“My Scars” dives into the marks music leaves on us. In this interview, SoundScars reflects on influences, creative reinvention, powerful collaborations, and the emotional legacy shaping this transformative new album.
1. “My Scars” explores the idea
that every piece of art leaves a mark on us. When did you first become aware of
your own “sound scars,” and how did that awareness inspire this new album?
Since I was
a child, my first scars appeared. When I was 4 years old, the first Rock in Rio
festival took place in the city, and I remember crying because I couldn't go.
When I was 15 years old, I went crazy for Guns N' Roses. Slash got me started
on guitar. I used to imitate him, the way he dressed, the way he played... I
would stand in front of the mirror trying to copy him. After, Iron Maiden and
Helloween introduced me to metal. I think I bring a little bit of all of that
to my sound. Adrian Smith is one of my main influences. I think I have a bit of
him in me, mainly in my own compositions.
2. This
record features reinterpretations of iconic songs, but in a way that feels
personal and far from traditional covers. How did you approach transforming
these classics while still respecting their original spirit?
Man, great
question! I tried to put myself in the composer's shoes and think about how I
would arrange that melody. I tried to respect the melodies as much as possible
so as not to distort them too much. In the case of the solos, I tried not to
even listen to the original before recording so as not to imitate it, which
would be natural. I really liked the result.
3. You teamed up once again with
producer Celo Oliveira. What made this partnership so essential for shaping the
SoundScars identity, and how did your collaboration evolve on My Scars?
Celo
Oliveira is the most talented producer I've ever met. Adding the 8 songs from
Legacies to the 12 from My Scars, that makes 20 songs, many hours working
together. Today, our relationship has transcended that. He's my best friend; we
go out to dinner together with our wives... We have a very similar vision of
music, of heavy metal. We always brainstormed before recording each version,
and we did the whole process together. Mark my words, you'll be hearing a lot
more about this partnership!
4. The album includes 12 guest
vocalists, each contributing their own style and energy. How did you select the
singers, and what did they bring to the emotional and musical depth of each
track?
As I said,
Celo and I would first brainstorm. We'd choose the song and decide where the
arrangements would go. Then, I would carefully search for the most suitable
singer, the one who best matched the feel of that specific song. After the
invitation was accepted, we'd agree on the most appropriate key for the song
and start recording.
5. Some of the arrangements
differ significantly from the original versions. Can you share an example of a
song where the “scar” or influence pushed you toward an unexpected musical
direction?
I think the
best example of this was "The Spirit Carries On." I'm a big Petrucci
fan. I've listened to that song a lot since its release. But I always thought I
would have done it differently. The lyrics carry a huge emotional weight. I
always thought it would have gone much better with something more intimate and
acoustic... A string quartet perfectly complements the transcendental
atmosphere that the lyrics call for. The acoustic solo was a natural
consequence.
6. You
describe the project as a tribute to the artists who shaped your musical
identity. Which “scar” or influence on this album has had the most profound
impact on your journey as a musician?
I think
that out of the 12 artists I chose to honor on this album, Dream Theater is the
one that has most shaped how I see music today. Especially in the idea of
always trying to innovate, doing something different with every chord.
7. Heavy Metal and Rock ’n’
Roll are central to your reinterpretations. What makes these genres ideal for
expressing the emotional and transformative essence behind My Scars?
Metal and
rock are my fingerprints, there's no way around it. They're my way of
communicating, they're what I know how to do. It's only natural that my
interpretation of the songs would lean towards that.
8. The album is dedicated to
Lisa Nascimento, who contributed shortly before her passing. What does her
participation and legacy mean to you, both personally and artistically?
Lisa
Nascimento was a force of nature. One of the best singers I've had the honor of
working with. An excellent person, a teacher by training, she lived to teach
children. Beautiful, talented, a great friend. She had invited me to
participate in the arrangements for her band's new album. I was probably going
to join her band on tour... An immeasurable loss. It's worth it that you are
beginning her legacy. Listen to the band Unfaith on streaming platforms.
9. Since
SoundScars is rooted in metamorphosis and transformation, how do you think
working on My Scars has changed you as an artist compared to
the previous album Legacies?
My Scars
brought me more musical maturity, essential for future original works. It gave
me the opportunity to meet many talented people, strengthen ties... It made
SoundScars reach more people. Over 100,000 views on YouTube. Testament shared
our teaser on the band's official Instagram... I don't even know how to measure
how many wonderful things this album is giving me...
10. If listeners take away one
“scar” or emotional imprint from this album, what would you hope it to be? What
impact do you want My Scars to leave on their musical journey?
The
possibilities for interpreting the same song are endless... And there isn't
necessarily one interpretation that's better than another. They're just
different. One for each vibe.
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