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What is a blog for? Today marks four years since I started this one and, honestly, I still do not know the answer. Well, to be honest, there was a break of a little over four months, but even so… It is enough time to write short weekly articles about experiences that, in some way, are connected to music or at least to my music. Sharing insights, stories, and experiences with readers.

I know that on dates like these, readers always expect some uplifting story, about how an experiment without great pretensions became a true community that reaches a huge number of readers, impacting their lives, etc. But that ís not my case at all. For the good or for the bad, I do not have a story like that to tell.

Over the years, I have explored a diverse range of topics that interest me and yes, some kind readers were kind enough to not only read the text, but also to make some comments, but from there to impacting lives? I honestly do not think that is the case here at all. As a matter of fact, I am quite critical of this maxim of “impacting the lives of other human beings” having become the perfect excuse for anyone to sell anything, preserving the image of moral purity, which rarely finds support in reality.

But what about me? Am I not also selling something here? Of course, in a philosophical sense we could say that we are all always selling something, in my case, my image, my persona, if you will.

It is true that I hope to attract your attention to my songs or at least to social networks, with the aim of you becoming a follower (a sign of the times). Yes, all of this is true, but that is not why I want to continue with a blog, even though I know that the format no longer attracts crowds. In fact, this slight shift in relation to the group generated the simple family nickname of “Weirdo” and that, because it is so true in the end, I had no choice but to embrace it.

In fact, I am always a little out of step with the latest hit, whether it’s the format of releasing an album or the repertoire. Maybe because, just like the time of the samba-enredo of the samba schools of Rio de Janeiro (honey, do your own research, okay?) the time of the internet has become too fast for me. Or rather, I prefer to keep up with my own pace, the one that makes sense to me.

But then why continue writing, even after four years if, besides not believing that I have impacted my audience, I am not even sure that I have built a captive audience over these four years? I have thought a lot about this during the four months of hiatus and the only conclusion I have come to is that, if I do not do it, I really feel that something is missing.


I really missed these weekly meetings. They are for me a moment to organize my thoughts, to digest some fact that occurred throughout the day, to express an opinion, an impression, a feeling, to share an experience, because at the end of the day that is what it is all about.

I do appreciate you following them, or any of them.

Hapoy birthday, Red Flower!

Be seeing you!

G.F.

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A famous Brazilian company, a video producer for videos for the internet has a very interesting sketch, parodying a recurring subject on news portals: “Who went to the beach this week?”. The sketch features talented comedians playing news anchors.

Basically they read, in sequence, the latest news about famous people spotted at the beach. They add no further comments, nor jokes, and yet, with clever wit and humor, they deliver a hilarious take on the worn-out catchphrases about enjoying life, embracing abundance, and expressing gratitude, often associated with “simple things in life” and the beach culture, even if the snapshot is on a very private corner of a luxury hotel.

The parody cleverly exposes the silly superficialities often found on the news, specially the digital one, bringing a fresh and entertaining perspective to the audience. If I were on the writing team, I would definitely add variations like, “Who moved into a mansion this week?” or “Who underwent an invasive aesthetic procedure this week?”

In fact, we could also consider satirical headlines such as “Who spent a ridiculous amount on a handbag?” or “Who was caught in a wardrobe malfunction at a public event?” The list of possibilities is immense!

In a society increasingly focused on appearance and physical enhancements, the willingness to invest significant sums of money in altering one’s external features is becoming the norm. Whether it is undergoing eye colour changes, fitting “contact lenses” on teeth (despite the damage they cause), or adorning oneself with false eyelashes, hair, and nails, the pursuit of physical alteration is omnipresent.

Amidst this prevailing trend, it is strikingly ironic that comparatively little attention is paid to addressing issues that could be effectively resolved with the assistance of speech therapists. I believe that the disparity in emphasis on physical transformation versus addressing speech-related challenges raises questions about societal priorities and the value placed on holistic well-being.

In a world in which it has become “normal” to invest a considerable amount of money to change the color of your eyes, wear “contact lenses” on your teeth (at the expense of wearing them down), wear false eyelashes, false hair, false nails it is, to say the least, curious that so little importance is given to problems that would be solved with the help of speech therapists. Apparently, in the commodity market in which capitalism transforms the human body, actions linked to the voice and speech are the least valued ones.

In times of podcasts and a myriad of YouTube channels, the annoyance caused by tongue ties, stuttering, hissing and all sorts of phonetic defects becomes even greater. While complex mental health diagnoses are trivialized in social media bios, speech problems remain (the ultimate?) taboo.

This perpetuates a harmful stigma around speech impediments, making it challenging for individuals to seek support and understanding. Despite the impact of speech difficulties on daily communication and confidence, they often go unaddressed due to societal misconceptions and lack of awareness.

I cannot help but think that, at least in some cases (when those with speech problems are people with financial resources and who would be fully capable of paying for professional help) the issue also involves denying the problem.

“I am rich and therefore no one will (or pretend not to) notice.” Well, Mr. Richie Rich, actually everyone will notice, even if no one says anything. And there is not enough heavy gold cordsm nor acrylic nail in the world capable of distracting the attention from a speech disorder.

For anyone who understands the power of the voice and every person who sings or is somehow related to the music world should be able to understand it. Our voice, the way we talk, it is our own melody, so to speak. People are drawn to captivating speech just as they are drawn to a beautiful melody.

Neglecting speech problems is like not caring about your own music. And, even if you have nothing to do with music, never sang a note in the shower your entire life etc, try to think of your speech as your unique, non-transferable sound signature.

Now, be honest: Have you ever taken a moment to listen to yourself? Do you like what you hear?

How does your voice sound? Pleasant? Irritating? Caliming? Warm? Welcoming? Out of tune?

Your voice is an instrument that can carry emotion, convey information, and create connections. Just like a musician practices and refines their technique, you can improve the quality of your speech by paying attention to your articulation, intonation, and rhythm.

Embrace the potential of your voice and unlock the power of effective communication in your personal and professional life. And, believe me, it will make you shine much more than any accessory ever could.

Be seeing (and hearing) you,

G.F.

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I recently wrote about a huge Madonna show in Rio. She was invited by a big bank to perform on the Copacabana beach. The performance was a great success, although musically it drew attention to the fact that in a show where all the numbers were grand, the number of musicians on stage was… zero.

Many analyzes were made following the event, drawing attention to the good shape of the performer. Far be it from me to dispute the good shape of the artist, but I confess that, artistically speaking, a 65-year-old woman using playback moves me to a much lesser extent than an 84-year-old woman singing live on stage.

Forget Madonna: Suely is the real thing!

Last week I had the opportunity to applaud the great Brazilian actress Suely Franco, performing a tribute to the star Virgínia Lame, who would have turned one hundred years old in 2020. The play is called “The Brazilian Vedete” And if you do not know what the word “vedete” means, the very infornative program of the play explains:

“The star actresses of the revue theater were known as “vedetes”. The word “védette”, of Italian origin, means “exposure” or “evidence”. In Brazil, the term also came to designate people or things that are extremely desired.“

The actresses of the revue theater, whose peak in Brazil occurred between the 1930s and 1950s suffered from double prejudice: both on the part of society in general, which considered the profession analogous to prostitution, and on the part of dramatic actresses and radio singers, who often considered their colleagues in the revue theater as less serious professionals.

In its origins, revue theater is linked to a presentation, a “review” of the outstanding political and social events of the year, and in the case of Virgínia Lane, who was a singer, a dancer and a composer, the world of feathers and sparkles of revue theater intersects with political milestones of Brazil, since she was for ten years the declared lover (or, as it was presented in the newspapers of the time, “the favourite vedete”) of President Getúlio Vargas.

She was one of the first to see him dead, in what would go down in history as a case of suicide, but which Virginia swore until the end of her days that it had actually been a murder.

Reviewing the importance of the revue theater and reliving the stories of these great artists is already quite moving, but when it happens through the work of an actress like Suely Franco it means much more than that. Proud and majestic on stage, at the age of 84, singing live, loud and clear and delivering her text with timing and panache, Suely turns the play into an anti-ageism ode, as well.

I left the theater deeply moved and with my faith in humanity renewed. There is something very powerful in this type of experience, a power so great that it is capable of shining brighter than cell phone screens (the fact that people are no longer able to turn them off for two hours is a very sad topic that I do not want to talk about now so as not to starve the mood ) and sounds louder than all the annoying ringtones.

It reminds us that the strength of art asserts itself over time and the inevitable finiteness of our existence. Or, as the 1979 song While Ironing Pants, by Ednardo, would say:

Because singing feels like not dying
It’s like not forgetting
That life is right

Be seeing you!

G.F.

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Mulholland Dr.ive is a 2001 film written and directed by David Lynch. In this intriguing work, a scene that has become iconic is that of the protagonists Betty and Rita at “Club Silencio” (love the name!): it starts with the master of ceremonies explains that everything is an illusion (there is no band, and yet we hear a band). The women soon cry to the sound of the Spanish version of “Crying” by Rebekah del Rio. The artist faints, but the singing continues, revealing that the audio is a playback recording.

I could not help thinking of this scene so full of meanings, while watching on tv to the recent performance of popstar Madonna in Rio de Janeiro, in a mega show for over 1,5 million people on the Copacabana beach.

The magnitude of the show was undeniable. From the dedicated members of her team to the remarkable audience numbers for the live broadcast, every aspect of the event was larger than life. Even the undertaking of cleaning up the Copacabana beach after the concert was colossal, highlighting the immense scale of the production.

All the figures surrounding the presentation are gigantic, except one, which, by the way, is zero: the number of musicians on stage.

Such nonsense, in addition to the fact that the vocals themselves are based on pre-recorded bases, made me think about how a performance like this cannot be considered, strictly speaking, a concert. After all, what is the place of music in pop?

When considering the performance, technology, and the perception of musical artistry within the realm of pop music, it is important to acknowledge the dynamic interplay between these elements. The evolution of technology has not only revolutionized the way music is produced and consumed, but it has also significantly impacted the performance aspect of pop music.

Advances in audio recording, digital effects, and electronic instruments have provided artists with unprecedented creative tools, allowing them to push the boundaries of their artistry. From the use of Auto-Tune to enhance vocal performances, to the incorporation of electronic instruments and samples in live shows, technology has become an integral part of pop music, raising questions about the authenticity and artistry of these performances.

It is disheartening to witness major international pop stars, Madonna being just one example among many, dismissing musicians during their world tours. This behavior raises questions about fair treatment and respect within the music industry. When artists who have reached the pinnacle of success neglect their supporting musicians, it is, well, disappointing, to say the least.

Maybe it is about time we start giving classical music some more love. I have always been impressed by how this genre manages to evolve while still holding onto its core essence. I mean, imagine shelling out to watch an opera, only to find out that the lead soprano is lip-syncing to pre-recorded tracks? That would be a real scandal, right? So why do we naturalize it in current pop?

I’m aware that it’s difficult to make such criticisms without sounding extremely old-fashioned, but I’m willing to take the risk. After all, I also find some things very old-fashioned, for example, hypersexualized performances. I know that the saying “sex sells” dictates the rules, but I also know that at this point in time, such performances seem more boring than revolutionary. It is all so repetitive!

Do you know what would be revolutionary now? a performance less polluted by stage elements and complicated choreography, based on the artists’ talent and ability to perform live on stage. In short, entertainment that actually entertains, instead of just distracting.

Returning to talent-focused entertainment can have a profound impact on the industry, emphasizing skill and artistry over other superficial qualities. Embracing talent-focused entertainment can lead to a resurgence of genuine artistry, captivating audiences with the sheer brilliance and passion of performers.

In a world saturated with manufactured personas, placing talent at the forefront can breathe new life into the industry, offering audiences an authentic and awe-inspiring entertainment experience.

Be seeing you!

G.F.

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Last week, I had the opportunity to attend a significant meeting focused on the execution of a project of mine fora a musical performance, which has been approved through a public selection process. As is often the case, meetings of this nature are not typically filled with excitement. Despite the usual lack of excitement, there was a palpable sense of purpose and determination in the room, as everyone was committed to driving their projects forward and achieving tangible results.

The key to nailing any project is top-notch project management and crystal-clear communication. Making sure everyone is on the same page and totally clued in on the goals of the project is absolutely crucial. And when it comes to dealing with public funds, I cannot stress enough how important it is to be extra careful, double-checking every responsibility and sticking to the rules like glue. After all, it is our money, right?

This whole extra attention can really make us feel like we gotta be on our best behavior, you know? It is all about making sure we handle things the right way and own up to our actions, especially when we are working on projects funded by the public. I am totally onboard with that, but it would be so nice to have some help with all the other stuff! It is tough to stay focused on the music when you’ve got to juggle being your own manager, assistant, and accountant, too.

Sometimes, it is hard not to feel the levels of motivation vary, but in such moments (during boring meetings, for example) I reflect on the journey leading up to this point. I remind myself of the challenges involved in the selection process of public-funded projects, the extensive work required to create and articulate the project proposal, and the substantial weight of responsibility that comes with it.

Ok, I understand that all this theorizing is not always enough to eliminate the boredom of a meeting about the administrative and legal details of executing an artistic project. Fear not, for I haveanother, infallible exercise. I create what I call a “quiet moment’, that is, a moment of reflection in some silent place in my mind, where there is only room for one question: why am I here?

The journey of overcoming challenges is deeply rooted in my passion to create meaningful content that resonates with my audience. Each obstacle surmounted becomes a milestone, shaping me into a more capable and empathetic creator. Moving forward, my focus remains steadfast on crafting compelling and engaging content that not only entertains but also fosters genuine connections.

Every step is a testament to the dedication and perseverance it takes to navigate through the intricate web of artistic production. It takes rime to learn about project development and management, but I feel that it gets a bit easier everytime, which means I am learning the ropes.

Each obstacle overcome represents a triumph, a step forward in the pursuit of creating something impactful and meaningful to the audience, a true wish for becoming a better performer. Every challenge I overcome shows how determined and resilient I am to make a real impact. It is all about making progress and moving forward in my mission to create content that truly connects with my audience.

Quiet moments (even if they happen in a crowdy room) of inner contemplation and self-reflection the source where I find the strength to carry on. As I sit in these meetings, surrounded by paperwork and discussions, I am reminded of the bigger picture, the greater purpose behind the meticulous planning and effort, and it ignites a renewed sense of determination to see it through to fruition.

Boring meetings do not seem so bad when I think about all the challenges faced and overcome in order to get here. Actually, these tedious moments are actually the type of problems I always want to deal with.

Be seeing you!

G.F.