Vander Lee Interview: SXSW 2010

Posted on Feb 28th 2010 11:25AM by Szymon Karbowski
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Vander Lee has played an important role in popular Brazilian music. Lee's music is a mix of romantic poetry with a strong rhythmic appeal and melodic richness. Since his first release in 1997, he has released numerous albums and won various awards in Brazil. His most recent release, 2009's 'Faro,' has a mix of samba, folk, and reggae along with his usual romantic ballads. The SXSW festival will be welcoming Vander Lee for the second consecutive year for another emotional performance.

Describe your sound in your own words.

What I do is modern MPB using traditional ways of making songs, and putting them with poems of my day to day.

How did you get started in music? What was your big break?

My father used to play acoustic guitar at home, so naturally, from 12 years old I began to make part of the music world. Time and curiosity took care of the rest.

What are your musical influences?

Milton Nascimento, Djavan, João Gilberto, Roberto Carlos, Chico Buarque, Tom Jobim, Stevie Wonder, Miles Davis, Bob Marley, among others.

Where do you get your inspiration for writing songs?

Things that happen around me, inside me and some things that I like to happen, as well as things that happen in my dreams.

What's in your festival survival kit?

My guitar, my ideals as an artist, the love of my life, and my credit card.

If you weren't a musician what would you be doing?

Maybe playing soccer or be a writer. But I can't see myself doing anything but music, music is my form of expression.

What's the craziest thing you've seen or experienced while on tour?

One day I was in a concert and we had blackout at the music theater. I had to perform the concert without any energy and light. I sat at the corner of the stage and sang in the dark to a silent and frightened audience that whispered the song with me. It wasn't that crazy, but it was wonderful.

What was your biggest challenge to make it as an artist?

To create songs that are good to sing, songs that stay beyond time, and have something unique and make some people feel good.

Have you ever performed in the U.S. before and if so, how is it different from Brazil?

Yes, last year at the SXSW. There were people from all over the world, and some Brazilians as well. It felt good to look at the faces of some people that clearly didn't understood the lyrics but appear to like the rhythm and the sound of the songs. I could see the pleasure in their faces.

What do you enjoy more, recording in the studio or performing live?

I prefer the shows and rehearsals, but I think I learn more about my music when I am in the studio, composing and recording.

What can people expect when they see you live at SXSW?

They can expect to see a thrilled, happy, and full of emotion singer, singing songs that talk about Brazilian ordinary life, things of the inner soul, of a country that is made out of a melting pot culture.

Did you have any other jobs before you were a musician?

Yes, I had to work as a cleaner, gardener, office-boy, delivery-man, tennis ball boy, and other not so glamorous jobs to make money. Life was not that easy for me.

Which band is your favorite, the Beatles or Rolling Stones?

Beatles. I Love Paul and Lennon's melodies opened my mind during my adolescence.

Where do you see your career in five years?

I see myself having success in many countries around the world, creating better songs, working with great partners, nice producers and consolidating my career mostly in Brazil.

What is the message you want to give through your music?

Love, always love, not only romantic love between couples, but between all beings. Tolerance, and respect to the differences among others.

Szymon Karbowski is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.