Tue, Nov 3, 2009

INTERVIEW WITH MARCIO LOCAL

Billed as the new Seu Jorge and backed by David Bryne’s ‘Luaka Bop’ record label, Márcio Local is one of Brazil’s hottest new talents. Riding the wave of Brazilian Soul, he is about to hit London next November 11th.

1. A 16-year career, hundreds of songs composed and being mentioned alongside great names of Brazilian music. What are your main musical and personal influences?

I would say Robert Nesta Marley, Fela Kuti, Black Rio, Jorge Ben, Tim Maia etc.

2. The city and the people of Rio de Janeiro and football are the inspiration for many samba, soul and funk music produced in Brazil, probably because this is the life of most of those musicians. What are the main themes of your new album “Day Don Don Don Don Dree”: Adventures in Samba Soul?

This album is about the essence of being Brazilian, it’s a tour on the origins of samba, which has the football as a link (in the song Soul do Samba). I also talk about my spirituality (in Sentimento Rei), love (Happy Endings) and how the presence of different cultures can help to weaken our own traditions (Represento). The beauty of the Brazilian black women (in Preta Luxo) and a salutation for Rio de Janeiro (in Samba sem Nenhum Problema) are in the album as well.

3. How was the performance in New York? Did you also play in other places in the United States?

I tried to achieve an international sound for the album and seems like it worked well because in January we went to Washington to record a video release in the building of the National Geographic magazine and to play at the Kennedy Center. In New York, we’ve done two performances for a big crowd at Zebulon, in Brooklyn. Still in the city, we’ve also played at Nublu and at the Global Fest at Hebster Hall.

4. What are the expectations for the show in London? Have you ever performed in Europe and the UK before?
I’ve never performed in Europe but I’m sure that everyone in the audience won’t be able to stand still. I am preparing a few surprises. Wait and see! (Laughs)

5. What is the main difference, in your opinion, between playing for the Brazilian public and for foreign audiences? Do you think Brazilian music is more appreciated outside Brazil?

Outside Brazil, everything I do sounds very original. I feel I have everyone’s attention even when they can’t quite understand what I am saying. But I believe that what lies behind those lyrics are melodies that touch and move people. Music is a universal language.

6. And finally, a question not related to music but to your home town: what do you think about Rio de Janeiro as the host of the 2016 Olympics?

It’s interesting that the world has turned its eyes to South America. In my opinion, Brazil deserves this opportunity. I believe that with public will and organization we can make a big party that will make sure the world never forgets us.

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