Singer and composer criticizes what he defines as the “curralization” of pop culture at shows, but highlights young promises of national music
Guilherme Arantes He is not the most enthusiastic person about what is happening in Brazilian music today. On different occasions, the artist declared that he does not like some styles that are in vogue at the moment and even the current format of festivals, where, in his words, music becomes “catchup in a food court”.
This does not mean, however, that any young artist has his approval. In an interview with Danilo Casaletti for the newspaper The State of S. Paulo, Arantes he mentioned some names from the new generation of Brazilian pop that surprised him positively.
“I really like Anavitória. I like the style of Victor Kley It’s from Tiago Iorc. I like the The Garotinswho are some boys who came with a powerful line, something like Stevie Wonder.”
Afterwards, however, he did not fail to recognize the current environment in Brazil as “very unfavorable” for this type of musician. In his view, the festive thought of music hinders the development of artistic works that explore other types of feelings.
“You have a mass of people looking for party hedonism. From the 1990s onwards, there was a ‘corralization’ of pop culture in concert environments. It’s the pagode, the country music… The songs started to be made to work in this corral. There is no open proposal. This is how it is in forró, sofrência, piseiro, funk and trap. As a result, you lose yourself in reflection, in anguish, in these softer feelings of human beings. It’s a worldwide movement.”
The reporter conducting the interview asked if the musical genres mentioned by William “they give something musically” to him. In response, the singer-songwriter stated:
“Reggaeton, which plays a lot in Spain – and it sucks – is a rhythmic formula [ele canta o ritmo] which is on top of the cumbia. Reggaeton is an electronic sound found in countries like Paraguay and Colombia, with a dance cadence that is typically Arabic. A groove that is for the hips to move. It has something ethnic, but it doesn’t produce quality and thought-provoking things. He is limited to a boring speech about empowerment, ostentation and jewelry, which is weak. Funk and trap also go into the vibe of this dance.”
Even so, not everything is disposable in the segment according to Arantes. Sam Smithwho is from the United Kingdom, also received a prominent mention.
“Sometimes, artists from outside this scene, like Sam Smith, use this rhythmic formula, but add something more. I adore Sam Smith! He has a beautiful voice. A generous human figure. A grace! It has a beautiful artistic proposal. Activism is in good taste, beautiful! Pop artist with excellence!”
Who could play Guilherme Arantes today?
At another point in the conversation, Guilherme Arantes is asked which artists could perform their songs in the current moment. A singer who was not mentioned in the first response was remembered by the artist.
“A Marina Sena is very promising. I found her on a recording [para o programa Altas Horas] and told her that she was a great singer. She replied: ‘It’s great that you said that. A lot of people say I sing badly’. People have reservations because she has a marketing, pop behavior that many people find objectionable because it exploits sensuality. Gal Costa also did this in the past. Gal she was totally lascivious on stage. And there is no demerit in that. If everything goes well, I want to be in the repertoire of several singers.”
Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
