FABIO SANTANNA — Copa Astral

Fabio Santanna – Copa Astral opens the Onda Boa ONDA07 twelve-inch vinyl with a sun-kissed blend of balearic, hip-hop house, funk and soul influences that feels both rooted in Rio de Janeiro’s street vibe and aimed at the global dancefloor. The Brazilian producer, composer and multi-instrumentalist delivers an eight-track journey that captures the warmth of the city’s daylight and the cinematic glow of its night, all filtered through lush synths, live brass and vocal harmonies. Within the Onda Boa catalogue, Copa Astral follows the earlier Netinho release “Du Du Du Domingo (Joutro Mundo Edit)” (ONDA06, 2025), continuing the label’s focus on modern Brazilian dance music that balances nostalgic references with contemporary production. The record arrives after Santanna’s 2024 double-LP “ASA” on Dippin’ Records, which explored a broader spectrum of house and techno, and precedes his later 2026 seven-inch “Negro Sentimento / Funk Na Veia” on Scruniversal, marking a return to the tighter, groove-centric aesthetic of his earlier work. Side A begins with the title track “Copa Astral”, a slow-burning opener introduced by the unmistakable cry of a cuíca that sets a reflective mood before the groove unfolds. The second cut “Ponto De Areia” rolls forward with a buoyant rhythm that feels like a tide pulling listeners deeper into the set, while “Odoyá Beat” injects an Afro-Brazilian pulse that adds a percussive edge to the progression. The side closes with “Nesse Tempo”, a dreamy piece that drifts into nostalgic territory, providing a gentle transition to the B-side’s more carefree atmosphere. Side B opens with “Jabuticaba”, a boogie-inflected track inspired by the beloved Brazilian fruit, its carefree vibe offering a bright lift for the dancefloor. “A Beira Mar” follows, evoking the romance of a seaside promenade with a warm, enveloping feel that suits late-night sets by the water. The third track “Senti Saudade” deepens the emotional palette, delivering a longing that resonates in both club and intimate listening contexts. The record concludes with “No Cantagalo”, a heartfelt tribute to Rio’s neighborhoods and memories, its closing groove leaving a lingering sense of place and continuity. Copa Astral occupies a distinct space in Santanna’s output, bridging the expansive house explorations of the “ASA” LP with the tighter funk-house sensibility of his upcoming Scruniversal release. The record’s synthesis of Brazilian boogie, 1980s cinematic references and modern house structures reflects the label’s ongoing commitment to showcasing music that is simultaneously rooted in local culture and outward-looking. For DJs, the record offers a versatile toolbox: the title track and “Ponto De Areia” provide deep, atmospheric openings; “Odoyá Beat” and “Jabuticaba” work as rhythmic bridges; “A Beira Mar” and “Senti Saudade” supply melodic hooks suitable for peak-time moments or late-night transitions. Collectors will appreciate the seamless integration of live instrumentation with electronic grooves, a hallmark of Santanna’s production that translates well to vinyl’s warm playback. The release arrives as a standard 12-inch vinyl, preserving the analog character that complements the record’s organic instrumentation and dancefloor focus. Fabio Santanna – Copa Astral, Onda Boa, catalogue ONDA07, 12-inch vinyl, eight tracks. Tracklist: A1. Fabio Santanna – Copa Astral A2. Fabio Santanna – Ponto De Areia A3. Fabio Santanna – Odoyá Beat A4. Fabio Santanna – Nesse Tempo B1. Fabio Santanna – Jabuticaba B2. Fabio Santanna – A Beira Mar B3. Fabio Santanna – Senti Saudade B4. Fabio Santanna – No Cantagalo