We have a secret weapon at The Standard, and it comes in the form of a French-Moroccan music maven named Annie O. After years in the music industry representing such greats as Lou Reed, Philip Glass, Laurie Anderson, Pearl Jam, and Peter Gabriel, we nabbed her to curate The Annie O Music Series, a regular concert series in the airy Penthouse of The Standard, East Village.
On Friday, September 8th, Brazil's Aline Muniz takes Annie O's stage. She defines her sound as "Brazilian pop music," deriving inspiration from various genres and cultures. She just released her fourth album, her first foray into the international scene, and she's ready to show it off at the Penthouse. Annie O connected with Aline to hear all about it before the big night.
On Friday, September 8th, Brazil's Aline Muniz takes Annie O's stage. She defines her sound as "Brazilian pop music," deriving inspiration from various genres and cultures. She just released her fourth album, her first foray into the international scene, and she's ready to show it off at the Penthouse. Annie O connected with Aline to hear all about it before the big night.
Annie O Presents: Aline Muniz
Friday, September 8th, 7-9PM
The Standard, East Village Penthouse
Free with an RSVP to AnnieO@StandardHotels.com
ANNIE O: Where are you based these days?
ALINE MUNIZ: I'm based in Tribeca where I just moved in two weeks ago.
How did you get your start singing?
I have been singing since I was little. I remember asking my mom to sign me up for voice lessons but all the voice teachers were saying I was too young to start taking them. I was eight. This could have been normal here in the US, but in Brazil there simply weren’t any voice teachers who specialized in teaching children back in 1991. After much research, she found one music school that took me in and also an acting school that said I could practice my voice skills.
Tell us about the Brazilian music scene.
Right now, there's a super strong indie/underground music scene in Brazil. Everything that's different, out-of-the-box, and away from the mainstream is a trend. It's funny because when some styles become a trend, they have already been mainstream. On the other side are the big mainstream artists whose songs are on every radio station, on the covers of every magazine, and on every TV show. Country (we called it sertanejo) and funk carioca (funk music that started in the favelas) are on the top of the charts right now. These are the two and only clear music scenes we can see today. As long as artists are making high-quality music, I don’t mind those divisions.
What are some of your major sonic influences?
My Influences are built from a very full basket of amazing artists! There are so many that changed my life. I'll try to name a few: Sting, Jamiroquai, Earth Wind and Fire, Vicente Amigo, Lenine, Lenny Andrade, Amilton Godoy, Bobby McFerrin, The Carpenters, Bill Withers, Incognito, Corrine Bailey Rae, Sade, and many others.
Tell us about what's different about this next album and your plans to hit the international scene.
All the songs were specially selected by Béco Dranoff, an extraordinary Brazilian music specialist, with the intention to present me to the international music market. I was amazed to see that he chose all my favorites. So, that means what's in Brazilian pop music is really who I am. I have some shows in NYC and I'm also setting up my mini US tour schedule, then we'll go to Europe. I am also working on a new original album which will come soon, and will include all the new songs I have been putting together from the Brazilian pop genre.
Favorite on-stage moment?
The song "Pra que" has been my favorite. It was the last one to be recorded half here and half in Brazil. The theme is very strong for me because it's about how great it is to have someone to share love with. Why should we stay alone? Why would we live without someone to share the fun with?
Any tracks by other artists you currently listening to?
“Lovely Day” by Bill Withers, “Back to the Middle” by India.Arie, “If I Ever Feel Better” by Phoenix, and “Who Says” by John Mayer.
If Aline Muniz had a superpower, what would it be?
To take away all the suffering from the world. No more sadness, disease, or hunger. Only love and goodwill to every human being.
What can we expect from your show at The Annie O Music Series?
A nice Friday evening watered with Brazilian pop music. Smooth and melodious vocals and, of course, the charming Brazilian swing.
How does NYC inspire you?
The speed. Meeting people from all around the world. The freedom of expression. The amazing culture scene. It’s the place where everything happens.
