Gabriel Thomaz (guitar & vocals) :: Selma Vieira (bass & vocals) :: Bacalhau (drums)
An Interview With Autoramas
...by Commandante
One of the best well known Brazilian independent bands, Autoramas is constantly regarded by the native press for their powerful performance onstage, allied to their original approach to rock music which recalls pop groups like the B-52's and Devo, as much as surf music instrumental classics like The Ventures and Dick Dale.
Active since 1997, Autoramas acquired faithful fans and admirers all over Brazil and abroad.
http://www2.uol.com.br/autoramas
http://www.myspace.com/autoramas
autoramas@uol.com.br
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Commandante: What is the secret behind your bandname?
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AUTORAMAS: AUTORAMAS, here in Brazil, is the name we give for Slot Cars, those little cars that run on tracks...Speed and Fun.
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Commandante: Are you car freaks/fans?
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AUTORAMAS: Yeah, I had a Puma, a Brazilian convertible made with Fiber Glass...Really cool...
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Commandante: Who are the musicians behind THE AUTORAMAS?
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AUTORAMAS: Well, we are a trio. Selma Vieira is the girl in the band. She plays bass and sings. Bacalhau is the drummer and who takes care of all the electronic stuff. My name is Gabriel Thomaz. I play guitar and I am the lead singer.
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Commandante: A band as a trio is always a special thing (remember MOTORHEAD and co). What do you think are the advantages/disadvantages of playing as a trio?
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AUTORAMAS: I love the way trios sound like. Every function is important. But, I think the main advantage is we are less people, it’s easier to travel, to make lots of tours.
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Commandante: You toured a lot in your band history. So, a band on the road makes various experiences. Which was your coolest and which was your uncoolest adventure on tour?
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AUTORAMAS: Touring non-stop is the coolest thing in a band. We had great experiences in every tour we made. Sometimes, here in Brazil, it's uncool playing in places with really bad sound equipment, but we already got used to that. Now everything is just fun...
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Commandante: Your latest AUTORAMAS record features many styles...heavy guitar riffers, speedy powerpop tunes ala Pixies and DEVO, some Man or Astroman? like guitar sounds or simple "go baby go!" punk rock numbers. Tell us about your musical influences!
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AUTORAMAS: We love many kinds of music...but we prefer Rock and Roll that is easy to dance. Surf Music, New Wave, PowerPop, Garage, Punk...we are interested in all of this. We love the Brazilian pop music of the 60’s, a movement called Jovem Guarda.
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Commandante: You sing all of your vocal tracks in Portugese. How does it come to that?
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AUTORAMAS: I think it’s easier to write in Portuguese, it’s natural for me. But we have a song in English called, "Catchy Chorus", that is one my favourites.
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Commandante: What are your songs about?
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AUTORAMAS: About people, relationships, music, love, hate, friendship, enemyship (does this word exist?), ahahahaha.
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Commandante: Did you ever think about singing in another language?
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AUTORAMAS: Yes, it would be cool singing in German. I love german rock. I have many records of the Neue Deutsche Welle, Punk Rock, Kraftwerk...Is Fred Banana Combo German? Please tell me about other German bands I can download...
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Commandante: What do you do beside your rock'n'roll job?
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AUTORAMAS: We are all musicians...I am a songwriter, I already wrote songs for other artists that became big hits here in Brazil.
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Commandante: Is it difficult for Brazilian independent bands to get gigs, release records or to reach a wider audience? Is there a kind of network between bands, zines or venues in Brazil?
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AUTORAMAS: Yes, independent scene in Brazil is in its best moment in history, lots of labels, great bands, many cities to play shows (Brazil is a huge country). And lots of people interested. Last year Autoramas became the band that won more prizes in Video Music Awards of MTV Brazil, more than any mainstream artist. It was the first time an independent artist made it. I recommend some websites you can get information of Brazilian Rock (well, I’m afraid it’s only in Portuguese) http://www.senhorf.com.br is very good. In http://www.tramavirtual.com.br you can download or listen to thousands of independent bands.
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Commandante: Which other cool Brazilian bands can you recommend?
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AUTORAMAS: Erika Martins & Telecats, Canastra, Cansei de Ser Sexy, Walverdes, Rock Rocket...
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Commandante: Do you play in other bands, too, beside THE AUTORAMAS?
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AUTORAMAS: I play in another band that me and some friends are the support band for Lafayette, great organist from the sixties. The name of the band is Lafayette & Os Tremendoes. We just put out a 7".
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Commandante: What are the future plans for THE AUTORAMAS?
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AUTORAMAS: We are going to play our first shows in Europe, two in England and one in Portugal. I hope we can get back soon and tour more countries. And we are finishing our new record.
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