It always makes us happy to discover independent music that is not a mere ripoff of popular bands, and we were delighted to get to know the work of Brazilian band Holger; the São Paulo band’s feel-good tunes are proof that the group has, indeed, quite a strong artistic personality.
We were impressed to find out how young musicians Pata, Sverner, Rolla, Arthur and Pepe are college students in their 20’s; their work is characterized by a sense of maturity, dedication and professionalism that is actually complementary to their energetic ways and positive attitude. Although they have only being together for two years, the band has performed at some of the most important international music festivals, such as South by Southwest and Pop Montreal. Last week, Holger performed at the Indie Rock Festival in Rio de Janeiro – a festival that included shows by Gogol Bordello and Super Furry Animals.
Made-Up Disease interviewed the band members, who are clearly enjoying each and every step of Holger’s path.
- Pop Montreal | Copyright Torunn Splitter
MUD – First of all, a slightly unpleasant, but necessary question: why do you guys write in English?
Holger - Most of the music we listen to was recorded in English, even the music composed in countries that do not have English as a native language - such as Sweden, France, Spain, and even Brazil. We believe that people should compose in any language they feel comfortable with.
MUD – Do you feel that the English lyrics could help you reach more international exposure? And was the chosen language ever responsible for some form of rejection in Brazil?
Holger – English certainly helps with international projection. Bands and artists such as Abba, Shakira and Daft Punk owe their international success to the English language… We seek the same path. Rarely are we bugged by someone because of that. Singing in English is quite common in the alternative scene.
MUD – Quite recently, you played some shows in Canada. How was the experience of being part of Pop Montreal’s line-up? Did you get in touch with musicians from other countries? And of course, did you have some mapple syrup?
Holger - Playing at Pop Montreal was a really good thing that happened to us. Besides having the opportunity to play for a very receptive audience that is also quite different from the one we are used to seeing in our shows, we had the chance to perform on the same stage as Matt & Kim, Ninja Sonik, and other bands that we really like. We also met the guys from Lemonade, Death Set, Think About Life, Donzelle, Beaver, Cadence Weapon…
We did skip trying the the maple syrup… but we did not miss poutine, a typical dish from Montréal, and also one of the best (and fattiest) we’ve ever had.
MUD – Can you pinpoint differences between the Brazilian audience and the audiences from Canada and the United States?
Holger - The Brazilian audience tends to be very critical, very blasé; there are, quite obviously, some exceptions, but that is how things typically are. In the United States and in Canada (maybe because of the great number of bands), the audience usually has the intention of having fun, of contributing with another show.
MUD – The song ‘Caribbean Nights’ reminds us of Modest Mouse… Could you list some of the band’s influences, or would that be too peeving?
Holger – Not a problem: Why?, Flaming Lips, Pavement, Fela Kuti, New Order, Dizee Rascal, Neil Young, The Mae Shi, Lemonade… We have many many influences.
MUD – Although Holger has only existed for two years, you guys already are getting some nice feedback, having even played at SXSW 09 (South by Southwest festival in Texas). When did you feel that things were starting to work out? Was there a turning point?
Holger – We believe there were two major turning points: first of all our show at the Goiânia Noise festival, right after the release of our EP, The Green Valley, and the second one was this year, when we played at the Popload Gig and had the opportunity to perform our new songs – that generated great repercussion. In each and every show we make, we do our best to reach more people; our turning points actually happen every rehearsal, every show, every time someone listens to our tracks on MySpace.
MUD – What is Holger’s songwriting method?
Holger – We usually compose together. One of us comes up with lyrics, someone else introduces the music line, and little by little the five of us develop songs while adding a bit of each of our personalities. We usually write while rehearsing and drinking Chá Matte,also known as /mazel drink/.
MUD – What’s next for Holger?
Holger – We will finally release an album in 2010. Most of the tracks are almost done, all we have to do is record them and show them to the people who might be interested in releasing our record. Then, let’s hope for the best of a first record: tours, drinks, and lot’s of fun…
- Pop Montreal | Copyright Torunn Splitter
Holger t-shirts are available in small, medium, and large male and female sizes for R$20. If you want to get yours, all you have to do is send an e-mail.
The band will play a show on November 26th, at 8PM, at Diesel (Rua Haddock Lobo, São Paulo, SP). They will also do a free gig at São Paulo’s Virada Cultural (November 27th-28th at 03:30AM) at Livraria Cultura, Conjunto Nacional. On December 2nd, the band will open for the Brooklyn success Dirty Projectors at São Paulo’s Clash Club.
You can check the band’s news and more info on upcoming shows on their MySpace page. Below you will find Holger’s first video, The Auction, produced by Geral Filmes.
