The Beginning and Shared Musical Roots:
Moullinex (Luís Clara Gomes) and Xinobi (Bruno Correia) emerged from the same generation of Portuguese producers who, in the late 2000s, began looking beyond traditional house and techno. Although both forged their own paths in production, they shared a deep love for electronic music that was simultaneously nostalgic and forward-looking. This common foundation—an appreciation for warm grooves, analog synthesizers, and strong melodies—cemented their future collaboration.
The Birth of a Unique Sound:
What distinguishes the work of Moullinex and Xinobi, individually and together, is their dedication to a very specific sonic aesthetic: Nu-Disco. They pioneered the blending of the euphoria and organic instrumentation of 70s and 80s disco music with the precision and texture of modern house. This sound was rich, colourful, and, above all, incredibly melodic, filling a gap in Portuguese dance music that needed more lightness and brightness.
The Studio as Moullinex’s (Luís Clara Gomes) Laboratory:
Moullinex, with a background in physics, approaches music with an almost scientific curiosity. His tracks are meticulously constructed, often including live instruments—guitars, bass, and his own vocals—which give an organic soul to the electronic sound. His music is characterised by a funky optimism and crystal-clear production. His work is often recognised for the way he transforms complex emotions into danceable beats, always maintaining an undeniable sophistication.
The Depth and Feeling of Xinobi (Bruno Correia):
Xinobi, on the other hand, injects his productions with a layer of thoughtful melancholy and depth. While Moullinex is often sunny, Xinobi’s work explores a wider emotional palette, balancing engaging rhythms with atmospheric textures. His skill lies in telling stories through instrumental music, creating tracks that work perfectly on the dance floor but also carry emotional weight for a more intimate listen.
Discotexas: More Than a Label, a Family:
The most important point of convergence between the two is the founding of Discotexas. In 2008, along with their friend Da Chick, they created this label not just as a vehicle to release their own music but as a platform to promote a group of Portuguese artists with a similar vision. Discotexas quickly became a beacon for high-quality Nu-Disco, transforming from a home project into a globally recognised and respected brand.
International Consolidation and European Recognition:
Through Discotexas, Moullinex and Xinobi saw their work embraced by the global community of bloggers, DJs, and music lovers. Their tracks and remixes began playing in clubs and on radio stations across Europe, from Germany to the United Kingdom. They proved that elegant, melodic house music coming from Portugal could compete with the best in the world, raising the profile of Portuguese dance music to a new audience.
The Dynamic of Studio and Live Collaboration:
Despite their solo careers, the friendship and artistic partnership between Moullinex and Xinobi are palpable. Together, they not only manage the label but also frequently collaborate on remixes, live shows (often in back-to-back or band formats), and event curation. This dynamic allows them to challenge each other, ensuring their collective sound remains innovative while always respecting their individual artistic identities.
The Evolution to Live Band Format and Demystifying Electronics:
Recently, Moullinex’s approach, in particular, has evolved into a more complete live band format, taking the stage with vocalists and musicians. This choice demystifies electronic music, showing that beats can be performed with human warmth and imperfection, bringing them closer to the audience. This transition reflects his love for all forms of music and his refusal to be confined to the DJ booth.
The Legacy of Curation and Influence:
The true legacy of Moullinex and Xinobi, beyond their dance hits, is their vision as curators. Through Discotexas, they shaped the taste and influenced a generation of young Portuguese producers, showing that it is possible to achieve international success while maintaining a distinctive and authentic sound. They taught that groove and melody can go hand-in-hand with cutting-edge production.
Continuing Impact and the Melodic Future:
Today, Luís Clara Gomes and Bruno Correia remain pillars of the scene, releasing new albums, touring the world, and actively managing Discotexas. Their journey is a story of shared success, proving that a foundation of friendship and a common passion for bringing warmth and soul to electronic music can create a long-lasting and internationally influential project. Their groove continues to be the perfect soundtrack for sunny days and warm nights.
