ENTREVISTA com RAFAEL BITTENCOURT | acústico, Kiko e Z.I.T.O. | Heavy Talk

Summary

In this engaging interview, Rafael Bittencourt from the Brazilian band Angra shares insights into the band's 20th anniversary celebration of their album 'Holy Land,' plans for future projects, and the challenges of balancing individual careers. He discusses the band's legacy, their acoustic project, and the ongoing journey with new guitarist Marcelo Barbosa. Additionally, Rafael addresses the fan-supported DVD project, upcoming releases, and the hopes of resolving the band's streaming challenges. The conversation provides an intimate look at the music scene, fan dedication, and the drive behind Angra's continued success.

Takeaways

• 😀 Rafael Bitencourt from Angra celebrates the 20th anniversary of the album 'Holy Land' with a special performance of the album in its entirety.
• 🎸 The band is playing both classic and newer songs to showcase their evolution and contrast from 20 years ago.
• 💬 Rafael reflects on the dedication of Angra's loyal fans who continue to support the band, regardless of lineup changes.
• 🎧 There are ongoing discussions about getting all of Angra's albums onto streaming platforms, but legal and ownership issues are currently delaying the process.
• 📀 Although an official video recording of the 'Holy Live' performance is unavailable, audio material does exist, and there are possibilities for digital enhancement and release.
• 🎤 Rafael talks about an acoustic project he's been planning, aiming to showcase Angra's music in a more stripped-down, melodic form to attract a broader audience.
• 🎶 The acoustic project has faced challenges due to conflicting schedules with guitarist Kiko Loureiro, who is currently touring with Megadeth.
• 🤝 Marcelo Barbosa is now filling in for Kiko in Angra, and Rafael is pleased with his growing comfort and integration with the band.
• 🎥 Rafael's solo project, 'Bit Project,' is set to release a new DVD soon, which will include live performances and a personal reflection of his musical journey outside Angra.
• 💡 Rafael emphasizes the challenges of managing the solo project independently, especially when compared to the larger team supporting Angra's efforts.
• 🙄 The interview ends with a playful tease about revealing 'Zito,' a mystery the fans are curious about, but Rafael chooses not to answer it just yet.

Q & A

Why is Rafael Bitencur's band celebrating the 20th anniversary of the 'Holy Land' album?

Rafael Bitencur's band is celebrating the 20th anniversary of 'Holy Land' by performing the entire album in its original order. The celebration also includes showcasing new songs, allowing fans to see the evolution of the band over the years.

What challenges are currently preventing Angra's albums from being available on streaming platforms like Spotify?

The main challenge preventing Angra's albums from being fully available on streaming platforms is related to copyright issues, including song ownership and the rights to the material. However, discussions are ongoing, and Rafael hopes to resolve these issues in 2025, the band's 25th anniversary year.

Why was the 'Holy Live' concert not released in its entirety?

The 'Holy Live' concert was not released in its entirety due to the band's perception that the performance was not up to their standards at the time. They felt the recording did not reflect their best performance, and there were limited post-production resources available at the time.

What is the current status of Angra's planned acoustic project?

Rafael Bitencur expresses that the acoustic project is still a long-standing dream of his, emphasizing the raw beauty of the music without heavy instrumentation. However, due to scheduling conflicts with band members like Kiko Loureiro, who is busy with Megadeth, the project may be delayed, but Rafael remains committed to it.

How has Marcelo Barbosa integrated into Angra's live shows?

Marcelo Barbosa has integrated well into Angra's live shows, both personally and musically. Although the band has performed only a few shows together so far, Barbosa’s confidence and playing ability are becoming increasingly evident, and he is fitting in seamlessly with the band.

What can fans expect from Marcelo Barbosa's performance with Angra?

Fans can expect a highly skilled performance from Marcelo Barbosa, who is described as an excellent guitarist. His technical prowess and musicality are clear, and although the band is still developing an on-stage chemistry, his presence and abilities are already apparent.

What is the update on Rafael's upcoming DVD with Bit Project?

Rafael's upcoming DVD, part of the Bit Project, is delayed, but he is committed to delivering a high-quality product. The project was funded through crowdfunding, and Rafael feels a strong sense of responsibility to meet the expectations of fans. Despite the delays, the DVD will showcase his creative development outside of Angra.

Why has Rafael Bitencur delayed the release of the Bit Project DVD?

Rafael has delayed the release of the Bit Project DVD due to the extensive work involved in creating the project, from negotiations with distributors to handling all aspects of production himself. Unlike Angra, where he has a larger team, the Bit Project is a more personal endeavor, requiring more time and effort.

How does Rafael feel about the quality of the Bit Project DVD?

Rafael is confident that the Bit Project DVD will be of high quality and will reflect his current creative vision. Despite the delay, he believes the final product will meet the expectations of the fans who supported the crowdfunding campaign, and he feels deeply responsible to deliver a product that honors their trust.

What is the significance of the 2008 'Brain Warms' album in Rafael's career?

The 2008 'Brain Warms' album holds significant importance in Rafael's career as it marked a personal milestone, and he considers it a foundational work. The upcoming DVD will be based on this album, as Rafael wants to revisit and re-emphasize its importance in his artistic development, even though he is now working on more current material.