The sound of the pampas

Today's list features artists from Rio Grande do Sul, where I'm currently touring with my band, the Flaming Birds. They are important, talented, and restless. And all very good friends, thankfully!

1- Frank Jorge - I met Frank during an interview he did with me on a TV show. But musically, FJ is part of the history of Brazilian Rock with the bands Graforréia Xilarmônica, Cascavelettes, and Os Cowboys Espirituais. I want to record one of his songs on this new Devotos album. In the video, we see Frank and the band Superguidis playing a Rickenbacker guitar, but he was always an exceptional bassist!

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1d4DNEX5LI

2- Wander Wildner - The adorable WW was part of Replicantes, a punk band from Porto Alegre, but in his solo career he established himself as the most successful gaucho troubadour. I had a band with Wander and Serginho Serra, Subversões. I had a lot of fun with both of them. I recommend Wander's albums. All of them!

3- Jupiter Maçã - Flávio Basso is another standout from the south. He was part of the bands TNT, Cascavelettes, and formed the unforgettable Jupiter Maçã e os Pereiras Azuis. Since then, Flavio has been Jupiter Maçã and Jupiter Apple. His solo albums are essential. He's currently preparing a special EP with Modern Kid, a collaboration with the genius, which I had the pleasure of producing. The music video is by André Peniche, another brilliant artist!

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3y3yoBZ1j6s

4- Plato Divorak - After listening to Plato Divorak, you can say you've heard a true artist. He's unusual and boundless. A verbose and brilliant artist. In this homemade video, you can check out the delightful verve of this artist who stands out as a super-cultured, rebellious outsider! Sing, Plato!

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2rykhCNeH4&feature=related

5- Locomotores - A well-known band in Porto Alegre that could be in MTV's Top 10. Their debut album, "Locomotores," features an impressive guitar duo, Márcio Petraco and Maurício Fuzzo, two monsters of the instrument. On bass, Bocudo (ex-Cachorro Grande), on drums, Papel, and on piano Luciano Leães. A super band you need to know!

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_nT9NU_V_E

6- Pata de Elefante - An instrumental band from Porto Alegre, "Pata" is a highlight at every festival where they perform. A fantastic trio, without a doubt! In the video we have "Prego," the cartoon drummer, in a spectacular performance. I'm a fan of Pata de Elefante!

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rp5dx_qPmo

7- Identity - The band toured with Devotos in 2005 in a way that went down in history. They played 8 shows in 7 days, all inside a van. They are young and reckless, as rock demands. Super Rolling Stones-inspired, these kids dominate the rock'n'roll scene in the Southern Cone. Check out the mini-Mick Jagger!

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZamKqPl8hmw