La brasileña Badi Assad es una de las artistas más innovadoras, apasionadas y talentosas de todos los tiempos y es reconocida como una de las artistas más singulares y trascendentales de esta generación. Badi trasciende los estilos tradicionales de su música nativa brasileña con una mezcla de pop, jazz y sonidos mundiales / étnicos de alrededor del mundo. Como resultado, la extraordinaria cantante, guitarrista y percusionista está forjando con éxito un género musical emocionante que, literalmente, desafía la categorización.
Badi es única por su incansable experimentación: combina un extraordinario talento para la guitarra, un beatboxing único, un hermoso canto y un rítmico movimiento corporal, para crear un sonido musical fresco y emocionante, y dejar a los espectadores … simplemente … SIN PALABRAS. De hecho, ver a Badi actuar es como presenciar un fenómeno espiritual.
Como cantante, Badi es vibrante y eléctrica, y responde a su pasión interna con una creatividad hábil. Como guitarrista, ha inspirado a audiencias y críticos de todo el mundo con una combinación única de dominio técnico e innovación que ha hecho que muchos vuelvan a examinar sus nociones sobre el instrumento. A pesar de todo, el espíritu aventurero y la boyante personalidad de Badi se han convertido en una parte integral de su música.
En 2012, Badi lanzó su primer álbum independiente y de autoría, “Amor e Outras Manias Crônicas”, a través de su propio sello ‘Quatro Ventos’.
En enero de 2014, Badi recibió el encargo del Maratón del Festival de la Guitarra de Nueva York para componer la banda sonora de la película muda china “The Goddess” (1934).
En 2016, “Hatched” recibió aclamadas críticas por la incubación de una nueva forma brasilófila de escuchar los éxitos globales de los sellos de iconos modernos, incluidos Lorde y Skrillex.
Recientemente se lanzó “Stringshot”, grabado con el legendario guitarrista de blues Roy Rogers y el virtuoso arpista y violinista Carlos Reyes. Badi ha actuado con Bob McFe-rrin, Yo-Yo-Ma, Sarah McLaughlin, Seu Jorge y en los festivales internacionales más prestigiosos como “North Sea Jazz Festival” (NE), “Brosella Folk & Camp”, Festival de Jazz (BE), Stimmen Festival (CH); y teatros como el Paris Opera, Palais de Beaux-Art de Bélgica, Metropolitan Museum en Nueva York.
Cada reseña de sus conciertos y álbumes contiene un aire de descubrimiento, de una nueva voz para la guitarra, de admiración por su innovación y por la constante entrega de propuestas inusuales.
Nuestro compañero Josechu Egido ha hablado con Badi Assad para saber más de su trayectoria proofesional y de sus planes de futuro.
THE INTERVIEW
Why you choose the name of Badi Assad for this musical project?
Something about my soul and heart. Believing that my music is done with all of my gifts and tons of dedication. Believing that what I do is unique and that I have something to say with my art.
We love the sound of Badi Assad in your last album “Hatched”, what do you consider that has evolved in your music in these last years from your last LP in 2014, “Cantos de Casa”?
“Cantos de Casa” is a children’s project born a few years after the birth of my first and only child, Sofia. While continuing to present the play that followed her concept, I began to feel the needs of something new … and I found it in the new sounds of the modern pop world that were allowing space for philosophy, while bringing a sense of depth to the minds of young people. . That’s the reason I called it «Hatchet», meaning the new sounds that were born, like the surface of the egg being broken with a new vital force. «Hatched» brings new musicians who are uncomfortable with shallow surfaces and who are hungry for meanings.
Your songs contain fantastic melodies, music precious, intimate, enveloping nostalgic and very evocative air almost melancholic sound. Songs, where not only music is given importance, but you have also worked on the lyrics in a special way. What can you tell us about it? What inspires you when it comes to making your songs?
Usually the process of writing a song has its own time and desire and it is the way of my preference. I can also compose on demand but, for me, it is not as inspirational. With that in mind I can say that I let the experiences (that I’m leaving or somebody else is) be transcribed to lyrics and consequently to melodies and harmonies. I do believe the music is done in an alter space of mind and that if we become connected to it, we become connected with the whole world process of creation.
Are your expectations completed with “Hatched”?
Yes and no. Yes because I loved to bring my own vision to its repertoire, approaching and mixing it with the rhythms of Brazil and my own. And No because I would like that more people could be introduced to these new arrangements.
Please, when a new EP or an LP with more songs?
I just released the first single, «Zoar» (written with Chico César), from my upcoming CD «Around the world in 80 Artists», based on my first book of the same name. In this book I write about 80 artists who influenced my music. It is my tribute to them all. And in the process of writing, my own life and my own stories have infiltrated each of their biographies. Before 2019, I will release all the contents of this new project.
What are your plans for this 2019 and next 2020? We suppose that to turn around the world, but something that you can advance us? Important events?
I’m involved in a big Brazilian project that is going to introduce Brazil to me in a way I’ve never experienced before. I’ll tour Brazil performing in 100 cities in less then 2 years. Beside that I’m waiting for the film/documentary about my life ‘BADI” to hit the cinemas in Brazil and I’m also waiting the right time to start my new authorial project. Something like ‘Hatched’, but done with Brazilian musicians….
Do you think the digital world will end with music as we know it today? What do you think is the future of music?
I think nothing can substitute the real interaction. It’s unbelievable all that can be done with technologies but… the live performances are real, you don’t have an interface to the vibrations emanate from the stage’s presences. So, the digital world is amazing but at the same time, it’s very dangerous. Nobody in the other side of the screen can really help you with a true hug. The real touch is a miracle. I hope it’s just a momentum we’re experiencing. It maybe leads us to an unexpected reality. And if it happens I want to be here to testimony.
How is a normal day in the life of a member of Badi Assad?
I wake up appreciating life and its miracles. I’m always very thankful for everything that surrounds me and especially to the experience of life itself. I do my best to maintain myself connected with the mysteries of happiness. Before get out of bed I do stretches, meditate, drink lots of water. As soon as I get out of bed I kiss my Sofia, read, learn new things and practice my Art. Then I’ll let the needs of the day to guide me.
What do you think about the current economic and social situation in the World in general?
Chaotic. The world is missing the opportunity to spiritual growth. We are all connected. Our address is Planet Earth. Nobody deserves less and nobody needs more then one life can take itself. Power is understood as a material process but the real Power is when you respect the other’s freedom, needs and beliefs. The world would be very boring without our differences. We are in a state of evolution, but there is no real evolution if we pay attention only from the outside and in economic growth.
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MISCELLANY
Could you tell us about…
…a book?: “Quantum Healing” (Deepak Chopra)
…a movie?: “Whale Rider» (Niki Caro)
…a song?: “O que é, o que é?” (Gonzaguinha)
…an album?: “From the Choirgirl Hotel” (Tori Amos)
… a group or soloist ?: Bob McFerrin
…a hobby?: Walking on the stones of the waterfall