Marcelus dos Santos, vocalist of Motorocker, spoke about the band's more than two decades of existence
Approaching their 27th year in the business, Motorocker has amassed enviable achievements. The band has shared the stage with legends such as KISS , Guns N' Roses, Motörhead, Iron Maiden , and Deep Purple .
Originating in Curitiba, the band founded by Marcelus dos Santos conquered Brazil in the 2000s with good old rock n' roll. The influences of bands like AC/DC and Nazareth were recognized not only by the public. The band was invited to participate in tributes to both bands. Nazareth's founder, Manny Charlton , even invited the vocalist to sing on his solo band's Brazilian tour.
Still, Brazilian rock urgently needs more space. Even bands like Motorocker, applauded by thousands at Rock In Rio 2015, feel that both the culture and the political and social reality of Brazil hinder the proliferation of the music. With a new album already finished, the band preferred to wait for the 2018 elections to release it, for example.
Just before their performance at Curitiba Motorcycles this Saturday, February 9th, the band took some time to chat with Wikimetal. In an interview for the Orgulho Nacional , vocalist Marcelus dos Santos spoke about what it's like to be a rock band in Brazil today:
– Motorocker has been around for over 20 years. What do you think has changed in the band since then?
Over time we gain more professional experience. Our perception of things in relation to what we do today has nothing to do with what it was when we started. Being in this field is practically being in another world. It's only by playing, traveling, playing at big festivals and opening for big bands that you acquire this kind of knowledge. We get older, but we get a little better at what we do.
Does rock music have more or less space in Brazil now?
Less space. I felt this gradually since mid-2012. But you know how it is, from one moment to the next rock comes back with a vengeance. It's a style of music that, in addition to its rebellious appeal, has a very strong visual aesthetic.
What is the biggest challenge in making a living from music in a country where culture doesn't receive the respect it deserves?
Just being Brazilian is difficult enough. We've been paying the price for a long time for the corruption many politicians left us with, and that's not something that excites people. People first have to eat, have a place to live, and pay a ton of taxes on everything. Then, if there's any money left over, they'll spend it on concerts, CDs, etc. Whether we like it or not, we work with something that's considered superfluous in Brazil. Obviously, there are people who prioritize culture above many other things, and they are the ones responsible for our band and others continuing to be active. It would be better for everyone if Brazil were a better place.
– In another interview, you mentioned that you already have a new album ready, but that you haven't released it because of the political climate of irritation in the country. How much does the political situation interfere with the band's work?
This political polarization has revealed a lot of unhealthy people. On one hand, it's good because we avoid future problems by distancing ourselves from problematic individuals. But on the other hand, it creates a climate of animosity that is terrible. People couldn't think about anything else before the last elections, so we preferred to postpone the launch of the new work until this year. Little by little, people are calming down and each going on with their lives, which are certainly more interesting than politics.
– The 2006 album, Universal Church of the Kingdom of Rock , satirizes some aspects of religion. How do you feel about seeing a reality where religious morality is increasingly present and interfering in cultural production?
I don't feel that way anymore, quite the opposite. About 12 years ago, we found out that someone broke one of our CDs at an evangelical service. There were people who hated us, and some even told me personally that I would go straight to hell when I died. That was the time we were most successful and sold the most records. Today I feel things are much calmer. I believe it's an effect of increasingly strong globalization and the trivialization of information. It seems that very little can impress people today. There's also a lot of lying around, and people are more suspicious of everything.
Do you think rock music in general needs a more revolutionary attitude, a more direct approach to confronting people?
Not necessarily. Rock has always had a free rein to talk about whatever it wants. Having attitude doesn't mean doing idiotic things just to seem "different." Being revolutionary today, for me, is about being honest, having a free mind to think impartially about everything, and acting with empathy. Today, what I see most is a bunch of sheep. They seem like mass-produced dolls, and in very bad taste.
There's been a lot of talk about rock music losing relevance, and many even say the genre might disappear. What's your opinion on this?
We're going through a phase of general trivialization of things. People are being manipulated all the time and they don't realize it. This is culturally terrible. But as long as there are young people indignant about something gathering in a basement to make music, rock will never die. It's from this feeling that Rock n Roll springs.
– Regarding the upcoming album. What can you tell us about it? What will the vibe of the album be like?
It talks about overcoming challenges, strength, smuggling, flies, motorcycles, and having crazy fun. Similar to his previous works, but new.
– The Curitiba Motorcycles event is this Saturday. What can fans expect from the show?
You can expect a lot of energy and unreleased music. We're gradually revealing the themes and songs from the new album.
– After so many years as a band, what are the next steps you plan to take?
We will continue recording albums and going on tours to reconnect with our greatest asset, which is our fans. We also want to record a live DVD. There's nothing better to do in this life. That's what I think, and I believe my bandmates agree.