Papercutz Interview: SXSW 2010

Posted on Mar 15th 2010 6:30PM by Megan L Grady
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It started with Bruno Miguel and an instrument. Then he found another instrument. Then another. Now Miguel's problem is that he can't play everything live on stage. So he paired up with vocalist Marcela Freitas and they began to play musical chairs with others in the Portugal, Spain music scene. From his rehearsal space, readying to make their first SXSW appearance, Bruno talks with Spinner about wanting to learn more instruments and who he's looking to watch at this years festival.

Describe your sound in your own words:

Nowadays it's a mixture of pop music structure with ambient electronic sounds and classical acoustic elements.

What is the craziest thing you experienced on tour?

It may sound simple but the craziest things for me was when we played in London. I think it's normal for musicians from the UK or the US to play outside and get people engaged but not Portuguese. By the end of the second song people started to really enjoy what we were playing, and some of the songs were even in Portuguese, but they seemed to get it somehow. We actually won an award at that show which was also a competition. So who needs drugs and nudity when these type of things happen?

How did your live band form?

The Portuguese music scene is really small. In a couple months after playing live you to start to know everyone in the music industry and in the music live shows. Some of them were already playing with other bands, some of them had there own projects. We have more of a collaboration sort of thing. There aren't a lot of places to play live here so there is a lot of free time for musicians to play in other groups, so we keep changing with the musicians we play with and learn from each other.

Who are your musical influences?

I don't know if they are a particular influence in the music I make nowadays but pop artists like Bjork and David Sylvian have always been a big influence in the way they manage their career and artistic vision. They are always trying to develop their own sound and keep pushing their fans into new musical adventures. I'm also a big fan of movie soundtracks and the minimal classic stuff.

Do you have any recommendations on bands to see during SXSW?

Well obviously I think everyone is curious to see the XX, but there is a group I'd really like to see. They are called Pivot. They are from Warp Records, one of my all time favorite labels. They are really energetic. They mix ethereal electronic with the rock sound, bass and drums. Also Efterklang, Hauschka, Neon Indian. Let's see if I can make it to all.

What is your first musical memory?

I was about seven years old. I wanted a computer. My father bought me a discman. Initially I was upset with him. But them I remembered If I have this then I would have to get some music. So I started to ask around. I actually grew friendships out of that. I got connected to the other people who loved music and that pretty much started my love of music. It's been growing ever since. I think what differs me from the other musicians that play with me now, and actually play my songs, is that although most of them are better musicians than me I still see music as truly amazing creation that is overwhelming and above us all and it has given me so much so I feel privileged to give something back.

What musical instrument would you like to learn?

I went to a classical show like two years ago. I've listened to a harp before, used samples before. But being next to the acoustic instrument is a amazing thing. I thought it was the most magical sounds you can get out of in instrument. Do you know who Joanna Newsom is? She is amazing. She doesn't play the harp as a classical instrument. More like an acoustic guitar and the voice on top. CocoRosie also do that. If I could get in the future a piano, a marimba and a harp in my shows that would truly be a dream come true.

How did you come up with your band name?

People are always saying our music has a lot of detail and it's something I do care about. The analogy is that of the art of paper cutting, cutting forms out of paper. The art has evolved in places like Japan. There also some Asian like melodies and scales throughout our music. The most interesting kind of paper cuts work is full with of detail, a lot of cuts and edits. I think if you listen to the music carefully it's filled up with these details.

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