The Far-Reaching Legacy of Tonny Brasil’s Tecnobrega Song “Lana”
There are debates about technobrega’s origins, but tracking its history leads us to one artist and one song: “Lana” by Tonny Brasil.
brazilian music
Brazilian Hip-Hop Artist Laíz Makes Bold Moves on ‘Ela Partíu’
Throughout Ela Partíu, Laíz makes clear just how much more she is: strong, tender, and an outstanding new figure in globally-minded hip-hop.
Luísa Sonza on Her Brazilian Songbook-Inspired ‘Escândalo Íntimo’
Luísa Sonza talks about her Brazilian songbook-inspired and bossa nova-centered Escândalo Íntimo, a soundtrack to the movies in her mind.
5 Signs Brazilian Funk Is Verging on Global Breakthrough
As music markets “glocalise”, the stars could align for Brazilian funk. As of 2023, at least five things show that they might be.
Soprano a Viola Question Urban/Rural Dichotomies with ‘Onde Está o Jeca?’
On Onde Está o Jeca?, Brazil’s Soprano a Viola blur the boundaries between rural and urban popular music genres to question the stereotypes therein.
Bala Desejo’s ‘SIM SIM SIM’ Is a Tale of Narcissism and Privilege
In Bala Desejo’s SIM SIM SIM I hear a lack of self-awareness and embarrassing naiveté that only the wellborn can afford to experience.
The Progressive Nostalgia of Bala Desejo’s ‘SIM SIM SIM’
To fans of Brazil’s 1960s tropicália and 1970s psicodelia, Bala Desejo will sound like a natural extension. SIM SIM SIM is warm and gorgeous.
Pabllo Vittar Is the Drag Pop Star Fascists Want to Silence
When not directly attacking Brazil’s dangerous Bolsonaro administration, drag queen Pabllo Vittar is changing the world one shaking bootie at a time.
Marisa Monte on Her Elegant New Dawn
Brazil’s queen of song Marisa Monte has launched a year-long international tour and talks with PopMatters about that and her latest album, Portas.
Luísa e os Alquimistas’ ‘Gang da Leoa (Vol. 1)’ Is a Brega Psychedelia Party
Inspired by hippie culture, psychedelic art, brega music, and Latin cultures, Luísa e os Alquimistas’ act is a complicated and brilliant promise of Brazilian pop.
Rodrigo Amarante on the Joys of Interpretation in Latin Music
Award-winning Brazilian musician Rodrigo Amarante talks with PopMatters about diversifying Latin sounds and ringing the political alarm in Brazil.
‘Portas’ Shows There’s Never a Wrong Place or Time for Brazil’s Marisa Monte
Marisa Monte’s first album in ten years is almost escapist in how its positivity and romance distance from Brazil’s current situation.