Keyboards For Your Music

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

A: The DVD "Kid Abelha 30 anos" was a special moment. It was the last product released by this great Brazilian band and I was there on keyboards and vocals.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I'm touring with the singer Paula Toller and also doing some shows with Marcelo D2 and Claudio Zoli. At the studio, everyday is a different task...

Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

A: I saw Rodrigo Tavares yesterday... He's a great keyboard player! So, if you want more options, he's certainly a great choice!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both! No rules when making music.

Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

A: Doing my best, with passion and professionalism.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: The challenge of being creative everyday.

Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A: Don't be afraid to be sincere.

Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

A: My Novation Ultranova that is synth/controller/audio interface in one pack, a Macbook, a telecaster guitar, mic and phone.

Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

A: It all began back in the middle 80's, following my father on his gigs. I've been doing music for living for the last 25 years

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Open minded, versatile and emotional.

Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

A: Stevie Wonder. He is the why.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Make backups!!!

Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

A: Pop Rock, Reggae, Brazilian Music , Rock, Soul...

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Play into the groove, improvising , synth programming are my passions.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Exclusive sounds and a emotional playing. Keyboards can be very distracting in a mix, so search for the right sound , the right element is a important task. More then play it accurately , I want to give you that magical touch the song is calling for.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Communication is the key. I like to hear the client's thoughts.Then I take a time to listen to the song , put it to play on repeat and grab a notepad. This is the time to check harmony, transitions , phrases and of course, get some inspiration. Then I start a non stop recording, keeping that first probable mistakes. I repeat it at least twice and then take a listen. If there's enough material , I put it together , make some editions and decide if is done, or if a full new take makes sense... Sometimes it does, sometimes not.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio is a keyboards place. I have some good working oldies , such as a Rhodes Mark II, a Korg DW8000 and Mini 700, 2 Yamaha DX7 , one of them expanded with the very rare supermax board, there's great 80's sounds on this unit. System based on Mac/LogicPro/AbletonLive. For audio capture, SSL2 and Yamaha MGXU are available. There's also some guitars , a Melodion (Hammond 44HP), Talkbox , guitar pedals and other stuff

Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

A: My father was a great trumpet player and arranger, certainly, he inspired me a lot, but he also showed me Quincy Jones, Herbbie Hancock, Eumir Deodato, Tom Jobim... There's so many influences through all those years. Nowadays, I've been watching and loving Finneas O'Connell, Jack White, Dudu Marote as producers and Domi Keys, Mononeon, Cory Henry as musicians.

Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

A: Create keyboard lines and record them at my home studio is the main job, but I also compose beats and soundtracks for tv, cinema, marketing...