Karetus

  1. Home
  2. Wiki
Karetus
OriginPortugal
GenresElectronic music · Electronic dance music · Bass music
Years active2010–present
LabelsUniversal Music Portugal · Rottun Recordings · Buygore Records · Karetus
MembersCarlos Silva (DJ, MC, record producer) (2010–present)
André Reis (DJ, record producer) (2010–present)
WebsiteOfficial website

Karetus is a Portuguese electronic music duo formed in 2010 by DJs and record producers Carlos Silva and André Reis. Originally emerging from the Lisbon area, the project quickly became known for a high-energy blend of bass-driven electronic music and references to Portuguese popular culture, as well as for a visually striking live show built around masks inspired by the traditional caretos of north-eastern Portugal.[1][2]

Since 2010 the duo have released a string of EPs and singles on labels such as Rottun Recordings and Buygore, as well as the album Piñata (2015).[3] Over the years Karetus have toured extensively across Portugal and internationally, performing at clubs and festivals in Europe, Asia and South America.[4] In 2021 they competed in the Portuguese national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest, Festival da Canção, with the song "Saudade", performed with Romeu Bairos.[5][6]

From the mid-2020s the duo began developing Modas, a concept album that reimagines melodies from oral tradition, historical repertoire and folklore, placing them within contemporary electronic production. The project was introduced through the singles "Laurinda" (2024), with Vitorino and iolanda, and "Moleirinha" (2025), featuring Conan Osiris, Isabel Silvestre with Vozes de Manhouce and Júlio Pereira, both presented as previews of the forthcoming album Modas scheduled for release in 2026.[7][8]

Karetus are also noted for their live visual identity, which combines custom-designed costumes with masks referencing the universe of the caretos, and a stage aesthetic that places traditional craftsmanship alongside digital technology.[9]

History

[edit]

Formation and early releases (2010–2013)

[edit]

Carlos Silva and André Reis formed Karetus in 2010, initially working as studio producers and DJs with a focus on dubstep-influenced bass music and heavy, club-oriented tracks.[10] Early releases such as the single "Loudness War" (2011) and the EPs Madhouse (2011) and Entrudo (2012) on Rottun Recordings helped establish their reputation within the international bass music scene.[11][12]

In July 2013 they released Rave On! EP via No Tomorrow Recordings, further consolidating their presence in European bass music circuits.[13]

Piñata and mainstream recognition (2014–2017)

[edit]

Between 2014 and 2015 Karetus expanded their sound with collaborations that crossed over into the Portuguese pop market. Singles such as "Barulho" (featuring Pongolove) and "Dance No More" preceded the release of their first full-length album, Piñata, made available as a free download in 2015 and released through Borgore's label Buygore.[14][15]

The album includes collaborations with Portuguese artists such as Agir on "Castles in the Sand" and contributed to increasing their radio and festival exposure in Portugal.[16] During this period the group also developed a live show in which Carlos Silva frequently assumed MC duties on stage, reinforcing their identity as a performance-driven electronic act.

In 2017 the duo released the collaborative FDS – EP with hip hop collective Wet Bed Gang, containing the tracks "Maluco", "Mais Uma Party" and "Almoçarada (Tout le Jour)".[17] The single "Maluco" became a significant hit and later earned the group the award for Best National Single at the Rádio Nova Era Melhores do Ano awards in 2018.[18][19]

Festival da Canção and further singles (2018–2023)

[edit]

From 2018 onwards Karetus released a number of high-profile singles that mixed electronic production with different strands of Lusophone popular music, including "One Nation" (with Bárbara Bandeira and Yuzi), "Funaná na Mundu" (with Dino D'Santiago and Djodje), and "Burra" (with Luís Peixoto and Galandum Galundaina).[20][21]

In 2021 the duo took part in the 54th edition of Festival RTP da Canção with the entry "Saudade", performed by Karetus with Romeu Bairos. The song qualified from the first semi-final and finished in sixth place in the grand final.[22][23] Other releases from this period include "Squid Game" and "God Save the Bass" (featuring Holly and Ragga Twins).[24]

In 2022 the group issued the single "Ave Maria", featuring Padre Guilherme and Ricardo Luís Campos, and several collaborations including "Make It Rain" (with Hills Have Eyes), "Paulada" (with Possessivo) and "Zagadam" (with Ric Fazeres).[25]

Modas era (2024–present)

[edit]

In late 2024 Karetus announced a new long-form project titled Modas, centred on reinterpretations of traditional melodies from the Portuguese and broader Lusophone songbooks. The first single from the album, "Laurinda", reworks a theme popularised by Vitorino and features guest vocals from Vitorino himself and iolanda, with the arrangement drawing on archival recordings collected by Michel Giacometti.[26][27]

"Laurinda" was followed in 2025 by "Moleirinha", a collaboration with Conan Osiris, Isabel Silvestre with Vozes de Manhouce and multi-instrumentalist Júlio Pereira, described in the press as the second advance single from Modas and as emblematic of the album’s goal of bringing traditional voices and instruments into dialogue with contemporary electronic production.[28][29]

According to statements by the duo and their management, Modas is conceived as an "export-ready" project, aiming to present a visually and sonically impactful live show that connects Portuguese and Lusophone traditions to international electronic music audiences.[30]

Musical style and live performance

[edit]

Karetus’ music incorporates elements of dubstep, drum and bass, trap and broader bass music within song-oriented structures and collaborations with singers and rappers. Over time their output has moved from primarily instrumental club tracks to a catalogue that frequently combines electronic production with Portuguese-language vocals and references to folk and popular music traditions.[31]

The duo’s live performances are characterised by high energy, audience interaction and the prominent role of Carlos Silva as MC in addition to DJing. Their visual identity draws on the imagery of the caretos – masked figures from northern Portuguese carnival traditions – translated into contemporary masks and costumes designed for large stages and festival environments.[32]

Discography

[edit]

Albums

[edit]
Title Details
Piñata
  • Released: 3 August 2015[33]
  • Format: Digital download, CD
  • Label: Buygore
Modas
  • Scheduled release: 2026
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
  • Label: Universal Music Portugal
  • Notes: Concept album based on Portuguese and Lusophone oral tradition; preceded by the singles "Laurinda" and "Moleirinha".[34][35]

Extended plays

[edit]
Title Release date Label Notes
Madhouse 2011 Braszlive Debut EP featuring early dubstep and bass music productions.[36]
Entrudo – EP 20 August 2012 Rottun Recordings 5-track EP released on Canadian label Rottun Recordings.[37]
Rave On! – EP 15 July 2013 No Tomorrow Recordings 4-track EP showcasing the duo's festival-oriented sound.[38]
FDS – EP (with Wet Bed Gang) 6 October 2017 Karetus Collaborative EP featuring the songs "Maluco", "Mais Uma Party" and "Almoçarada (Tout le Jour)".[39]

Singles

[edit]
List of singles, with selected details and chart positions
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
POR
[40]
"Castles in the Sand"
(featuring Agir) 		2015 — Piñata
"Wall of Love"
(featuring Diogo Piçarra) 		2016 65 Non-album single
"Maluco"
(with Wet Bed Gang) 		2017–2018 — FDS – EP
"Não Me Lembro"
(with Waze) 		— Non-album single
"Bella Ciao" (La Casa de Papel) — Non-album single
"One Nation"
(with Bárbara Bandeira and Yuzi) 		— Non-album single
"Barulho"
(featuring Pongolove) 		2014 — Non-album single
"Dance No More" 2012 — Non-album single
"Basketball"[41]
(with Borgore and Zanova) 		2020 — Non-album single
"Welele" — Non-album single
"Suruba" — Non-album single
"Burra"
(featuring Luís Peixoto & Galandum Galundaina) 		— Non-album single
"Saudade"[42]
(with Romeu Bairos) 		2021 — Festival da Canção 2021 (single)
"Squid Game" — Non-album single
"God Save the Bass"
(with Holly and Ragga Twins) 		— Non-album single
"Ave Maria"
(with Padre Guilherme and Ricardo Luís Campos) 		2022 — Non-album single
"Make It Rain"
(with Hills Have Eyes) 		— Non-album single
"Paulada"
(with Possessivo) 		— Non-album single
"Zagadam"
(with Ric Fazeres) 		— Non-album single
"Evoque Prata (Rework)"
(with KVSH, DJ Escobar & MC Menor HR) 		2022 — Non-album single
"KRAMPUS"
(with Anastasiya Ty) 		2023 — Non-album single
"DE PORTUGAL EU SOU" 2024 — Non-album single
"Laurinda"[40]
(with Vitorino and iolanda) 		129 Modas
"Moleirinha"
(featuring Conan Osiris, Isabel Silvestre with Vozes de Manhouce & Júlio Pereira) 		2025 — Modas
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Award Work Category Result Ref.
2018 Rádio Nova Era – Prémios Fornova Melhores do Ano "Maluco" (Karetus & Wet Bed Gang) Best National Single (Melhor Single Nacional) Won [43]
2025 PLAY – Prémios da Música Portuguesa "Laurinda" (Karetus, Vitorino & iolanda) Best Music Video (Melhor Videoclipe) Won [44][45]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Bio – Karetus". karetus.com. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  2. ^ "Karetus biography". Last.fm (in Portuguese). Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  3. ^ ""Piñata" dos Karetus disponível para download gratuito". Made in Portugal Música (in Portuguese). 2015-08-03. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  4. ^ "Karetus lançam novo single "Laurinda"". Sons em Trânsito (in Portuguese). 2024-09-27. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  5. ^ "Portugal: Festival da Canção 2021". Eurovisionworld. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  6. ^ "Portugal in the Eurovision Song Contest 2021". Wikipedia. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  7. ^ "Giacometti, Vitorino e Karetus: a história da nova "Laurinda", o primeiro single do álbum Modas". Rimas e Batidas (in Portuguese). 2024-10-04. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  8. ^ "Karetus lançam "Moleirinha" com Conan Osíris, Isabel Silvestre, Vozes de Manhouce e Júlio Pereira". Ensaio (in Portuguese). 2025-09-18. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  9. ^ "Karetus revelam novo single, "Moleirinha", com Conan Osiris, Júlio Pereira e Isabel Silvestre com Vozes de Manhouce". Rimas e Batidas (in Portuguese). 2025-09-19. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  10. ^ "Karetus – Music, videos, stats and photos". Last.fm. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  11. ^ "Loudness War – Single". Apple Music. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  12. ^ "Entrudo – EP". Apple Music. 2012-08-20. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  13. ^ "Rave On! – EP". Apple Music. 2013-07-15. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  14. ^ "Dance No More – Single". Apple Music. 2012-12-03. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  15. ^ ""Piñata" dos Karetus disponível para download gratuito". Made in Portugal Música (in Portuguese). 2015-08-03. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  16. ^ "Karetus feat. Agir – Castles in the Sand". Portuguesecharts.com. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  17. ^ "FDS – EP". Apple Music (in Portuguese). 2017-10-06. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  18. ^ "Martin Garrix e Karetus nomeados para os Melhores do Ano". 100% DJ (in Portuguese). 2018-03-08. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  19. ^ "Nova Era: Prémios Fornova Melhores do Ano". Engenharia Rádio (in Portuguese). 2018-04-14. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  20. ^ "Funaná na Mundu (feat. Dino D'Santiago & Djodje) – Single". Apple Music. 2018-02-09. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  21. ^ "One Nation (feat. Bárbara Bandeira & YUZI) – Single". Apple Music. 2018-03-23. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  22. ^ "Portugal: Festival da Canção 2021". Eurovisionworld. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  23. ^ "Portugal in the Eurovision Song Contest 2021". Wikipedia. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  24. ^ "God Save the Bass (feat. Holly & Ragga Twins) – Single". Apple Music. 2021-02-19. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  25. ^ "Ave Maria (feat. Padre Guilherme & Ricardo Luís Campos) – Single". Apple Music. 2022-02-04. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  26. ^ "Giacometti, Vitorino e Karetus: a história da nova "Laurinda", o primeiro single do álbum Modas". Rimas e Batidas (in Portuguese). 2024-10-04. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  27. ^ "Karetus lançam "Laurinda" com Vitorino e iolanda". Made in Portugal Música (in Portuguese). 2024-09-27. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  28. ^ "Karetus lançam "Moleirinha" com Conan Osíris, Isabel Silvestre, Vozes de Manhouce e Júlio Pereira". Ensaio (in Portuguese). 2025-09-18. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  29. ^ "Videoclipe da nova música da dupla Karetus gravado em São Pedro do Sul". Diário de Viseu (in Portuguese). 2025-09-18. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  30. ^ "Karetus lançam novo single "Laurinda"". Sons em Trânsito (in Portuguese). 2024-09-27. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  31. ^ "Karetus biography". Last.fm (in Portuguese). Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  32. ^ "Giacometti, Vitorino e Karetus: a história da nova "Laurinda"". Rimas e Batidas (in Portuguese). 2024-10-04. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  33. ^ ""Piñata" dos Karetus disponível para download gratuito". Made in Portugal Música (in Portuguese). 2015-08-03. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  34. ^ "Karetus revelam novo single, "Moleirinha"..." Rimas e Batidas (in Portuguese). 2025-09-19. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  35. ^ "Karetus lançam "Laurinda" com Vitorino e iolanda". Made in Portugal Música (in Portuguese). 2024-09-27. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  36. ^ "Madhouse – Karetus". Last.fm. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  37. ^ "Entrudo – EP". Apple Music. 2012-08-20. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  38. ^ "Rave On! – EP". Apple Music. 2013-07-15. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  39. ^ "FDS – EP". Apple Music (in Portuguese). 2017-10-06. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  40. ^ a b Hung, Steffen. "Karetus Discography (Songs)". Portuguesecharts.com. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  41. ^ "Basketball – Single by Borgore, Karetus & Zanova". Apple Music. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  42. ^ "Festival da Canção 2021: Karetus & Romeu Bairos – "Saudade"". Eurovisionworld. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  43. ^ "Nova Era: Prémios Fornova Melhores do Ano". Engenharia Rádio (in Portuguese). 2018-04-14. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  44. ^ "PLAY 2025: Conhece os vencedores da 6.ª edição dos Prémios da Música Portuguesa". Music Portugal (in Portuguese). 2025-05-21. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  45. ^ "Prémios PLAY 2025: conheça os vencedores". SAPO Mag (in Portuguese). 2025-05-21. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
[edit]