RAGGED Exclusive: Tipo Uísque: From Brasil, With Love
May 3, 2011
Straight from the pages of the upcoming special Brasil edition of RAGGED, we’re thrilled to give you an exclusive early look at our feature story with Tipo Uísque! These Brasilian locals helped introduce RAGGED to the exciting atmosphere and culture while on our journey of musical exploration with Lenay and We The Kings. But not only did they help escort us around town, they also hit the big stage at Lollapalooza Brasil for their first huge, festival performance. Read the band’s thoughts on the trip below and follow along with the 6-part webisode series, “Olá, Brasil!” in the coming weeks. The full issue of RAGGED featuring extras from the trip and additional photos with Tipo Uísque will be available as free download here starting May 17.
LIKE THE INTOXICATING STUFF BRASILIAN ROCKERS TIPO UÍSQUE TAKE THEIR NAME FROM, the quintet from Rio de Janeiro will have the same effect that potable drink does: you’re liable to dance, your head will spin and you’ll be wanting more—all in the best way possible. Vocalist Pin Boner’s throaty delivery (with better lyrics than most native speakers write) recalls The Gossip’s Beth Ditto in moments, with a backdrop that owes much to the indie electro rockers of the early aughts (think Yeah Yeah Yeahs as a funk band). On their latest album, Home, the band expand the sound that’s made them beloved in their native Brasil, and lay the groundwork for a Stateside domination. Find out more about the band, their sound and the week they spent hosting RAGGED, We the Kings and Lenay and showing us all São Paulo
has to offer.
How did the members of Tipo Uísque meet?
Tipo Uísque started in 2008 with Pin Boner and Larissa Conforto, who used to date guys from the same band (Brazilian group R. Sigma). At the time, they were called “Line,” and there were only girls in the band. In 2009, Joana Cid joined us and the two guys (both called Gabriel—Salazar and Ventura) joined in 2010. Beautiful band, right?
How would you describe the music that you make?
That’s difficult to answer! It’s something between classic rock, blues and electro rock. We are six different people with lots of different influences that complement each other.
How would you describe the music scene in Brasil? Are there elements of traditional Brazilian music that you include in your music?
Brasil has a huge music scene. The musical culture is so strong here because there are so many different styles. From traditional rock, reggae, pop music to our own styles, like samba, axé, frevo and bossa nova. And, for sure, there are elements from Brazilian traditional music in our music—that comes naturally. It’s funny because some people say that, despite the lyrics being in English, Tipo Uísque still sounds like a Brazilian band.
What was the most memorable part of your experience with We the Kings during the foreign exchange?
We had a great time! There were lots of memorable moments, but a highlight was our nightclub experience, during which they showed to be great dancers (especially Travis!). Our soccer experience in front of Pacaembu Stadium was great, too!
How are U.S. audiences different from Brazilian audiences?
Well, we haven’t played the United States, yet, but from what we hear, Brazilian audiences are more crazy. But we’re pretty sure that U.S. audiences are hot, too! We are really excited to play there and check that personally!
What was playing Lollapalooza Brasil like?
The Lollapalooza experience was a huge step for us. It was our very first big festival (and we hope that happens more and more) and we felt the pressure and the honor to play on a big stage, with great equipment and big a crowd—certainly unforgettable.
What did you most enjoy about playing music with We the Kings?
We had a nice time with We The Kings, playing an acoustic set in São Paulo. It was a great exchange of culture! First, they played their song, and then we played our song. And, after all, Gabriel Salazar taught Travis how to play the original Brazilian samba! That was amazing!
What are you most excited to bring to audiences in America?
We’re excited to bring to America audiences a great show with songs played in English with a Brazilian taste. We want to introduce them to the power of Pin’s voice, the groove from our bass and guitars, the electronic pinch from Joana’s keyboard and the catchiness of Larissa’s drums.
What are you, as a band, most excited to do in America?
We want to do a tourism tour, buy some equipment, play some nice music and enjoy every single moment from our travel! And, for sure, to promote our band!
If someone were to go to Brasil, what would be the top three things you feel they should do while there?
In Rio de Janeiro (our city), you can meet our beaches, our natural landscapes and try some coconuts. You must try our most famous cultural drink, called caipirinha (made from Brazilian cachaça) and visit our nightclubs (lots of options here: samba, rock, reggae…). And, the most important thing: Attend a Tipo Uísque concert!
posted by Staff
