New Brazilian Beats : A Carnival of Their Own
Today, February 21st, marks the first day of Carnival across Brazil. With music fundamental to any South American event, we take a closer look at the sounds decorating time in the South American country.
The Carnival of Rio de Janeiro – in all likelihood the world’s most infamous celebration. It is an irreplaceable blend of colour, movement and sound. Whilst Samba and its many varieties reign the most notorious soundtrack to the intense week of dancing and festivities, Brazilian music today not only spans, but also bends genres.
For the past few weeks the team at Tracks & Fields have been acquainting themselves with emerging talent crossing these musical borders. We’ve curated a playlist of some of the artists and songs that best portray 3 trends adding colour and flare to the sound of Brazil all-year round.
Collaboration is Key
Brazil isn’t afraid of teamwork and our playlist would be sparse without it. Clara Valverde, with Josefe creates a catchy pop-tune in A Gente Faz. Contrasting a feminine aesthetic with provocative lyrics, she is certainly one to watch.
Collaborations between three or more artists are also not unusual. To Te Querendo, of OMULU, Luedji Luna and ÀTTØØXXÁ is laid upon a slow samba beat with hip-hop flare. With its mesmerizing lyrics, it’s almost as hard to categorize this track as it is to stop us from playing it. The video clip is rather beautiful too.
Smooth Electronic Blends
Think of Brazil, and think high energy. Doubtless, this will never change. However, the Brazilian acoustic scene is seeing a rise in original down-tempo lo-fi blends. Trio Tuyo, who have been releasing music since 2017, mix dreamy lyrics with slow electronic beats and rhythms. Check out Conselho do Bom Senso, from their Debut EP for a taste, and move onto their Fresno collaboration Cada Acidente for a matured taste.
Girls Who Run The World
Brazilian Funk has steadily come to dominate the charts. Stars of this genre such as Anitta, are referred to as the local Beyonce, and MCs (the title most Funkeiros give themselves) produce music as inescapable as reggaetón’s wonder hit Despacito. Fun, fresh and danceable Funk has a time and place. However female artists across the country are writing music with style and substance that rival Funk’s established mottos. This music is inter-sectional, not only in the background of the artist who make it, but the genres. Check out Karol Conka’s Saudade for some mellow rap, or Gaby Amarantos and DUDA BEAT’s Xanalá, for a hit of educational electro-pop.
Ready for some Brazilian variety? You can listen to our playlist here:
