In the ever-evolving landscape of music, few artists dare to cross cultural boundaries and create a symphony of sounds that transcends borders. Enter Per.Fumum, the Utrecht-based band that’s making waves with its unique blend of South American and European influences. At the heart of this dynamic ensemble is Samuel Alencar Rodrigues, a musician who embodies a hybrid identity as captivating as the music created.
Raised in Brazil and now calling the Netherlands home, Rodrigues’s music is a testament to his life lived between two cultures. However, his journey wasn’t always self-explanatory.
“Yeah, when I was younger and started playing guitar and shows in the Netherlands, people quickly asked me if I could play Bossa Nova or Samba when they found out that I was Brazilian,” Rodrigues recalls. “At the time, I made a point not to learn those styles because it felt strange to me that my roots would lead people to draw a conclusion about my taste.”
Despite this, the enchanting harmonies and captivating melodies of Brazilian music legends like João Gilberto and Caetano Veloso have always held a special place in his heart. With Per.Fumum, Rodrigues has found the perfect canvas to blend these South American influences with a more western-oriented form of guitar music.
“That said, I’ve always found the harmony and melody in the music of artists like João Gilberto and Caetano Veloso to be incredibly inspiring,” says Rodrigues. “With Per.Fumum, my goal is to blend that South American feeling for harmony and melody with a more western-oriented form or timbre in guitar-oriented music, and truly embrace my hybrid self.”
Per.Fumum’s upcoming single, “Kids (or So They Say),” is a bold statement about preserving the childlike state of mind in the face of life’s complexities. This track, set to release on January 4th, is also a testament to Rodrigues’s hybrid identity and the beautiful fusion that arises when western influences meet South American ones.
‘Kids (or So They Say)’ by Per.Fumum is available your favorite streaming platform. Don’t forget to follow Per.Fumum on social media to stay up-to-date with their latest releases and behind-the-scenes content.