Interview: Brazilian star Bebel Gilberto talks new music ahead of Bristol show

Interview: Brazilian star Bebel Gilberto talks new music ahead of Bristol show

Posted on: 21 Feb 2020

We chat with the multi-Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter ahead of her first solo visit to the city.

 

Having captivated audiences and critics alike in her native Brazil since her debut release in 1986, Bebel Gilberto is widely regarded as one of South America's finest solo artists.

 

With a Bristol performance scheduled at Fiddlers on Saturday 2 May and a brand-new album, Agora, on the way, we caught up with her to discuss her playing style, musical influences and her love for performing in the UK.

Bebel Gilberto live on stage.

How do you feel about returning to the UK to perform in 2020?

 

Very excited, the UK’s audience is one of my favourites in the world, so I’m very happy to be coming back to play my new album. I've always had positive experiences in the UK, and I also lived in London for a while, so I consider it home.

 

And what are your thoughts on playing live in Bristol for the first time?

 

I’m so excited to go to Bristol! I have actually played there before, a long time ago with Thievery Corporation, one of my first-ever gigs in the UK. I’m looking forward to coming back to perform solo.

 

How would you describe your musical style?

 

I would say my musical style is breezy, sexy, different, pure music. My live performances are always a surprise - I’ll be playing with musicians that I love and haven’t played with in a long time, and the fact that I’ll be playing songs from my new album is also very exciting!

 

 

To what extent does your home country influence your music?

 

Brazil hasn’t been my home for over 25 years now, so I think I get influenced by things I hear around the world. Sometimes it can be the radio, sometimes waiting for a plane in the airport, sometimes in a movie theatre, or sometimes in a show that I happen to go to without planning it.

 

Your new album is on the way soon – can you describe the record?

 

The record is very electronic, very particular. There’s a lot of emotions and layers that were created by Thomas Bartlett, the producer, so I think it has a very unique sound. I’m very curious to see people’s reaction, as I haven’t done anything so electronic in a long time.

 

What was the inspiration for the album?

 

The title is Agora, which means Now. The inspiration is just life - I’ve been going through a lot these two last years and basically it was the story of going through all these ups and downs.

 

Can you describe the process in creating the album?

 

Thomas is very easy to work with, we worked in his space in the wonderful Reservoir Studios in New York. The vibe there is very nice, he gets the best microphones and the best elements that are needed to create the best sound and is always ready to catch the moment and let the unexpected happen.

 

So I felt very inspired by Thomas because every time we were creating something new, I never felt as if we were repeating ourselves, never felt bored working with him. Working with him is always full of surprises and he’s such an enthusiastic producer that makes everything easier.

 

And how does the upcoming album compare to your previous work?

 

It’s hard to say, in a way is similar, and in a way is different. 20 years apart from my first album there’s a lot that’s different in my life, so it’s hard for me to say.

 

What’s been your most memorable live show to date and why?

 

I think the show I did in London last year was quite incredible! It was at Union Chapel, a full moon night, I had beautiful friends over there, it was voice and guitar only, in a beautiful venue, and I thought it was a very diva-like concert. Sometimes there are shows that are a bit, noisier, crazier or sometimes the crowd can be a bit cold, but felt like Maria Callas that night - not that I’m comparing myself to her!

 

How do you feel about performing live in Bristol and across the UK on the weekend of your album release?

 

Fantastic! Couldn’t be luckier, I’m so happy, it is for me the best to start this new stage of my career in the UK.

 

And where are you most looking forward to playing in 2020 and why?

 

Kicking off the tour in Bristol is going to be special! I'm playing in Amsterdam on the night of my birthday, so I'm really looking forward to that one, too.

 

Catch Bebel Gilberto live at Fiddlers on Saturday 2 May 2020. Get your tickets here


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Article by:

Matt Robson

 

Editor - 365Bristol.com & LOUD Magazine
 

Matt is a Journalism graduate and writer, passionate about supporting Bristol music, art and independent business. Get in touch via email at matt@365bristol.com.