Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Martha Pinel’s eccentric energy and fierce femininity has made her one of the people to watch in music and fashion in Brazil. In between her global tour, we were lucky enough to catch up with her to discuss her creative process, influences and inspirations. For our latest B-SIDE Spotify playlist, we asked Martha to share some of her favourite tunes – check them out below!

Yes! I just got back from the Kala Festival in Albania and I am focusing on my second tour in September. Now I’m back home in Rio. It’s the most beautiful, chaotic city.

I love playing my music for everyone! It feels like a strong way of exchanging energy. My DJ sets are an eclectic mix of Italo and space disco, Balearic, dance music, house and African rhythms. 

My inspiration comes from feelings and personal experiences. As for my sets, I spend a lot of time researching, so lately, I've only been listening to tracks that I could play. The exception is when I'm doing massages, where I like to play ambient music! On the other hand, I'm addicted to the sound of silence, also. It’s all about the contrast!

There was a time when I was around 18 when a certain song gave me shivers. I can’t remember which song now, but it made me realise that music has the power that can inspire change. 

I try to be as authentic as possible in these two important forms of expression - I believe that happiness comes from being aligned with your inner self and your own truth.

For empirical and empathetic reasons, Goal 5: Gender Equality resonates with me the most.

Even though the music industry is considered a progressive environment, we are still in the early stages when it comes to this. In many countries, the rise of women in the DJ space is still much slower than that of men… at least it's like that in Brazil, but I sense that in some places in Europe and UK they are more advanced in this matter.

It's not the advice I would like to give, but the truth is: work twice as hard so that no one has anything negative to say about your work. The second question has a more complex answer: since the industry has been so male-dominated for a long time, it's natural that it's easier to find and invite men to perform. That's why those in positions of power need to make an effort and prioritise providing opportunities for women as a concrete objective.

Yes! I try my best to be mindful of my actions (and their consequences) throughout my daily life. I still have much to improve, but I have adopted some sustainable habits. I’m a vegetarian and am a very intentional shopper. For example, I don’t let anything go to waste or get thrown away in my refrigerator. I shop vintage or second-hand as much as possible and try to minimise waste as much as possible. I’ll even cut open my toothpaste tubes to make the most of them! With every passing day I'm adopting new habits as I become more aware of its impacts. 

What the first CD you ever bought?

I don’t remember specifically but probably Guns N’ Roses or some other rock album

First vinyl album?

Vinyl Angelica. All the Brazilians from the 90s will understand this!

First song on your iPod?

Hmmm probably something melancholic like the OC soundtrack

What song will always get you on the dance floor?

Relight My Fire by Dan Hartman

What song will always make you emotional?

Smalltown Boy by Bronski Beat

What show was the most special for you to play?

Kala Festival in Albania! I was surrounded by friends and I felt in the present moment during the whole trip, not only during the show. Feeling present should be something common and obvious, but working on stage often causes a lot of anxiety. The entire trip felt like paradise.

In your opinion, what was the most iconic fashion moment in music history?

Not what but who - Cher!