around two simple but telling questions. We ask artists to reflect on where they’re at in their career and creative journey, and where they’re headed next. For each answer, they pick two tracks: one that sums up where they’re at right now, and another that hints at where they’re going. The artists also drop a few lines about each track, giving us a peek into their creative mindset.

Black Pomade Q&A

Where Am I?

I’m in a whirlwind of changes. I left Lisbon, the place where I built most of my musical career and following, mid-2023, and since then, I haven’t stayed in any one place for more than a few months. Milan first, then touring in Asia, and now a new beginning in New York City. It’s a lot, and right now, I’m definitely missing a bit of stability. I’m also trying to figure out how to approach the New York scene. I think I’m bringing some baggage and experience to it, but I also realise it’s highly competitive here—I’m not in a small pond anymore.

Where Am I Going?

Hopefully, nowhere for a while! I’ll keep travelling for gigs, but I plan to consider NYC my home for at least the next few years. I hope this stability will bring more time to focus on making music, which has been challenging with the constant travel. I’ve had fun with edits, but now I want to dive more into creating originals where I feel I can fully express myself. I’m also getting more late slots and afterparty gigs, which is helping me shake off the “Italo-disco DJ” label that somehow stuck with me for a while. Book me for a warehouse party, and get ready to sweat!

Track (Now):
Synaptic Voyager - Electric Ocean
(Extended)

"Couldn’t think of a better track to capture how crazy my last couple of years have felt—like being on a small boat in a stormy ocean. It’s overwhelming, but somehow, it doesn’t feel scary or dangerous. You just go with the flow, not asking too many questions about what’s ahead. Just take it step by step: stomp your foot, then the other, follow with your head, and then your arms. Dance to the psychedelic rhythm; nothing else matters."

Track (Next):
Ricardo Baez
Animarara

"This track perfectly represents where my sound is heading. Just a few years ago, I might have let it sit on my shelf, thinking it wasn’t cheeky enough for fun sets or punchy enough for the club. But I played it last week during my closing set at the Just Look Paradise party, a body-positive warehouse event that wrapped up at 7 am (or 8, with the time change to winter hours). I wasn’t sure how the crowd would react, but it was beautiful to see the whole dancefloor letting go, following the bouncing rhythm with eyes closed and hands floating in the air. More moments of pure beauty on the dancefloor—that’s what I want next."

Where Am I?

I’m in a whirlwind of changes. I left Lisbon, the place where I built most of my musical career and following, mid-2023, and since then, I haven’t stayed in any one place for more than a few months. Milan first, then touring in Asia, and now a new beginning in New York City. It’s a lot, and right now, I’m definitely missing a bit of stability. I’m also trying to figure out how to approach the New York scene. I think I’m bringing some baggage and experience to it, but I also realise it’s highly competitive here—I’m not in a small pond anymore.

Track (Now):
Synaptic Voyager - Electric Ocean
(Extended)

"Couldn’t think of a better track to capture how crazy my last couple of years have felt—like being on a small boat in a stormy ocean. It’s overwhelming, but somehow, it doesn’t feel scary or dangerous. You just go with the flow, not asking too many questions about what’s ahead. Just take it step by step: stomp your foot, then the other, follow with your head, and then your arms. Dance to the psychedelic rhythm; nothing else matters."

Where Am I Going?

Hopefully, nowhere for a while! I’ll keep travelling for gigs, but I plan to consider NYC my home for at least the next few years. I hope this stability will bring more time to focus on making music, which has been challenging with the constant travel. I’ve had fun with edits, but now I want to dive more into creating originals where I feel I can fully express myself. I’m also getting more late slots and afterparty gigs, which is helping me shake off the “Italo-disco DJ” label that somehow stuck with me for a while. Book me for a warehouse party, and get ready to sweat!

Track (Next):
Ricardo Baez
Animarara

"This track perfectly represents where my sound is heading. Just a few years ago, I might have let it sit on my shelf, thinking it wasn’t cheeky enough for fun sets or punchy enough for the club. But I played it last week during my closing set at the Just Look Paradise party, a body-positive warehouse event that wrapped up at 7 am (or 8, with the time change to winter hours). I wasn’t sure how the crowd would react, but it was beautiful to see the whole dancefloor letting go, following the bouncing rhythm with eyes closed and hands floating in the air. More moments of pure beauty on the dancefloor—that’s what I want next."