Hugo comes from a very musical family. He started DJing in 2002, playing in São Paulo, Brazil, USA, Italy and now London. He loves to connect the dots between multiple styles and his inspiration dates back to his parents’ record collection.

“My music style is a synthesis of his entire background including the Brazilian thing, the Jazz thing, the Soul thing and the Funk thing … everything!! So, it isn’t an easy task to categorise my music! It’s too varied to clump together in some bag with a meaningless title.”

You can check out his show, The Certain Sounds and The Certain Talks on his Youtube channel 

https://www.youtube.com/@hugoarena

Show some love, follow 👉 @_arenamusic

Each week we will be taking a dip into the crates and minds of some of the digging scenes most prolific collectors.

🤔 Who should be on the next RPM feature?

First record purchase and where you bought it?

“Blue Skin & Singing Fats – Something’s Going On / Working 4 Tomorrow

I heard DJ Marky playing it at Lov.e Club in São Paulo, Brazil – It blew my mind then I went straight to Stuff Records the next day to buy it! “

One record that sums up your happiest memories and where does it take you back to?

“Jorge Ben – A Tábua De Esmeralda

It takes me straight back to the living room of my house in Brazil. Every night my mom used to play music and this record was and still is my favourite one.”

Name one friend that is the ultimate fiend for the wax…

“Marcio Martinez @lastdayonearth_ (Last Day on Earth)

He contributed a lot to my record collecting journey with valuable tips. Me and some friends call him the
Music Curator.”

Name a song to soundtrack the sunshine….

“Jill Scott – Golden

I personally don’t know anyone who doesn’t like this song.”

Favourite record labels of all time?

“I have a few:

Signature Records run by Dominick Martin aka Calibre, focusing mainly on his own productions. Bitasweet Records label run by the legends Bugz In The Attic and Atlantic, Arista, Motown and T.K. Records/Disco, Prelude and MCA.

All of the above are a big chunk of my collection and my favourites.”