Pedro Ricardo's Guide to Porto

Known in Porto for taking risks with the records, Pedro's artistry is one defined by fusion. As DJ, he relies on a strong, organic groove, bringing a sense of freedom and intensity to the dancefloor, driven by Jazz hand in hand with a House and Techno that never takes off from its soulful tradition. As producer, his releases over the years on labels such as Extended Records, 1980Lyfers, Wolf Music and his own Pedro's House reveal an expansive and ever-shifting approach to dance music rooted in folk and melody. As musician, building on his debut album Soprem Bons Ventos (2023, Soundway Records), Pedro continues to meld genre, time and space in his ongoing projects, including live film scoring and performing with the Pedro Ricardo Trio.

For his latest offering ‘PEDRO002’ he brings it home to house. Pedro's House 002 is a hot and heartfelt ode to the hi-tech jazz universe, and the solar winds are blowing with a force. 

With Portugal fast becoming one of Europe's epicenters for music, culture and creativity we sat down with one of its finest musicians and producers Pedro Ricardo to talk through a few of his favourite spots in Porto. This is how it went down…

‘I’m actually from V.N.Gaia (across the river), but I’ve had most of my best times in Porto (going out, buying records, hanging with friends, all of it) I love the city, and it must have one of the most breathtaking views (the river and the city together). Even after so much traveling, it always takes my breath away. The music scene is amazing! For such a small city, we have a lot to offer and so many people doing different things. I always say that since it’s a small city, you end up hanging out with people who are probably working on something very different creatively from what you’re doing. But that’s the great part of it!’

Favorite Bar and Club: Passos Manuel (https://www.instagram.com/passosmanuel_/?hl=en) 

I have a deep relationship with this space. It gave me some of my first club nights (I remember seeing Tiago there, it blew my mind and redefined what a DJ can be). I also had my first DJ sets there, recorded some video clips and live performances in their cinema, did my first concert with my jazz trio, and finally had my wedding after-party there. It’s a beautiful place, and the programming is always great, it’s a must if you’re visiting Porto.

Francesinha!

Well, I’m going to get in some fights back home just for even trying to answer this question. There’s no single good or correct answer to this one (but actually… there is). There’s francesinha no forno, francesinhas from Braga, more spice, less spice, vegetarian (no!). There are a lot of variations. Now, here’s my recommendation for a good first Francesinha, no justification: Santiago (https://g.co/kgs/oRDku61)

Record Stores!

Circus Network (https://g.co/kgs/nghji5F)

A record store and a gallery. André Carvalho (one of the owners, along with his partner Ana) is also my partner in the Pedro’s House adventure, I think he even sold me one of my first records back in the day. If you visit, I’m sure he’ll give you tons of recommendations (including a different francesinha spot). André is also behind the Porto-based label Jazzego, so the store naturally becomes a hub for people around that scene. They often have gallery openings on the weekends. Sometimes, when André and Ana are feeling extra nice, there’s even a BBQ.

Matéria Prima (https://g.co/kgs/9yxKJXc)

A really close to Circus, just around the corner. I really like their music selection. I think I also bought one of my first records there (at this point, I’m not even sure who actually sold me the first one!). Either way, it’s definitely worth a visit!

A Vinyl Library

‍The Fonoteca Municipal do Porto (https://www.fonoteca.cm-porto.pt/) is a pretty phenomenal place. It’s housed inside the amazing Arda Recorders studios, so you might even bump shoulders with some of the artists recording there. I recommend checking out their website, they often have activities on the weekends like talks, interviews, and more. The people who work there are also great, and I’m sure they’ll gladly point you toward what’s happening around the city.

Centro Comercial Stop (https://g.co/kgs/truZUwE)

The coolest rehearsal space! was an old shopping mall turned into a rehearsal space for bands in Porto. I’d say pretty much every musician in Porto has probably rehearsed there at some point. Each former shop space is now a rehearsal room. You can walk through the graffitied hallways and hear what people are working on from metal and jazz to traditional Portuguese music.

A small hidden secret!

A Grelha de Guetim (https://g.co/kgs/dkfFBMQ) isn’t exactly in Porto — it’s about a 30-minute drive from the city center. There’s not much to say about this place… I’ll just leave a picture. Go early, on the weekends as it gets packed.

Buy/listen to ‘PEDRO002’ HERE