Every year in July, Rock Day is celebrated, specifically on the 13th. Tributes, celebrations, and commemorations take place throughout the days, and the Wikimetal has brought you an exclusive interview to honor this date.
Rafael Bittencourt is a singer, songwriter, guitarist, violinist, and producer, best known for his work with Angra , of which he is a founder and the only active member in all its lineups. He also hosts the Canal Amplifica – click here to check it out.
The musician took some time to speak exclusively with the website to talk about rock music in Brazil, the importance of Rock Day, and more.
Check out the full interview:
Wikimetal: If you had to choose a single album to represent rock, which would it be?
Rafael Bittencourt: It's impossible to choose just one album to represent the entire legacy of rock, but the first thing that comes to mind is that it must be one of the Beatles . Now, which one? There are several that inspire new bands and styles to this day, but I'll go with Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band . I think that one showed that rock can be experimental and fused with other styles.
WM: What is your view of rock music in Brazil?
RB: I'm very hopeful and optimistic about the Brazilian scene. We're in an excellent moment, with iconic bands from the 80s like Titãs and Capital Inicial, as well as newer ones like Nx Zero , CPM 22 , Fresno , and many others playing huge, sold-out shows throughout the year. Proving that the circuit is strong and that Brazilians love rock.
In the heavier metal and rock scene, we have new bands tearing it up, even internationally, such as Crypta , Black Pantera , Cryour , and several other new bands out there.
I see a lot of potential for growth, but there's still a lack of vision regarding where each artist and band can contribute to the growth of this scene.
WM: What does July 13th mean to you?
RB: I remember Live Aid , it was a huge event broadcast via satellite to the whole world, an initiative by Bob Geldof to raise funds and help with the problem of hunger in Africa. It was a moment when rock showed its influence and representativeness in the world. I'm remembering this because it was this event that inspired the creation of the date, and it's a day to remember our importance and representativeness. Rock and its artists challenge the status quo and promote reflection on social injustices and human contradictions.
WM: When did you realize you wanted a career in rock music?
RB: At nine years old, with the band Queen to Brazil for the first time. I lived next to the Morumbi stadium where they performed, I could hear them, peek a little inside the stadium through the stands, and feel the commotion that a rock band provokes when they are in the city. I fell in love with the music and social impact of the band Queen at that time. Since then I have never strayed from this goal.
Wikimetal readers on our Instagram about what he would like to see more of in Brazilian rock today and what artists need to have to succeed in music. Check out his answer:
