In times of crisis, what is the artist's responsibility? With the participation of more than 20 musicians, the Army of Hope , led by Rafael Bittencourt , puts into practice the understanding of the importance of the artistic class as a tool for social transformation in "Dar As Mãos" (Joining Hands), a hymn of hope created in the context of the COVID-19 to raise the flag of hope in troubled hearts.
In an interview with Wikimetal , the guitarist joined guest Luana Camarah to discuss the behind-the-scenes story of the song's creation, inspired by Queen and Michael Jackson ," as well as collaborative projects with some of the biggest names in world music, such as the historic Live Aid festival in 1985.
“I loved projects that brought artists together for a purpose. I like bringing people together, uniting them, I always wanted to do something like this and I thought now was the time,” Bittencourt explained. The song was born during the most restrictive moment of the pandemic, making it impossible to meet with most of those involved.
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Beyond the satisfaction of the professional and logistical challenge of accommodating all the participants, there's also the joy of uniting personal friends in a project that organically blends diverse styles, emphasizing and harmonizing each talent. Written by MC Guimê alongside the founder of Angra , the track features Toni Garrido , Carlinhos Brown , Família Lima, Alírio Netto , Marcello Pompeu , and child singers from The Voice Kids .
“It’s an opportunity to touch people’s hearts, trying to illuminate the hopelessness, the despair, the panic, the pain of having lost loved ones, and to bring optimism and hope,” the guitarist said. “I imagined a human chain being formed.”
For Luana, in addition to the chance to "be a channel to bring hope," the project also served as encouragement even for the artists, given the strict restrictions that the pandemic imposed on artistic creation. "Everyone is needy, our class is also needy, we are used to people and this helps us to alleviate that through music," she observed.
Artistic responsibility
The uninhibited exploration of musical styles beyond rock and metal marks Bittencourt and Luana's career, but the public doesn't always understand the importance of the exchange between different genres. “There's a part of the audience that's a little more conservative. There's a part of the rock audience that self-segregates, likes to feel segregated. Today rock isn't segregated, it's already the rhythm of grandparents,” the musician analyzed. “But rock fans still like to feel segregated to feel special.”
Despite this more limited view held by some, Bittencourt defends breaking protocols. "The artist has a social responsibility to educate the public a little, to break down prejudices so that humanity can renew itself," he continued.
Army without war
Despite being created in the context of the pandemic, the project carries a political message that transcends the health crisis, emphasizing the importance of building bridges against the segregations that weaken people. The word "army" seems out of place in the context of hope, and there was concern about the possible fascist connotation of the choice, but Rafael intended to transform the meaning of the term, using the figure of a "mobilization for good" in urgent causes in the areas of culture, education, combating violence, and protecting the environment.
“One of the things I would like to combat is the division of power among the Brazilian people, which happens with polarization,” Bittencourt explained. “All changes will depend on the unity of the Brazilian people; it’s not about waiting for the government to act, it’s about the people understanding the priorities and uniting.”
After the pandemic
The future still seems uncertain, but the lyrics of "Dar As Mãos" reflect expectations of societal renewal after such collective suffering, with a renewed world when some degree of normalcy is possible again. Many people forget, but the personal dilemmas of artists reflect stories of people in many different areas.
Luana Camarah, for example, grew closer to her family during this period after 22 years dedicated to the stage. "This was the year I was closest to my mother and father," she said. "I hope that from people, that we have more empathy and love for others."
Something similar happened to Bittencourt, who reconnected with high school classmates. “We lived such hectic lives that you ended up spending more time with people who weren't the ones you most wanted to be with,” he pointed out. “You re-evaluate your relationships. If you're going to reach out, it has to be to someone you truly trust and want to be close to, because handshakes can spread the virus.”
After the release of the single, available on digital platforms and with a music video on YouTube, the guitarist does not rule out the possibility of a benefit live stream with the Army of Hope. "I think it still has the potential to help many people," he concluded.
