Tue, Mar 2, 2010

Marcelinho da Lua Interview

1.You manage to mix different influences such as traditional Brazilian music, technology, hip hop, drum & bass and so on. How have these influences come together in your life?

I belong to the Circo Voador generation. Circo Voador (literally translates Flying Circus) is a magic place which since the 80’s holds the best and most diverse shows in Rio. There I’ve seen Tim Maia, Jorge Ben, The Wailers (original band), Hermeto Pascoal and many others. All these people are big influences in my work.

My household has always been an eclectic mix of music from Rio. My mother’s cousin is Roberto Menescal, one of Bossa Nova’s precursors. My father is from the suburb and grew up around Joao da Bahiana, another legend of Carioca (native of Rio) Samba.

I would add to all of this a bit of Reggae – which I believe is a Latin American way of life. From the continent I am also a lover of the Bolero from Cuba. From the street culture, I’ve brought the Hip Hop and the Drum & Bass – which is the inspiration for Febre (Fever), a party that we promote since 1997.

2.Bossacucanova, founded in 1997, has been a huge success. How deep are you still involved in the project and what are the best moments about it?
I am one of three founders of Bossacucanova. I am still fully dedicated to studio production and I am on the shows every time I can although it is very difficult to tune up our schedules!

Our best moments are when we are inside the studio with all the creative process on the music production. From our stage moments, I would highlight our show at the botanical garden in Medellin (Colombia), Womad Festival in England and Hollywood Bowl in LA. Also, the Latin Grammy ceremony, the recording process for Elza Soares new album, the two tours with Roberto Menescal and his shows at Ronnie Scott’s bar and at the Bossa Nova Festival in a theme park in Tokyo. Another great moment was at the Festive North Sea Jazz when we played with Eumir Deodato and Azimuth.

3.You’ve released 2 solo albums, Tranquilo and Social. Any plans for a third album?

For now I’m just developing new songs. Then I need to start to put together a project to launch this material in singles or in a new album. The Bossacucanova new album however is already ongoing.

I am currently working hard on Bossacucanova’s new album, giving a lot of attention to the Febre (the Drum & Bass) party and to Tranquilo Producoes – my production company that exists in order to give me more possibilities to develop new ideas. I am also about to do a tour in Europe.

4.In your opinion, what distinct the electronic music scene in Brazil from Europe?

I don’t believe there’s a difference in terms of audiences. Nowadays, there are a lot of people listening to electronic music in Brazil, considering that funk is also electronic music and is massive in Rio. It has a huge audience probably of the same size for electronic music in Europe since the 80’s. The beat of the funk always needed the DJ and the mixers for example. That was always a rhythm of the lower classes in the city but gradually the upper classes were being seduced by its pulsation and its beat. Today funk is the tune of Rio de Janeiro.

Finally, the Rio Music Conference demonstrates a strong market for electronic music made in Brazil, from Electro to Funk. The event happens with a delightful view of Guanabara Bay and looks like it is going to grow even bigger.

5.What the public can expect of your DJ set at Guanabara?

The audience will be able taste a little bit of all Brazilian flavours, something from Jamaica and the Afro Cubans, going from the 70’s through the drum and bass. But the overall mix will follow the flow of the dance floor!

Peace!

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