Rui Da Silva is a Portuguese producer, DJ, and label owner, known for his influential role in electronic music. Best recognised for his track "Touch Me" (2001), which topped the UK Singles Chart, Rui has carved a name for himself with a career that blends underground credibility and mainstream success. His music spans across house, progressive, deep house, and melodic genres.
Rui's journey into music began in Lisbon during the early '90s, a time when the city’s club scene was beginning to emerge. In 1992, alongside DJ Vibe, he co-founded Kaos Records, the first Portuguese label dedicated to house and electronic music. His debut release, "Não" (1992) under the alias Doctor J, featured samples from the iconic Portuguese rock band Xutos & Pontapés. This early project helped establish Rui as an innovative figure in the Lisbon music scene.
In 1993, Rui and DJ Vibe launched Underground Sound of Lisbon, a project that would gain global recognition. The track "So Get Up" (1994) was supported by influential figures like Danny Tenaglia, who also remixed it. The duo's work helped solidify Portugal's presence in the global electronic music community.
By 1999, Rui moved to London to expand his DJing career and focus on producing under his own name. He founded Kismet Records in the UK, where he began to release more progressive house music. His label allowed him to maintain creative control, and tracks like "The Dark Side" (2001) and collaborations with artists like Chris Coco and Moshic marked a shift towards a deeper, more melodic sound.
Rui’s musical style is characterised by a blend of deep basslines, intricate synth work, and emotive melodies. He incorporates live instruments such as bass guitar and piano into his productions, using them to add organic texture and depth. His approach to music-making is influenced by his background as a self-taught musician and engineer, which allows him to experiment with both analog and digital production techniques.
Over the years, Rui has expressed a desire to continuously evolve as a producer, saying, “I’m always trying to change the sound, to evolve, because staying still just gets me bored.” This drive to explore new sounds and production methods has kept his music fresh and relevant. He has also spoken about the importance of constantly refining the skill of music composition, viewing it as a lifelong process.
Rui’s work as a remixer has further established his reputation. Notable remixes include Jennifer Lopez's "Play" (2001), Lighthouse Family's "Happy" (2001), and Yoko Ono's "Walking on Thin Ice" (2001), each receiving acclaim for his ability to adapt and recontextualize tracks for the dance floor.
In 2020, "Touch Me" was re-imagined by PAX, with additional remixes by Tiësto, Lian Wolf, and Project White in 2024, bringing the track to a new generation of listeners.
Today, Rui continues to produce and perform, with recent releases such as "Feel The Night" and his edit of "A Vida Num Só Dia" reflecting his ability to incorporate modern sounds while maintaining his signature style. Collaborations with Zoey Jones ("You", 2012) and Cosmic Bambino ("All You People Bring It Back", 2013) highlight his versatility, blending various elements of progressive and deep house.
Rui Da Silva remains an active figure in the electronic music scene, consistently evolving and expanding his musical portfolio.
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