With influences ranging from Jorge Ben to Caetano Veloso, and incorporating the manguebeat of Chico Science, the singer-songwriter Jota.pê, born in Osasco, stood out with single releases and his debut album “Crônicas de um Sonhador” in 2015. EP “Garoa” (released in 2021), produced by Lucas Mayer and featuring renowned musicians such as Marcelo Mariano and Kabé Pinheiro, also marked his career.
In addition, Jota.pê ventured into the musical duo ÀVUÀ, formed with his friend Bruna Black. This partnership led to a 2021 Latin Grammy nomination for the album “ONZE”, which features collaborations with established artists, including Elza Soares and Zeca Baleiro. In the same year, the duo had the honor of being invited to participate in ColorsxStudios, one of the biggest music channels in the world.
Jota.pê’s musical journey includes outstanding performances at TEDx, Memorial da América Latina and Sofar Sounds. His participation in The Voice Brasil also led him to be praised by Lulu Santos as one of the best voices of all seasons of the program. Recently, in a series of performances across Brazil, he conquered the European stage on his first tour of the continent, with tickets sold out at every show.
And the story of Jota.pê continues to unfold. On the horizon, he is preparing a new solo album, ready to be released in the first half of 2023. His versatility and talent are solidifying his name in both the national and international music scene.
How would you describe the musical style present on your new album?
I like to call it MPB precisely because, when I listen to Gilberto Gil, Djavan, Caetano and others, I realize that they incorporate rock, samba, reggae, forró and when it’s time to define it, people call it MPB and that’s okay. I like this freedom to mix all the rhythms that vibrate in me. I think this album is very much like that, a flirtation with samba, with forró, with rap.
What were your main musical influences when creating this new work?
In addition to my usual influences, like Djavan, Gil, Lenine… for this album, I researched many sounds from outside Brazil. Many things by Mayra Andrade inspire me a lot, as well as Dino D’Santiago, Tom Misch and Cesária Évora. Returning to Brazil, I also listened a lot to Emicida, who was the artist who made me want to bring rap tones to this album.
How was the experience of collaborating with renowned musicians like Marcelo Mariano and Kabé Pinheiro?
I love these guys. Marcelo Mariano and Kabé Pinheiro helped me to become the artist and person I am today. They have been with me for over 6 years and have helped me a lot to understand and build my musical identity, in addition to making me more critical and studious, resulting in better results.
How did the partnership with the duo ÀVUÀ come about and how did it influence your career?
ÀVUÀ is a project that emerged during the pandemic, with my friend/sister Bruna Black. It saved me in so many ways, in the midst of this madness, starting such an amazing project with such a talented artist like her helped me keep my mind straight. This partnership has brought us countless wonderful things, such as ColorsxStudios, a Grammy nomination, tours… I love Bruninha and I became a much better artist and person for knowing her.
How did you feel to be nominated for the Latin Grammy with the album “ONZE”?
This album and the Grammy nomination were two of the greatest joys of my life. The album is beautiful and having the honor of recording an unprecedented work by Adoniran was incredible, especially alongside Elza Soares, Zeca Baleiro and other great names. I have a huge affection for this project.
What were the most memorable moments of your European tour?
The first solo show in Lisbon, at the Lisboa/Criola Gulbenkian festival, was VERY SPECIAL! Playing for more than a thousand people in another country, alone, with just voice and guitar, was an AMAZING experience!!! And the last show of the ÀVUÀ tour in Porto was also wonderful. There was a celebratory mood at the end of the tour.
What can fans expect from your forthcoming new solo album?
There’s definitely a lot of swing. The disco is mostly danceable. These are songs to listen to and dance to.
How would you describe your evolution as an artist since the release of your first album?
It is a great happiness to observe the transformations that my art has undergone. I believe I have improved a lot as a singer, composer and arranger. Nowadays, I am much more the owner of my art. I feel freer to explore possibilities because I’ve learned so many things. Being open to testing possibilities with awareness is wonderful.
What are your plans for the future regarding your music career?
My wish is to continue living what I love: doing shows in many places, recording more singles, EPs and albums, and meeting new artists. I love the process of being a music artist and everything that goes with it. I want to be able to continue living my dream.
How do you define your artistic identity and what do you believe makes you unique in the current music scene?
This question is interesting. I believe the fun is in not defining myself. I let music represent what moves me, what cheers me up, what makes me sad and what pisses me off. I reproduce these feelings. I don’t worry too much about defining. I like that freedom.
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