"I understand that, above all, music is art and that for the artist to look at his art as a product is more difficult, but if he doesn't, others will. Understand the market you are in."
Get ready for a latin flavored tastemaker spotlight! Meet Thabata Arruda, aka "Ouça Música Independente"; With 16 years of professional contact with music, starting as a chorister and later in the area of cultural and executive production - Thabata holds a unique perspective on music.
For two years she has been dedicated to curating and researching music with a focus on market, behavior, habit and musical identity. He has already talked about these topics in lectures.
Her latest research on female representation at Brazilian music festivals was published by Revista Zumbido (SESC).
We had the pleasure to chat with here about Brazilian music, independent music and her music discovery routine.
Can you tell us a bit about your music discovery routine?
I wouldn't say that I have a routine, but when I want to discover new sounds I try to start from some theme or musical genre. I use the playlists created by the Spotify algorithm and MySphera, but none of this replaces the live concerts, which, for me, are still the best way to find new sounds.
As a Brazil native, a country with amazing and rich musical culture, can you name a few artists you feel more people should know?
We have a very intense musical production and the sounds are diverse, because this country is very large. I find it a tough mission to name just a few, but I tried this short list:
Flaira Ferro - She comes from Recife, which is in the northeast of Brazil, where the greatest artists of the country leave.
Elza Soares - You can't help but listen to Elza Soares, her last three albums are really incredible. Elza is a black woman and is part of the history of Brazilian music, she has a life history of a lot of struggle.
Chico César - Like Elza, Chico César has a long road in music, but his mind is so up-to-date and creative that he released a very good album last year, called O Amor é um Revolucionário (Love is a Revolutionary Act).
Kevin O Chris - Kevin is from Funk Carioca and last year he recorded a remix with Drake. I do not need to say anything more.
Vitor Araújo - A young and inventive pianist, also from Recife.
Tássia Reis - A rap representative. Tássia released a notable album last year, called Próspera (Prosperous).
Which album/song/ep are you listening to on repeat?
Just last week I went to listen to the album Norma (2018), by Mon Laferte. I'm addicted. It is an incredible sound experience. Last year he won the Latin Grammy in the Best Alternative Music Album category.
Latin music is taking over global charts, what do you think it's impact will be during 2020?
"Brazil is the country that most listens to music in its own language, according to Spotify. The language isolates us within Latin America itself, so seeing Anitta bringing Spanish into Brazil and taking Portuguese out is very incredible."
Latin music is taking over the world, in fact.
I just need to point out that Latin music sung in Spanish still has much more expression in the market than songs sung in Brazilian Portuguese.
In this respect, Anitta is undoubtedly breaking the barriers.
At this moment, she is our greatest artist, when we talk about charts, audience and impact on the market. It is opening spaces for our language and our music. Funk Carioca is our son and it's awesome. It represents an entire urban culture in Rio de Janeiro that is extremely multifaceted.
Anitta has recorded with Snoop Dogg, Madonna, Pharrell Williams, with the greatest in the world. It doesn't end, this year she and also Brazilian Pabllo Vittar, the drag queen most followed in the world, are scheduled for Coachella. This is really great for Brazilian artists and when I think that it is a 26 year old girl and a gay boy, both of poor origin, who are winning the world, is it to be proud of, no? Regardless of the musical genre.
Also stressing that in Brazil there are other great artists with worldwide expression.
Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil and Milton Nascimento, are renowned monsters of our music, but Anitta is reaching other stages, as important and grandiose as the ones they have already achieved.
Brazil is the country that most listens to music in its own language, according to Spotify. The language isolates us within Latin America itself, so seeing Anitta bringing Spanish into Brazil and taking Portuguese out is very incredible.
I spoke only of Brazil, because it is the reality I know the most, but remembering that we have J Balvin growing more and more, Bad Bunny, Karol G ... The sky is the limit for Latin artists in 2020.
Name 3 platforms you can't live without.
Of music? Or anyone? haha
Spotify has become a habit. That's crazy. I tried to use other streaming platforms, but I didn't get used to it.
I use Pinterest and Netflix a lot.
What is the trend you think will take over the music scene in 2020?
You know, I don't know. After the trap, I have no expectations.
What tip would you give musicians trying to elevate their game?
I understand that, above all, music is art and that for the artist to look at his art as a product is more difficult, but if he doesn't, others will. Understand the market you are in.
If you want to increase the reach of your music, make more people listen and etc., you must face your project in a professional way and act in an ethical manner always. Oh, and never stop studying.
What is the first quality you listen to when you hear a new song?
Creativity and a lot of emotion. I'm latina, haha
That's all for this spotlight, hope y'all enjoyed it!
Follow Ouça Música Independente on IG here