Continuing to answer our Band of the Day questions from all corners of the world is Edgard, a Brazilian now living in L.A (spoilers for the first answer).
Simple things first – where are you guys from?
I’m originally born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, but I’ve been currently based in Los Angeles since 2015.
How did you meet?
I’ve been playing with a different line up of musicians from time to time. I’ve met Brian Singer (bass) when he was a sub for my funk/fusion band Mr. Giant and then Alex Frizzell (drums) when I got the gig to perform with the country singer Christie Huff, with whom the three of us have been working together. I’ve known Nathan Lorber (keys) for a while so I decided to invite him to join us as well.
How long have you been playing as a band?
With Alex and Brian, for about a year. Nathan joined us around 3 months ago.
Before you get sick of being asked… where does the band name come from?
It’s my first name, and I’m actually used to explaining it multiple times, how it’s properly pronounced in Portuguese.
What are your influences?
I was always definitely hugely influenced by Jimi Hendrix, also Derek Trucks is another one of my greatest inspirations. Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Mark Lettieri, Eric Gales, Eric Johnson… Just to name a few.
Describe your music. What makes you unique?
I have deep roots in blues and rock, and I love to blend some different elements of prog, jazz and funk in my fusion. Improvisation plays a huge role on my music. Also, some witty song writing makes it even more interesting.
Do you have any particular lyrical themes?
Honestly, my main idea and philosophy is being loyal to who you are and unleashing your true self. I believe that would be a main theme for my stories.
What’s your live show like? How many shows have you played?
Be ready for a lot of intensity, dynamics and improvisation. I really believe in the power of improvising. Capturing the moment’s energy, vibe and feel creating something unique and true. This year alone I’ve played more than 40 shows and counting.
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done at a live show?
A long time ago I went to a The Misfits concert with some friends back in Rio at traditional venue called Circo Voador. That night was wild and the mosh pits were blazing. But the wildest thing was to see a man on a wheelchair in the middle of all that mayhem, in the eye of the hurricane, having some fun. Then once he got bumped and the chair flipped over. Everyone stopped, got him back up, and returned to moshing. To see everyone being mindful and thoughtful in the midst of all that chaos was really good.
What kit do you use / guitars do you play / etc.?
I pretty much use my custom shop LsL Saticoy “Kaleo” and my Gibson Les Paul Standard.
What are your plans for 2018?
I’ve just recorded my debut live EP Live at Bedrock LA and I’ll be releasing it at the Hotel Café in Hollywood on September 14th. The EP will be available on every streaming platform. Also, I’m going to Brazil for a short 3-week tour. Then I’ll be back to work in Los Angeles with a couple of country festivals lined up and some more performances currently being booked.
If you were second on a three-band bill, which band would you love to be supporting and which band would you choose to open for you? A chance to plug someone you’ve toured with, or a mate’s band we’ve not heard of before!
That’s a tricky question. I’d love to open for Derek Trucks and the Tedeschi Trucks Band. Now to open for me, I’m not sure, there so many talented and dear people I could choose… I’ve been sitting in with my friends of Polymorph regularly, and it could be great having them opening up for me.
