About this Playlist
Oh wow! This took a long time but man, was it worth it :-).
In this Spotlight session we’re focusing on musicto’s very own Abdallah Harati – while his playlists are worth checking out – what we’re focusing on here is his release of a hidden Brazilian gem from Edson Show – Prepara o Arame.
In celebration of the track Abdallah has curated a playlist to give a deeper look into this compelling Brazilian vibe. You can click through to the playlist above or – for fun – you can listen to the two tracks side by side below:
I remember listening to the track when it came out and just feeling compelled to reach out to Abdallah to learn more about the track and his process of putting it together. We decided instead of answering the Spotlight questions, we’d have a Zoom chat, record it and publish it. It was a brilliant conversation – wide ranging and covering so many aspects of what it means to be a musician in the early decades of the 21st century.
The only problem was it took forever to edit and publish – life got in the way – I moved country and well – all this to say – we’re here now and if you’re looking for an authentic and honest insight to what it means to be a musician and get a fascinating insight into Brazilian music – keep scrolling ;-p
While you can watch and listen to the full conversation at the end – it turns out that as the conversation flowed there were natural categories that appeared. To make it easy we’ve grouped those associated conversations into five different categories – check them all out below:
Brazilian / Latin Music Culture & Instruments
Here Abdallah talks about Brazilian genres, traditions, and instruments. Videos in this playlist:
- On The Caipira Viola
- On Brazilian Music and Guitar
- On Choro, 7 String Guitar & João Gilberto’s Cat
- On Capoeira & The Music of Capoeira
- On Edson Show & The Idea Behind Recording Prepara O Arame
- On Production of Prepara O Arame
Music Technology & Tools
Here Abdallah focuses on the practical tools and platforms involved in making music. Videos in this playlist:
- On Reaper DAW
- On Mics & Recording Nylon String Guitar
- The Cheapest Way to Great Sound
- Meta Data Challenge
- Andrew on Meta Data
- Amuse – Swedish Distributor
Creative Process & Philosophy
In this section Abdallah reflects on the process, mindset, and beauty of music creation.
- On Taking Control of Ownership
- On Finding The Ending
- The Michaelangelo Approach to Production
- Why Mistakes & Humanity Are Beautiful
- On Mixing
- On Re-Discovering An Analog Sound
AI, Blockchain & Emerging Tech
Abdallah’s philosophy (and some of Andrew’s ;-p) on newer technologies impacting music production and distribution. Videos in this playlist:
- On AI Generated Music Pt. 1
- On AI Generated Music Pt. 2
- On Blockchain and Web 3 Music
- Andrew is Bullish on Onchain Music
The Musician’s Life
Here we discuss personal insights into career, identity, and sustainability as a musician. Videos in this playlist:
- On Making A Living Through Music
- More Than Just A Musician
Pretty brilliant huh! ;-p
And here’s the full conversation – if you have a spare couple of hours – it’s a great watch!
Abdallah Harati
Musician, producer and business strategist, Abdallah Harati is originally from São Paulo, Brazil, grew up in São José dos Campos and since 2015 has been established in Munich, Germany. Prior to that, Abdallah has lived in Guatemala City, Mexico City , San Juan, Dallas, Stockholm, Dubai, Hanoi and Nairobi.
Awarded as best guitar solo performer at the USP Music Festival in 1994 and 1995, he was already part of the Choro Club in São José dos Campos. He was part one of the most important Choro initiatives (Escola Portátil de Música), led by Luciana Rabello, Maurício Carrilho, Pedro Amorim, Álvaro Carrilho and Celsinho Silva. He has travelled all over the world and spent time at Berklee College of Music in Boston and Granada, Spain, at the Carmen de Las Cuevas. In case of interest, you can listen his stories in his Podcast
Playlist Track Listing
- Prepara O Arame – Abdallah Harati
- Dona Fia – Roque Ferreira
- Minervina – Cia Cabelo de Maria
- Magoada – Clara Nunes
- Pé-de-Calçada – Mestre Ambrósio
- Cantador de Coco – Mestre Ulisses
- Riacho de areia/Cantos dos Congadeiros de Pratápolis – Consuelo De Paula
- Nós – Ná Ozzetti
- Tiro de Bodoque – O Bando De María
- Disparada – Elba Ramalho
- Capoeira de Arnaldo – Bando De Macambira
- Yáyá Massemba – Maria Bethânia
- O Pidido / Clariô – Xangai
- Grão de Areia – Abdallah Harati
- Lavandêra – Fabiana Cozza
- Nêga Cambinda – Abdallah Harati
- São Jorge – Juçara Marçal e Kiko Dinucci
- Jack Soul Brasileiro – Lenine
- Ai Que Saudade D’oce – Badi Assad
- O Galho Da Roseira (The Branches Of The Rose Tree) – Airto Moreira
- Pitada – Madame Xique Xique
- Toque de São Bento Grande de Angola – Paulo Cesar Pinheiro
