Duda Brack sings moments of explosion, inspiration and rebirth in a show with Ney Matogrosso

This Wednesday, Farol Santander (Rua 7 de Setembro, 1028) becomes the stage for two of the biggest names in Brazilian music. As part of Porto Verão Alegre’s programming, singer and songwriter Duda Brack performs with the icon Ney Matogrosso in a show that features hits from both artists, as well as versions by artists who inspire the singer. The show On the track with those who care it’s at 8 pm and the last tickets (from R$ 125.00) are on sale through Sympla.

The success that, in Ney Matogrosso, is perennial, explodes in Duda Brack. The fifty years between one career and another in no way separate their journey. Like a magnetism that attracts without seeing each other, the two crossed paths. The meeting took place as a result of the album Primavera nos Dentes (2017), which features reinterpretations of 11 works by Secos & Molhados. Produced by former titans Charles Gavin, the album features new arrangements and Duda’s powerful voice in songs that are still up to date. “Girl, I loved the record”, approved Ney. And so began a friendship between the two. After listening to the album and going to concerts, the idol realized the artist’s authenticity and began their joint musical journey. “He saw me and saw himself, in a way”, comments Duda.

Born in Porto Alegre, Duda Brack is from Rio Grande do Sul, but also from the world. At 18, she moved to Rio de Janeiro to study Music at Unirio. There, she got in touch with several composers and producers of her generation, diving headlong into the ocean of music. Her first album, AND (2015), brings together the compositions of artists he met at the music festivals in which he participated. “I started to team up with authors and musicians that I identified with, already thinking about recording an album that was an interpreter, but with unpublished songs, as it was with Gal, Bethânia, Elis…” he comments. Experimental and bringing tropicália and classic rock as references, É set Duda’s life to music. “I left the trace of my existence in the world.”

The second album was released by Ney Matogrosso’s label, after the two met. “He asked me to release my second solo album and I asked him to participate in my life.” Glass shard (2021) is rebirth. After going through a period of depression, Dudley wanted to let out feelings that exploded inside her. With appearances by Ney himself, in addition to BaianaSystem and Lúcio Maia, guitarist for Nação Zumbi, the album brings Brazilianness and Latin rhythms in potent social denouncements and feminist cries. “I start from the principle that everything is political”, sentences the singer. “I don’t claim to be a singer-activist, but composing itself is political. I believe in micro evolutions.”

The music amplifies the voice of those who speak out against injustice, and the singer knows it. In her songs, she denounces issues such as patriarchy, neocolonialism and the exploitation of the environment. “I’m not interested in this domesticated place for women,” she says. “The stereotype of the female singer is very much linked to the mermaid, the delicate, the harmless. And I was never that woman, I was always wild. I grew up in a totally matriarchal, feminine place. The women who surrounded me always taught me not to be subjugated and I found in art a way to put that into the world.”

On the track with whom it matters, it intends to be the transition show between Duda interpreter and Duda composer. Her third album, which will be released in the second half of this year, will feature original songs by the artist, who feels ready to use her voice to say what comes from within. Since 2016 developing as a singer, Duda Brack has proven himself as one of the great names of her generation. Now she wants to take the place of composition. “I no longer need to prove myself as a singer, so this is an album in which, for the first time, I’m thinking more about the other, what people will think, will feel when I hear it. I’m thinking about infecting others”, he says, “Making music takes on another dimension of depth, it’s a feeling like ‘this came out of me, this is my story’.”

For many, the singer’s face can be known outside the musician: in 2022, Duda participated in the telenovela Beyond the Illusion, from Rede Globo. Bringing the villain Iolanda Flores to life, she worked with teledramaturgy giants, such as Marisa Orth and Bárbara Paz. “It was a great experience, I go out on the street and people recognize me. I’ve always wanted to work in soap operas, I’ve always loved the world of dramaturgy, but I was always focused on music and didn’t pursue it.” Discovered at her show by the telenovela producer, the composer says she would love to repeat the experience. “In an ideal world, I’d like to change my life as a singer and actress, I think these things complement each other. I really want to make movies. I’m passionate.”

Returning to her hometown to participate in Porto Verão Alegre, the artist feels very fulfilled. “It’s an event where I grew up, first as an audience and now as an attraction. I’m very happy to be returning in this context, in great style, with Ney’s luxurious participation. It’s a harbinger of good things.” In the Capital show, there are some songs from Glass shardhis second album, and reinterpretations of songs from AND. Versions by artists such as Rosalía, Baianasystem, Pabllo Vittar and Destiny’s Child complete the repertoire along with emblematic songs by Ney Matogrosso, which adds to the voice of Duda.