Originally he was Steven Ford, a drummer from Seattle. Now, he’s Bruno Pronsato, a rhythm genius and electronic music man living in Berlin.
What on earth happened?
Whatever it was has resulted in Pronsato taking the title King of Ultimate Funk.
He creates idiosyncratic rhythms to disorient a dancer’s mind, experimental tunes and albums, which in his own words usually turn out to be “accidentally avant-garde”.
Now, his third album “Lovers Do” is out and Pronsato is looking forward to bringing the tunes to Dubai this weekend.
Q: So why the Italian name?
A: The name Bruno Pronsato belonged to a very nice man I knew in Argentina. I found his name to be more interesting than my own. This was at a time when I was not really releasing records professionally. Had I known then this would become something more than a record here and there, I probably would have kept my real name.
Q: From the US to Europe, why did you decide to move and how did it affect your career?
A: Eight years ago in the US, electronic music wasn’t what it is now. I was releasing everything pretty much on European labels and performing here. It really just made sense.
Q: Have you ever played Dubai before and what are you expecting this time?
A: I haven’t but I am looking forward to the show.
Q: What do you think/know about of the music scene in the UAE and Middle East?
A: I honestly don’t know much about the scene in the UAE, and even less about Arabic rhythm. I am always open to ideas of collaboration. These days collaboration is my focus. I’m pretty bored with my own solo thing.
Q: You are especially known for your percussion sounds. Is it something which comes naturally or have you developed it over the years?
A: I have played drums since I was 15, so percussion has been a huge part of my musical history. It was something that I had a small talent for but more something that has matured over time.
Q: Most embarrassing moment either on or off stage?
A: Several years back when I was in Italy the promoter brought such a gigantic mixing board it wouldn’t fit behind the DJ booth. After we had actually managed to make it fit in this minuscule space, I discovered that he had forgotten to bring the appropriate cables. The crowd were waiting. In the end, while standing on the stage, I had to say I actually wouldn’t be playing.
Q: Most memorable moment of 2012?
A: I think playing in Cape Town, South Africa was the high point for me. The people there are so excited to have European producers/DJs. They really know your work there. The clubs aren’t full of weekend warriors, they are full ‘music heads.’
Q: How will you spend Xmas and NYE this year?
A: With my family. My mother lives in Abu Dhabi and I haven’t spent the holidays with her in 12 years. We are really happy and I’ll be there with my daughter.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: Currently I am finishing up a trilogy consisting of three pieces of vinyl. I am doing this under a new project name, ‘Archangel.’ The first part will be released (hopefully) in February and the rest scattered throughout the year ending in 2013. I hope to release some Bruno stuff in between.
• Diynamic Nights featuring Bruno Pronsato on Thursday at N’dulge, Atlantis The Palm, Dubai.
Doors open at 10pm, entry is Dh120 with ladies free before midnight. For tables and information call 050-7258277
