2025 has been a turning point for Brazilian DJ Alves. Between launching his own imprint Dança, making milestone debuts at EDC and Ibiza, and preparing to close the year with a New Year’s festival in Rio, his rise has felt measured rather than rushed. We sat down with Alves via Groovers Only to talk about growth, independence, and building something that feels personal.

You’ve had a huge year between launching your label Dança, playing EDC for the first time, debuting in Ibiza, and now closing the year with a New Year’s festival in Rio. Looking back, what have been the most notable shows or experiences that made you feel like you’re really leveling up as an artist?

Rather than pointing to the biggest stage, Alves highlights a moment that tested his instincts.

“My most recent show at Beltools, where I played b2b with Beltran, was probably the most notable one to date,” he says. “Playing a warm-up set with someone who has such a defined sound really tested me as a crate digger. It forced me to think more deeply about selection and pacing.”

Creative independence has been a recurring theme throughout Alves’ year, especially with the launch of his own label.

Dança is your own label imprint, created as a home for your music and projects like King of the Castle and your upcoming EP Funkeira. What made you decide it was the right time to start your own label, and what do you want Dança to represent?

“I have a lot of music that doesn’t really fit anywhere else,” Alves explains. “They’re tracks that work extremely well when I play them, but don’t always make sense when other people do.”

Starting Dança was about removing friction. “I didn’t want to rely on other labels anymore. I wanted something for myself, where I can release what I want, when I want, and stay true to my vision.”

That mindset shaped Dança’s first release.

King of the Castle was the first release on Dança and the way many people were introduced to the label. Why that track?

“King of the Castle started as a meme,” he admits. “But the first time I played it out, the reaction was immediate. People kept asking me for it. That demand is what made me realize it could be something real, and that it made sense as the first release on Dança.”

With momentum building, Alves is now preparing to release his next project.

Your upcoming EP Funkeira is next on Dança. How would you describe this project to someone hearing it for the first time?

“Funkeira is very rooted in Brazilian culture,” he says. “It uses samples from Furacão 2000, which was a legendary funk party in the early 2000s that every Brazilian knows.”

The EP taps into memory and identity, pulling a familiar cultural sound into his current club-driven world.

Beyond releases, 2025 also marked two major live milestones.

This year you played EDC and Ibiza for the first time. What stood out from those experiences?

“EDC was huge for me,” Alves says. “It’s arguably the biggest festival in the world, and it was also a b2b with one of my best friends, Ky William.”

Ky, he notes, was an early believer in Koolaid, one of Alves’ most recognized releases. “That set felt natural. We were both really looking forward to it.”

Ibiza, on the other hand, came with a different kind of pressure. “It’s a place where you really have to be on your A-game. You can’t play cheesy tracks. Every decision matters.”

As the year closes, Alves is preparing for a moment that feels both personal and symbolic.

You’re ending the year with a New Year’s festival in Rio. What does that show represent for you?

“It’s very special,” he says simply. “I’m Brazilian, and it’s the first time I get to play in front of my home crowd. After everything this year, that makes it even more meaningful.”

For now, his focus remains clear.

Looking ahead, what’s next for Dança after Funkeira?

“For the time being, Dança will stay focused on my own music,” Alves says. “I’m not saying I’ll never release other artists, but right now it’s meant to be a home for my personal projects.”

This or That: Alves Off Stage

Quick hits to close things out.

Sunrise set or closing set?
Sunrise

Miami or Ibiza?
Miami

Fan clackers or “ooo ooo”-ers?
“Ooo ooo”-ers

King of the Castle or Koolaid?
Koolaid

Coxinha or pão de queijo?
Coxinha

Melee build or Mage build?
Melee 😂

Fire cape from Jad or first 99 skill?
Fire cape