◆ You’ve curated playlists for restaurants, hotels, and concept spaces. What’s your approach when pairing sound with a hospitality experience?

I don’t do it that often, mostly for brands I love, museums, art galleries, or businesses run by friends I want to support. One of the special ones was when we (Javybz) curated a playlist for Tate in London.

For me, the most important thing is to feel the context and vibe of the space, to really understand its rhythm. So you can create a soundtrack that fits naturally.

I remember when I had just moved to Lisbon, I visited this cool second-hand store called Arquivos. While browsing, I started recognizing the mixing and track order… and then realized they were playing one of our All Styles All Smiles shows on NTS. I was so surprised and really touched.

It’s still hard to believe how many people around the world are listening to our show. Now I hear it playing here and there and it’s such a magical feeling, knowing you’ve created something that stays with people, something they actually bring into their daily lives, all around the world.

◆ How do you think music shapes the way people feel in a space, whether it’s a café, a bar, or a boutique hotel?

Music is a powerful thing. It can completely shift how we experience space. And it’s not just emotional, it’s biological. Music affects our cortisol levels, even how we feel time passing. So the right soundtrack can literally change your internal state.

It definitely becomes part of a space’s identity. When it’s done with care, music doesn’t just fill the silence — it shapes the atmosphere and helps tell the story. I’m very sensitive to sound. For example, I’m not a fan of dance music in restaurants. Maybe it’s a bit of professional over-sensitivity, but I’m really picky when it comes to sound. Sometimes I even prefer places with no music at all. Silence can have a vibe too.

◆ Could you walk us through your ideal day in Lisbon, from your favorite morning vinyl shop to a go-to dinner or late-night drink spot? 

I live in a cozy apartment in my favorite part of Lisbon, just steps away from Gulbenkian Park. So, my ideal day would start with a healthy breakfast at home — something simple with organic veggies and fruits from Do Quintal Farmhouse. After that, I’d head to the Gulbenkian library, which is my go-to spot for focus and inspiration. It's where I like to work and read.

For lunch, I’d meet friends somewhere in the city. One of my all-time favorites is Zaytouna; their Mutabal is the best. If I’m around there, I always pop into the Flur record store.

If I don’t have a gig that evening, I love going out for dinner. My go-to spots include GoJuufor Japanese, Boavista Social Club for whatever new ideas Marc Le Rohellec is exploring (still need to check out his new place called Alfredo – it’s high on my must-go list) and Tati, my little cozy, sacred place. I started going there as a tourist, back when I had no idea Lisbon would become my home. It was always the place I’d take visiting friends. Tati’s co-owner, Ramón, makes everyone feel instantly welcome. Or if the soul calls for tacos, nothing beats Duro de Matar.

I also really enjoy discovering new places to eat, especially the ones recommended by Lisbon Insiders.

That said, my days are never the same, between gigs and projects, life is a bit of a whirlwind. So when I get a day off, I really treasure the simple things: cooking at home, relaxing in the park, or taking a road trip to the Caparica beaches or up to Sintra. I am deeply connected to nature. The more I play, the more I appreciate those slower, grounding moments with my family and friends.