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Photo credit: Livia Mendes
Musicians' brains seem to excel at tackling new tongues due to their mastery of sound. And thanks to the nature of their training, vocalists may have a particular advantage. This is a scientific fact. However, does this make it easier for an artist to transition into a different music market that is foreign to the language of their heart?
Speaking or singing with the language of your heart makes the difference with the audience that you are targeting. However, transitioning over to another market dominated by a specific language, such as English or Spanish can bring about different results. Often, the results are not anticipated. In the past it was extremely difficult to be a successful Spanish artist and excel in a territory that was dominated by another language such as English. Times have changed. Music lovers have expanded their palette. They are accepting of artists coming from other countries. This is a welcome trend, as it adds such a huge dimension to the talent that we have available on our streaming platforms, etc.
One thing that goes unnoticed by your typical fan, is the level of difficulty that an artist might experience to succeed in an industry that is dominated by a specific language. We can compare, the difficulties of speaking another language. Maybe you have attempted to work in another country where the language of your heart is not spoken. Do you recall how difficult it was? Maybe this is a comparison that you can make, to help you understand what an artist experience.
ABOUT BRUNA TSURUDA (GUITARIST) – BAND MALVADA
Bruna Tsuruda, 22 years old, has been playing guitar for 8 years. Bruna became interested in music at an early age, influenced by her father. She was self-taught for a long time and, just under 2 years ago, she started taking lessons with one of the greatest guitarists in Brazil. She is currently a guitarist in the rock and blues cover bands Ladies First and Electric Magic. And, more recently, she started her first original project with the band MALVADA.
Created in March 2020, Malvada is a Brazilian rock band made up entirely of women. With the powerful voice of Indira Castillo, Bruna Tsuruda on guitar, Rafaela Reoli on bass and Juliana Salgado on drums, the band Malvada plays rock’n’roll with a lot of personality and focuses on lyrics in Portuguese. Entitled “A noite vai Finlândia”, Malvada’s first album with 9 tracks was released on August 5, 2021, by the label Shinigami Records, with distribution throughout Brazil, in addition to being available on all digital platforms. The album has been featured in the main specialized media outlets in the country. With more than 150 shows, the band has already performed at several venues and festivals in the country, including Rock in Rio 2022 and Best Of Blues. With an extensive concert schedule, Malvada is preparing its new album for 2024, which will be produced by Giu Daga.
INTERVIEW WITH BRUNA TSURUDA AND GUITAR THRILLS MAGAZINE
Guitar Thrills: Hello Bruna, welcome to Guitar Thrills Magazine. It is a pleasure to speak with you today.
Guitar Thrills: As we focus on the topic from our interview, there are several questions that I would like to address. Was it difficult for you to break into music industry as a Latin Artist | Guitarist?
Bruna: Actually, any market is tough, not just in music/art. However, one thing that has made it easier for us is the rise of incredible Latin artists who have hit the mainstream and brought the world's attention to Latin America. There are many people doing amazing work here. Of course, in rock we still have a significant gap, but Malvada has been working hard to become a reference in the genre and the gender (laughs). We also have a great team working with us, sharing goals and dreams, which makes it much easier.
Guitar Thrills: What were some of your challenges?
Bruna: I think my first challenge was access to study and classes... I come from a humble family, and I was only able to take guitar lessons at the age of 18, after getting my first job. Equipment was also a problem, I had to buy little by little, as I could save money. And, little by little, winning my sponsorships. The pandemic was also a horrible period... I remember being almost able to live only by music, when suddenly everything closed, and with no forecast to return. In that period Malvada appeared, it was like a light at the end of the tunnel (laughs).
The biggest challenge with the band has been patience and perseverance. When you have an authorial work, things don't happen overnight, or from one year to the next. A serious job is built slowly, brick by brick. Malvada completes four years of existence in 2024. It seems like a short time, but we've been through a lot of things. Standing here, firm and strong, after so many ups and downs, it has shown how much we love this project. So, the therapy is up to date! (Laughs)
Guitar Thrills: Did you anticipate remaining a Latin speaking artist, or did you want to also sing in the English language?
Bruna: We’ve always considered the possibility of writing something in English, but it never happened... During the creation phase of the band’s new album, Frontiers Records (a European label) reached out to us, and that was the push we needed. However, we will continue to write in Portuguese as well!
Guitar Thrills: The first place that you made you call home is Brazil. Living in Florida, I would say there is a HUGE following of Latin Artists. I have a large Latino family in Miami, FL. The culture is amazing, and the music reflects the culture. What influenced your decision to cater to both the Latin and American languages?
Bruna: What influenced us to start writing in Portuguese was the huge reach that Brazilians have. It is not a language as widely spoken in the world as English, but the audience is very engaged. So, we don’t intend to stop writing in our native language. When it comes to the English, that transition was very natural for us because, in addition of being the most spoken language in the world, many of our musical references are bands and artists who sing in English.
Guitar Thrills: What is the difference between the audience you were used too, and the one that you are singing too now? Do you get a different response from audiences that you perform in front of now? Please explain.
Bruna: So far, we have only played domestically, and since the Brazilian rock audience consumes music in both Portuguese and English, we haven’t yet had a real sample of how our English songs will be received. However, we are open to international shows! The goal is to reach the world.
Guitar Thrills: Do you recall your first official break, as a professional artist?
Bruna: I wish! (laughs). Jokes aside... I haven’t had what we call a “break” yet. Malvada hasn’t taken a vacation for four years, and we’re only increasing the pace. But soon, we will need one!
Guitar Thrills: Who were some of your Latin inspirations? Also, have you had the chance to perform with them?
Bruna: My first inspirations were my two teachers, Fernando Piu and Eduardo Paes, both excellent guitarists who inspired me and taught me everything I know. Other great inspirations I can mention are Kiko Loureiro, Sepultura, and Eloy Casagrande, Mateus Asato, Angra, Rita Lee, Elis Regina… Brazilian artists who have conquered the world. I also highlight Lari Basílio and Juliana Vieira, two incredible guitarists who have gained international visibility and are inspirations for many women, including myself.
Guitar Thrills: Who has helped contribute to the success that you experienced to this point?
Bruna: The list of names is quite long! Besides my family (dad, sister, grandmother and dogs), boyfriend, and friends, who have always supported me and made things easier for me, my bandmates Juliana Salgado, Rafaela Reoli, Indira Castilho, and the TC7 team (Tiago Claro, our manager, and Greice Stanev), and Lívia Mendes (Social Media) are out of this world. When everyone believes in the same dream, things flow much better. I know this journey would be much harder if I were doing it alone.
Guitar Thrills: Will you know when your musical aspirations have been achieved? Also, what are some of the accomplishments that have not been experienced yet?
Bruna: It’s hard to say when I’ll know, but one thing I always try to remember is to dream as high as possible. It’s very important to never stop dreaming; even when we achieve our dreams, we have to keep going and never stop. Right now, my biggest wish is for Malvada to play in big shows and festivals around the world after the release of the new album.
Guitar Thrills: There are many Latino artists in the music industry. Do you feel the competition is overwhelming? How do you cope with it, without letting it discourage you?
Bruna: I don’t like to see music as a competition. Even the Beatles were friends with the Rolling Stones (laughs). The truth is that there’s space for everyone in music, and even more so in rock! We really need new bands. So, whenever we came across a band that could be seen as “competitor” for Malvada, we try to join forces instead of competing. Creating a scene is much more important.
Guitar Thrills: What do you think about your opportunities for longevity in the Latino music industry?
Bruna: I believe in the longevity of our work. As mentioned before, it’s a work that has been built over time and involves amazing people, which tends to make it solid. I believe we will be remembered for a long time!
Guitar Thrills: You are the lead guitarist of Malvada. How did that come about, and it has put you in a great place to succeed as a guitar player?
Bruna: Malvada has been the best and biggest event of my professional life. Tiago Claro, our manager, put me in the band. He chose me to be the band’s guitarist, and since then, it has been an incredible journey.
Guitar Thrills: What are some guitar brands that you have performed with? Which guitar model has become your “guitar of choice”?
Bruna: In the beginning of the band, my guitars were Stratocasters; I had a Squier and then managed to buy my dream Fender, a wonderful American Standard Ash, one of the most amazing I’ve ever played. Later, I started my first partnership with a luthier brand, and I acquired an SG Luthier from Excelsior Guitar, which I ended up loving for its tone and weight, as well as its incredible look. More recently, I received my signature guitar from Seizi, a black Telecaster with gold hardware and three heavy humbuckers. This has been my main guitar for shows with the new songs.
Guitar Thrills: Are you currently sponsored by a particular brand (s)?
Bruna: I’m sponsored by great brands that provide all the support that I need. Among them are Santo Angelo, NIG, Excelsior Guitar, Borne Amplifiers, IK Multimedia, and Seizi.
Guitar Thrills: Tells us about your recent accomplishments, and what you are looking forward to with an upcoming album release?
Bruna: The pride I feel in the work we’ve done on this album is already a significant achievement. It was very exciting to hear the result after so much dedication from everyone involved. I’m very excited and curious to see how the world will react to this work we’ve done with so much passion.
Another significant achievement was the release of my first signature guitar by the renowned Brazilian brand Seizi Guitars. The model will hit stores at the end of the year.
Guitar Thrills: I think it has been an excellent opportunity to speak to an accomplished Latin guitarist, who knows the industry well. I want to assure you that we want to help promote anything you are doing in the music industry. Which includes Malvada and your goals as a guitar player. Your authentic, and you have a unique quality to help you stand out from the rest. Thank you for taking the time to interview with Guitar Thrills Magazine.
Bruna: Thank you so much, Guitar Thrills, for the invitation! It was a pleasure and an honor to be part of this edition. For those who don’t follow my band on social media yet, I invite you to follow us @malvadabanda! There’s a lot of good stuff coming up! Thank you, everyone!
A RECAP OF WHAT YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED
