Meet Bruno Homedes Dualde or better known as Sond3r, Eugene’s own up and coming producer and DJ.
Elaborate more on the beginning of your career, you grew up playing drums, beat boxing, and forming bands of your own; what was the turning point of becoming a DJ and learning how to produce?
Beatboxing was my first interaction with music. I was 8 years old and started doing it with friends as a joke, but then I realized I could do it pretty well. I had a pretty good ear, and my Dad started playing drums. I had never touched a drum set, but my dad got one for himself. He was struggling and he kinda showed me what sequence he was working on and I got it the first time, no problem. My dad signed me up for drum lessons and I totally loved it. I was hooked. I used to paint drum sticks on me and I was huge into punk rock and metal. I got my first little turntable and shortly thereafter, I moved to the US in 8th grade. My first gig was a Valentine’s Day dance when I was 14. At the end of sophomore year, I bought producing software Logic Pro and I messed around. I was in a few bands, so I knew a little about writing music. I started playing around and making beats. What started as a hobby turned into a passion, that’s where my lack of sleep comes in. This happens about four times a week. I put my phone away, and start making a beat. I’m thankful to have found this career path. I don’t plan on stopping, and I’m not worried about being famous. I’m doing it because I love it.
Where did the name Sond3r come from?
Sonder refers to the realization that everyone is living a life as complex and vivid as their own. Each person has their own story. They have friends, family, and ambitions. I really identify with that term. Although 3 was my original intention, I was going to do it with an e, but someone already had that name. The om symboI inspired me so I added a “R” to my graphic logo. I hope when people hear my music, they don’t necessarily escape from reality, but reach a place where you can feel at peace and one with yourself.
Who are a few major artist influencers that inspire you?
Having lived in two different countries I pull a lot of genre influences. I still listen to flamenco and a lot of spanish music. I was introduced to ACDC, Led Zepplin, and Jimmy Hendrix by my dad and brother. When I moved to America, I learned a lot more about hip hop. I listen to more the instrumental aspect and analyzed the producers choices like Dr. Dre. J Dilla, DJ Premier. Electronic music wise, I’m influenced by A-Trak, Pretty Lights, Diplo, Skrillex, and Troyboi.
If you were to design your own festival, where would it be and who would headline?
Spain could be really cool, but Barcelona already has big festivals. Oregon’s really cool and I’d like to have one here, almost similar to What the Fest. There’d be a balance of music as well as art. In terms of headlines I’d want to have a wide range of artists like The Rolling Stones, NAS, The Black Keys, Tame Impala, Flume, Kendrick Lamar, Anderson Paak., GRiZ, even some reggae mixed in there.
Describe the process of producing, how do you begin and on average how long does a piece take?
Ideally, every time is different. Every producer has a certain approach and for me it can go a few ways: I can hear something live, a sample, an old record, and then I know what I exactly want to do with it; the song builds in my mind. Sometimes I’m playing around with chords, a simple melody and then add the drums, bassline, etc. I try to treat it like a live band. I’ll have 20 versions before I release it. I have to hear it on my headphones, speakers, my car, a really large space, in the shower before I release it as well. I need to hear it in different settings to get the full effect. Easily it takes at least 40-50 hours. I spend a lot of nights not sleeping, time just passes so quickly when I work. It’s a bad habit, I should be sleeping more.
Many talents aim to move to LA or even NYC for a career, do you think living in Eugene gives a creative edge and provides more inspiration?
I’d have to move at the right time. You need to establish your name and make some noise where you’re from. I started out in Portland, but in Eugene I want to take it more seriously and build my brand and a following. At UO there’s so much talent, I’ve worked with so many talented rappers, singers, saxphone and trumpet players, and pianists. You don’t need to be in LA [or NYC] to find talent. I think the key is to surround yourself with people of similar interests, then that’s when you start to bond. I do want to move to LA one day.
If you had the opportunity, who’d you want to collaborate with?
Troyboi. It’s hard to describe his genre, he’s really been able to develop his own sound and infuse hip hop and electornic. His songs make me stop and listen to the production aspect and inspires me to develop my own sounds. Nas, The Alchemist, Anderson Paak. Mr. Carmack, and Disclosure are a few other names I’d love to work with.
Aside from music, what else interests you?
I’m on the club tennis team. In high school I played tennis, field hockey, and soccer. I aim to give back to others in my community through volunteering or my art. I enjoy writing, film, and creativity pursuits in general, but overall most of my day revolves around music.
Check Sond3r out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Soundcloud for more music and behind the scenes.