Let our readers know who you are, where you are from, and what style of music you create.
Hello. The Band is called UNIVERSO. I’m Leo Bor, the founder and producer of the band.
We are from Espirito Santo. Brazil. Universo’s sound ranges from Pop to Rock to Pop/Rock, and even hints of R&B, Blues and Metal. You just can’t define us under one genre.
Who are the members of Universo? When did you decide to form this band? Why the name Universo?
For recordings: Leo Bor ( Electric Guitars, Bass, Acoustic Guitars, Keyboard, Drums, Synths etc.), Jack ( Male lead and backing vocals), Meika ( Female lead and backing vocals).
For live shows, Leo Bor, Jack, Meika, Dell, Rafa.
I have decided to form it about 4 years ago. In the beginning it was called Universo Leo as a solo project because there was just me doing all the songs and work, later on I have decided to invite the other guys to join in. And also I wanted the name to remind something big and unexplainable, without limits and that you can expect anything from it.
Universo means Universe.
How long have you been together? How long did you it take you to produce this new self-titled album?
We’ve been together for about 3 to 4 years. And took just about that to produce the album.
Although we already have our second album halfway done during this process.
What is the music scene like in Brazil? What other bands or musicians influence you?
We got a lot of great talents, but many of them are not getting the recognition or the exposure they deserve.
And the mainstream music scene right now is not too great like it used to be around 20 years ago,in my opinion, but I guess that’s like a worldwide phenomenon, too much business and technology but lacking of musical feeling and soul in the music business nowadays. My main influences are Hard Rock, Heavy Metal and Classical music. The other members have different influences and a very diverse
musical backgrounds.
What is it like being a Brazilian band trying to break into the U.S. market? What challenges do you face?
We had another magazine interview, which the reporter stated: “Every song seemed to flow perfectly along, captivating my ears and mind. And even though I wasn’t able to understand what the songs were saying, I was still able to feel the music – the true sign of a great band.” So curiously, we are having some following from some countries around the world, even though they do not understand what the lyrics are, they can feel it, and that’s what music is all about: Feeling. Of course we have some instrumental songs, that might help also.
How has the Internet / Social Media helped you promote your music and connect with fans?
Internet is vital nowadays for just about any artist and fans.It does not matter what type of fan or artist you are. That’s where a lot of fans from other countries got to know bout us.
Do you play live? Do you plan on touring anytime soon?
Yes we play gigs, not to be considered tour, since we just release the album as independent. But we are working on that. We wil be doing that soon.
Where can we connect with the band online?
On our facebook: facebook.com/universo.oficial, our website: bandauniverso.com.br and our twitter:twitter.com/banda_universo
Any last thoughts? Or shout outs?
Music has the power to bring people together, to connect people to each other, either by body, by thoughts or by soul. There are days when music is your only friend, your only company. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.
Music can name the unnameable and communicate the unknowable, can express what simple words cannot. Music is the universal language of mankind. Music can change the world because it can change people.
