Rui Da Silva is without doubt Portugals ambassador of quality electronic music; his production work and DJ skills have gained him worldwide recognition. From his early nineties releases as Underground Sound of Lisbon on the legendary Tribal America to the gargantuan number one house hit Touch Me in 2000 and now into the minimal house sound, Rui has always evolved with his time and left a significant imprint on each genre hes ever approached.
Inspired by things like Japan, David Sylvia, Brian Eno and Sonic Youth, Ruis debut release in 92 was experimental to say the least. Thats when he formed the label Kaos Records. Ruis innovative and quality sounds elevated Kaos to the pinnacle of the house movement, while securing him a licensing to the late Tribal Records and more recently to Twisted Records (USA). Ruis success with Kaos ensured global exposure and provided him with the confidence to develop the Underground Sound of Lisbon with close friend DJ Vibe with releases that became underground classics.
Disgruntled with a local club scene that was becoming more of a distraction than an inspiration, he left Portugal in 1999 to immerse himself in Londons booming music industry. Rui believed that this was where things are happening, where more people are exposed to my music. London, needless to say, was smitten with the newcomer, and Rui quickly established a considerable following and a high level of exposure, ultimately enabling him to set up a new label, Kismet Records in 2000.
Kismet, a Turkish word for fulfillment of destiny, not only represents anyone committed to that genuine underground house sound, but also heralds the fulfillment in destiny of its label owner, Rui Da Silva. Kismet has garnered praise and a loyal following from the dance industry because of the genuinely underground nature of the tracks. Kismets success was further fuelled with their fourth release, Touch Me which went straight to number 1 in the pop charts and turned out to be a massive crossover success. It subsequently won a Muzik award for being the biggest single in 2001.
A couple of years ago, Rui Da Silva grew out of the progressive house music he was known for to explore new sounds. Technology enabled him to do things never possible 5 years ago. This coincided with the creation of Kismets sister label, 64 Records, which offers more space for exploration and experimentation. The genre is a cross between the electro vibe and the minimal sound.
The latest on Ruis prolific career is the release of 64 Records first album, Praying Mantis by the man himself. Released worldwide as a digital album, Praying Mantis finds Rui in wonderfully experimental form; twelve tracks of sonic innovation and electronic dexterity from one of dance music's finest producers. Rui explains: "This album is where my head is at the moment. I've been off using singers for awhile and my intention was to do an album of no vocals at all. Since this isn't a 12" release for DJ's, it has given me the opportunity to express ideas in music that I usually do not have the chance to use."