Conversations with Dado Sá

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dado Sá

Hi Dado, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am a Brazilian/American singer and nylons guitar player who brings a blend of Bossa Nova, Latin Jazz and World Music repertoire to my performances and recordings. Blending melodies and harmonic vocals with lyrics in English, Portuguese and Spanish have always been my area of exploration. Classic Bossa Nova, Latin Jazz and World music staples plus originals make up for my vibrant and melodic repertoire. I have been performing as an independent artist for over 25 years in music venues, clubs, festivals and private events. With my own independent record label “Peruibe Records” my aim has always been to present very organic and authentic recordings of myself and other artists that I partner with. It is always a challenge because the industry and mainstream music is extremely produced and enhanced for sound and shape… I try to focus more on very roots, organic and original sounds. I tend to say that I produce “porch and veranda” music without being too fixated on all little details of sound from instruments and voices. I search more for the soul of the song, of the instruments and of the voices, just like if the audience was watching and listening to a performance on a porch or a cozy corner of a party… it might not transpose as always technically perfect but certainly full of soul and connection between melodies and words. I try to bring that same feeling to the mixing and mastering process of my recordings… nowadays all done in my own home studio, once again looking for a very original not overproduced sound. I grew up with background of Spanish and Portuguese families between Brazil, Miami and Spain. Listening to plenty of porch music and nylon guitar playing. That is the sound that profoundly touches my soul and that is the sound I try to share.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I believe all artistic careers are always full of struggles due to the nature of the business and the independence that most artist have to live with not necessarily being attached to some form of greater sponsorship or financial backing. My path has been no different. Always having to balance artistic creation with, to be as clear as possible, “cash flow”. But with that being said I believe that there is more to the pilgrimage that you set out to navigate when you decide to be an artist for a career and a calling than just the financial aspect. There is the immense satisfaction and source of meaning that is derived from creating and seeing that creation communicate and relate to audiences in a positive inspiring way. It truly enchants me when I have the opportunity to perform and record and that is such a worthwhile goal to live through. I have had many side careers and jobs throughout the years in order to make ends meet and supply for my family. My income from music has never been constant however has always been present in one way or another. Besides that there are other forms of struggles than just financial such as how to find your scope and style of artistic expression and development… in my case musical and harmonic. I think “time” is the greatest factor in artistic development. Time to season and mature your skill. Time to mature in personality and character that combines with your artistry… time to bring out a sound full of soul and connection. For me time and practicing of skill and style have been struggles that take dedication but that are so intense in retributing what you put in… I see the struggles as blessings.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As already described a bit I have a very specific sound and musical style that I present in performances and recordings. Though the backbone of my influences are Bossa Nova and Jazz, I am extremely passionate about world music from all corners and I feel that it transposes in my recordings, playing and singing styles. I believe that it gives me a very unique ground to stand on as far as the originality of my compositions. I play songs with Brazilian, Portuguese, Spanish, Cape Verdean and other styles. I take it with great gratitude and humbly that quite a few listeners tell me that my music is very unique and differentiated. But certainly I am far from alone in that group. There are amazing musicians out there doing amazing original work and within the genres that I navigate. As far as specialization I really focus on nylon, Spanish style guitars and guileles ( 6 string Ukelele guitar ) played with your fingers and nails. I approach the guitar as a melodic as well as a percussive instrument and with rhythm and syncopation apply very urban poetic lyrics to my compositions. I have been fortunate to see a connection happening between my compositions and audiences, especially with my latest recordings that have been getting nice placements on web radios and playlists throughout the world such as in Brazil, US and France and a few other places. Lately I have also been mentioned on a few Brazilian musical publications. I certainly aim to be a global artist that can transpose frontiers and still sound interesting to diverse audiences and cultures.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I don’t think I know anybody that wasn’t extremely marked in one way or another through the Covid-19 crisis. What a crazy time to live through, not only because it shook all the sequencing of our routines but also because it was an intense life threatening shadow that lingered around all of us. Many souls were lost and many spaces were left empty due to the departed ones all over the world. Without getting too political my hope is that the world and humans as a unit approach the lessons learned through such pandemic and truly take steps to prepare ourselves for the common good and care of the next challenge or even pandemic. It is certain that in this life we will have hardships, struggles and fierce battles, but more importantly it must be certain that we learn and grow through the battles in brotherly love and care. On a personal note the time through Covid – 19 gave me a very special opportunity to be close to my wife and children and to be blessed with each others presence in an unordinary way. We all had so much time to spend with family members or those that you were quarantined with. Some people were alone and I am sure that was very harsh. I was fortunate to have my family and we made the most out of it. I believe that if we are willing life always has a way to shine light even in the darkest moments.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dadosamusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dadosamusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dadosamusic/
• Youtube: Dado Sá Music https://www.youtube.com/@eduardodesa9416
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/dadodesa
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4TznPok1yM9r8dCRpHWSPL?si=LjZem76FR3WvwTwDZ48QJg

Image Credits
Cover painting by Nadja De Sá.