INTERVIEW: Brazilian Artists on the Rise - Lili Rocha

Can you tell us about how you got a start in music and what made you want to be a pop rock singer?

I first started to sing when I was 12 years old. My brother played the guitar and we performed in town squares, bars and restaurants in the city of Porto Seguro, where I grew up. I got my first break when I won the talent contest of "Gabriella“ in Brazil and was offered to go to Portugal and participate in a music event that showcased the Brazilian Carneval in Europe. That was my first professional appearance as a singer. Since I was a little girl, my dream was to become a famous pop singer – I really don’t know who put that idea into my head...

Was it a big shock moving to Switzerland?

While on tour in Portugal, I decided not to go back to Brazil because I wanted to try to make it as a singer in Europe. For some reason I ended up in Switzerland, although I had originally wanted to go to Italy or London. Although I really liked Switzerland from the start – it is a beautiful country – it took me some time to adjust to the weather, the food and the people. Yes, I guess it was a shock, but when you are young you adapt easily.

What ist he name of your new single and album and where can people bay them?

My new single is called "Find Your Star“ and the title of the new album, which will be released in the US early next year, is called "Into The Fire“. My music is available on INgrooves and also on my website lilirocha.com.

What type of music do you make?

My main music direction is melodic rock, with a twist of acoustic or folk rock. However, I like all different types of music, so you will also find me singing house, salsa or reggae.

Are the South American and European Music Scenes very similar?

No, they are very different. South American music tends to be dance music with an emphasis on rhythm, while Europeans like melodic music with less emphasis on the beat. It is true, of course, that there are many blends of styles that are popular both in Europe and South America. 

Were you always looking to release an album in English or is that a more recent decision?

When I started to sing, my goal was to sing in Italian. For some reason, I fell in love with that language and wanted to make it mine. That is why on my first three albums, besides songs in my mother tongue, Portuguese, you will also find songs in Italian and Spanish. The decision to sing in English is a recent one - over time I felt drawn towards English because it is a very musical language to sing in.

What has been your biggest achievement as a singer?

I believe that my biggest achievement has been to sing my songs in four languages without offending the native speakers...

Where do you hope to be in 10 years?

In 10 years - that’s a long way down the road! I want to be a singer who is famous and respected all over the Globe. I want to be on a huge stage in front of 100,000 people!!

What would you tell your fans if you could tell them anything?

I would tell them that even if the world came to an end and everything we built was destroyed, we need to keep our faith and say – I can make it!

Where can fans find you online?

http://www.LiliRocha.com
http://www.facebook.com/LRochaMusic
http://www.twitter.com/LRochaMusic

If you could be any flavor jelly belly, what flavor would you be and why?

I would want to be the flavor of "apple“, because that flavor is both complex and light.

What would be your dream performance? Where would you like to perform and who would you want as an opening act?

I would love to perform at New York’s Madison Square Garden! If I could choose the singers who would open for me, they would be Tina Turner and Cher.

A BIG thank you to Lili Rocha for taking town out of her hectic schedule to chat with us about her music and plans for the coming years. Make sure to download her album on iTunes by clicking the link below!

"Find Your Star" on iTunes US: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/find-your-star/id538861550?i=538861551&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

Happy World Music Day!

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I really like Brazilian and Afro-Cuban music.  Do you have any styles or bands you'd like to share with us?