INTERVIEW: Marisa Monte to celebrate ‘Portas’ with Town Hall shows
Photo: Marisa Monte will play the Town Hall in New York City, March 22-23. Photo courtesy of Leo Aversa / Provided by Cindy Byram PR with permission.
Marisa Monte has been entrancing audiences in the musical space for more than 30 years. The Brazilian singer has the accolades and plaudits one would expect from a star of her caliber: four Latin Grammys, millions of albums sold worldwide, and collaborations with the likes of Laurie Anderson, David Byrne and Gilberto Gil. Her latest project is called Portas, and she’s ready to celebrate these new songs with two shows at New York City’s Town Hall. March 22 is already sold out, but limited tickets remain for March 23.
The Portas album is something special for diehard Monte fans. She hasn’t released a solo record in more than a decade, according to press notes, and her stateside appearances are rare opportunities to see the singer in person (the pandemic, of course, curtailed many of her plans). Those lucky enough to snag a ticket will have the chance to hear her unique blend of samba and Brazilian pop, pleasing on the ear and infectious to the body.
Monte has loved music since she was a young girl, according to her official biography. Early inspirations were Carmen Miranda, Maria Callas and Billie Holiday. Her breakout status was earned in the late-1980s, first in Brazil and then throughout the world. Her albums over the years have included everything from MM to Tribalistas to Cinephonia.
Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Monte about her upcoming shows at the Town Hall and her new album. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What inspired you to record the album Portas?
My main inspiration is life, everyday life, nature, people, and in this specific case as we were in this moment of isolation, there was also a huge desire to find and communicate through music.
How difficult was the COVID-19 pandemic for you?
It was a difficult time for everyone. It was no different for me, a phase of many uncertainties, fear, insecurity. On the other hand, as I travel a lot, it was a privilege to be able to be at home with my family for a longer time. I think it was a period that left its mark on all of us on the planet. People of all ages and professions will never forget this experience.
Would you say that growing up in Brazil was an important part of your appreciation of music? The country has such a great legacy of music; it must have been like heaven.
Brazil is a large, young country with a very diverse and rich, innovative and creative culture. It is impossible to talk about Brazilian music and culture without mentioning mixture and diversity. In this sense, I think the culture of Brazil is an example to the world.
When did you first fall in love with music?
From a very young age, I was attracted to music in a transcendental way. There’s no way to explain it. There wasn’t even an exact moment. It’s always been that way.
What can your fans expect at your New York City concerts?
In terms of repertoire, there will be songs from all stages of my career. In the band, only fantastic musicians. A versatile and virtuous formation: bass, drums, guitar, keyboards, percussion, cavaquinho [four-stringed guitar], a horn section and ukulele — all instruments at the service of the beauty of Brazilian music. Visually the same concept as the show I debuted in Brazil last month, with which I’m traveling abroad for the first time on this American tour.
What did it feel like to win the TENCO Prize?
I was especially proud to be the first Brazilian woman to receive this award, a recognition of my work as a songwriter. I feel that more and more women are putting their sensitivity at the service of the song, creating their own repertoire, and I am happy to represent this moment and pave the way for other women.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Marisa Monte will play the Town Hall in New York City, March 22-23. The March 22 concert is sold out, but limited tickets remain for March 23. Click here for more information and tickets.
