Ka§par's guide to Lisbon

Lisbon-based music author, producer, DJ, and sound engineer Ka§par is a multifaceted artist deeply rooted in the rich traditions of funk, soul, disco, jazz, and dub, as well as electronic textures from the '70s kraut school and American house/techno/electro from Chicago, New York, and Detroit, along with their European counterparts. He skillfully blends these influences with Portugal's own unique blend of African-influenced urban beats. Ka§par also manages and engineers the acclaimed Percebes Música label, releasing multiple LPs and EPs. He's been instrumental in launching the careers of emerging Lisbon talents. With a DJ career that began at the age of 15, he held a residency at the legendary club Frágil in Bairro Alto, Lisbon, until 2012, and has performed globally, representing Portugal at the Red Bull Music Academy. As an independent artist and label head, Ka§par has a rich history of collaborations and projects, including Groovement Recordings, Tomorrow Is Now, Kid!, and several others, all while working under other aliases, such as Gatupreto and Fidelio. His versatile studio sound combines classic and contemporary elements, offering a timeless musical experience. Now, let's hand it over to the man himself, who's going to tell us a bit more about his home town of Lisbon...

"I have always lived and wanted to live in Lisbon. Either in a suburb or in the inner city, I have seen and felt like I was a product of this city and it’s culture. I have been subjected to the influence of itS music, itS ethnic plurality, its sunny hills and old streets… all of these things pervade my music and all my projects."

"The last 8 years have seen the place grow exponentially in public awareness, which makes it very trendy and so not so easy to experience in a truly local, real perspective. Even the people coming to live here from abroad see different things in Lisbon from those I always thought were defining. My label Percebes also derives its identity for these things."

"A current guide is not an easy thing to compile because there is so much to see and live in Lisbon, I will just pick out the oldest and most revered places, but make mention to new spots and businesses, while obviously presenting my apologies for those whom I have not remembered. While during my infancy and early adulthood, downtown Lisbon was kind of forgotten, nowadays its filled to the brim with tourism and people who have no idea what they are doing, which has subtracted from the quality of businesses and the authenticity of those who manage and run shops, restaurants and typical businesses who end up not being so typical but an invention made to cater to the turists’s perception of what Lisbon is supposed to be."

Favourite restaurant: O PITÉU

"You can do no wrong when you eat here, its been open for decades and has been run by the same family. Always full and the food is super fresh. Try the “pataniscas”, the veal “no tachinho” or the “chocos à algarvia” to propose a few incredible dishes."

Located in the trendy Graça area, it's a real winner. In Bairro Alto I recommend Adega das Mercês, Príncipe do Calhariz… try “O Beco” in Alfama and “Adega do Gravatas” in Carnide and finally in my home turf of Odivelas you need to check out “A Gruta”.

Favourite cool bar: SUAVE BAR

"Well, if this isn’t the most well kept place in Bairro Alto, I don’t know what is. It’s actually co owned by myself and one of my best friends for a while now. Very carefully curated music and very well made drinks and cocktails at affordable prices, a chilled atmosphere with a party friendly vibe, very human and warm service and diverse crowd leaning toward the more mature and discerning crowd. It’s been there since 1995, and we keep it as real as we can."

Favourite small club: A CAPELA

"Just a few minutes away from Suave is A CAPELA, also a huge classic in Bairro Alto. This has more of a club vibe to it and can get really crowded. Great disco, house, techno, breaks, electro & drum’n’bass can be heard, with an all vinyl set up. Good sound, and very up for it crowd, often a real unforgettable experience."

Legendary underground culture music bar: LOUNGE

"Lounge is a cultural landmark, supporting indie artists (bands, musicians, DJ’s, collectives and the like) since 1998 (if I’m not mistaken). I can’t make a list and not mention it."

‍

‍

Favourite record shop: FLUR

"As a label head, I know all shops in Lisbon and am close with mostly all people who own them. There is not a bad shop in the city, but I need to point out Flur because it’s the one I’ve been a costumer to for the longest. I bought my first record there at 15 when it opened, 26 years down the road I’m still a faithful costumer! Marcio and Zé really know how to show you music.

Also a regular at Peekaboo, Collect, Amor, Bones, White Rabbit,  Carpet & Snares and many others… my pick was one of longevity and the fact that for a long time Flur was almost the only record shop!"

Favourite unlikely getaway: A CASA DO FAUNO (Sintra)

"If you can pick your car and drive for 25m you can go here for a great view and a bar in the middle of a natural and fresh atmosphere. Owned by a collective of druids and occultists, it’s a really interesting place to escape the bleakness of night life and get a healthy perspective."

Favourite industrial venue: PLANETA MANAS / HIGHER GROUND

Some new underground spots have been popping up in peripheral areas like Marvila (check A Outra Cena) and Prior Velho. Planeta Manas was the first, it’s actually a really cool social club started by Photonz and friends that aims at developing the integration of the electronic scene as a whole with some care going into the LGBTQ+ people in electronic music, the music is generally really edgy and varied, but for great bass vibes it’s a place to be on the lookout for. Higher Ground has recently opened in the same area and has a similar atmosphere, iniciatives like the ELA parties also happen here often.

Favourite solid club open for the past 25 years: LUX FRÁGIL

"I have a working relationship with Lux since I first DJ’d there in 2001, aged 18. I have been a regular and a contributor ever since, I have the greatest respect and love for the people behind it and it’s longevity. It’s not an easy task to run a club this big and important since 98! Every major artist (or almost) in our shared scene has played here or is going to. It’s where you have to be once in a while if you are to be respected as a competent performer."

Club where I am developing a residence and perform regularly: TOKYO

"While usually it’s a hip hop and r’n’b flavoured place, it also hosts many live bands. Tokyo is also an old, old bar where musicians meet and gig. Recently I was invited to start a concept there, so every thursday I’m curating and/or DJing in an electronic booty funk night called Resiliente!"

"Lisbon is a big city with a lot more happening, but you can start with these tips for a good time out!"

‍The VA Conversor EP is out now via Percebes Musica. Buy/listen to the release on Bandcamp here

‍