The country music duo Matheus Henrique & Gabriel, formed by a dentist and a pilot, are emerging as one of the most promising names in the new generation of the genre. Hailing from the interior of São Paulo state and accumulating over 50 million streams, they are experiencing a decisive moment in their career, boosted by the recording of the live audiovisual album “Ao Vivo na Retronejo” and the release of a new single, whose composition even involved the use of artificial intelligence.
Friends since childhood in Vale do Ribeira, in Registro (SP), Matheus and Gabriel transformed their affinity into a musical partnership while still teenagers. After a brief foray into rock, in 2011 they discovered their shared passion for sertanejo (Brazilian country music), filling their first show at a pizzeria in the city. Since then, they have performed on increasingly larger stages, collaborated with artists such as Felipe Araújo and Danilo Davi, and consolidated the Retronejo project, which began as a party among friends and today brings together thousands of people celebrating the great hits of the 2000s.
With a new audio-visual planned for 2025 and a structure strengthened by joining the Feeling Music roster, the duo faces its most mature phase, inspired by the emotional truth of their own compositions and the references that shaped their trajectory — from Jorge & Mateus to Henrique & Juliano. After overcoming intense challenges during the pandemic and rebuilding their path with resilience, Matheus Henrique & Gabriel position themselves as representatives of a generation ready to gain space in sertanejo music with authenticity, purpose, and creative force.
Your story begins on the streets of Vale do Ribeira and now reaches the stages of Retronejo. When you looked back, at what moment did you realize it was no longer just a dream, but a career?
When we started, everything was very simple: we played at the city club, school, with friends. People started to like it, support us, encourage us… friends and family pushing us forward.
Then came the first “real” show: a pizzeria here in town. And it was packed. Packed in a way we couldn’t believe. That’s when it hit us hard: “Man… there are a lot of people who like our music. This could become a career.”
From that day forward, Matheus Henrique & Gabriel was truly born — and the dream came to life.
The new single features the use of artificial intelligence in the composition. What was that experience like for you?
We use artificial intelligence as an additional tool, to search for themes and phrases, to help pave the way and bring in new references. But the soul of the music remains ours. The melody we feel, the truth of the lyrics… that doesn’t change. AI is support. The essence remains 100% Matheus Henrique & Gabriel.
You have different backgrounds — one is a dentist and the other a pilot. What lessons do you bring from those professions to the stage?
Our academic background was fundamental in getting us to where we are today, with maturity, vision, and a level head. Even though we’re not currently practicing it, it helped us see music as a business: strategy, responsibility, commitment, and management.
Furthermore, having that foundation provides security. It serves as a plan B, of course, but mainly as a cornerstone that has shaped who we are on and off stage.
Retronejo brings back the country music of the 2000s. What memories from that era inspire you the most today?
Retronejo came into our lives during the pandemic and, from the very first show, we fell in love. It brings back the essence of sertanejo music, that phase that many people consider the peak of life: adolescence, first loves, the beginning of parties… a great sense of nostalgia.
When we play this repertoire, we automatically go back to the beginning of our story, when our repertoire in bars was only country music: César Menotti & Fabiano, Henrique & Juliano, Jorge & Mateus, Guilherme & Santiago… It’s incredibly special to relive these songs on stage today.
Your repertoire is marked by romanticism and authenticity. How do you transform real experiences into songs that connect with so many people?
From the very beginning, we were very clear about this: We wanted timeless music. When we sing, compose, or choose a song, we always seek that truth. The music needs to come from a real story, either ours or the listener’s. That’s what makes people identify with our sound!
The pandemic was a turning point for many artists. What did this period teach you?
During the pandemic, we had to reinvent ourselves. It was difficult because we had a forced pause: no shows, no touring, no continuity in the project.
But at the same time, it was a period of great learning. We worked in other areas, we made ends meet… and thank God we also had success outside of music. This brought enormous maturity to us. It showed that purpose doesn’t disappear in difficult times, it gets stronger.
The partnership with Feeling Music marks a new phase. What’s it like having this team by your side?
The partnership with Feeling Music has made us very happy. It was something we thought about and studied for a long time, and today we feel it was the right choice.
Having professionals working in planning, marketing, artistic and commercial management makes all the difference. We are prepared and excited for this new phase. We want to deliver great music to the people and take our truth even further.
You dream of collaborations within the sertanejo genre. But what about outside of it? Who would be your dream collaboration partner?
We have several idols outside of the sertanejo genre, and it would be incredible to record with some of them. Ferrugem, Thiaguinho, Seu Jorge, or even Péricles… they all have an incredible musicality and an artistic truth that we greatly admire.
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