Reggae · August 22, 2008
Surforeggae interviews Aline Duran, one of the leading female voices of national reggae!
National reggae has brought to light great news that greatly enhances the value of the circuit. One of these happy news is Aline Duran, a si
National reggae has brought to light great news that greatly enhances the value of the circuit. One of these happy news is Aline Duran, a singer who entered the world of reggae on the right foot. Appearances at major events, huge audiences even for veteran artists, major appearances on their debut CD, in short, a real promise for the cast of Brazilian rhythm artists.
Rangel: Hello Aline. At Surforeggae we always start by asking how music came into your life. When did your career begin? Have you always been dedicated to reggae?
Aline Duran: Yes, my career has always been dedicated to reggae, I loved singing since I was little, but it was at 19 that I decided to become a professional musician. I started studying singing and guitar and later studied a little piano as well. At this time I was already involved in the reggae scene in São Paulo and when I was around 20 years old I ended up joining a reggae band, where I stayed for about a year until I started my solo career.
Rangel: You had a recently released album by Deckdisk, "Novo Dia", which features songs written by you. How has people been accepting it?
Aline Duran: People's acceptance has been very good, this new CD is being released all over Brazil and both the people who already knew my work and the people who are getting to know me now, all identify with my lyrics and enjoy the sound and that is what makes me happiest.
Rangel: We recently did a story on Surforeggae called "Mulheres no Reggae". In it we talk about women's struggle to stand out in this field of life, music. Have you ever suffered any type of prejudice from a producer, band or someone in the music industry?
Aline Duran: Unfortunately, ignorance predominates in the minds of some people and ridiculously machismo still exists not only in music, but in all areas. Yes, I have already suffered prejudice and, although it saddens me a little, I tried not to give importance to these facts and people and I never let myself get discouraged by it. On the contrary, it encouraged me even more to move forward and gain my space and respect for my work.
Rangel: Aline, how do you see the national reggae scene? Name some bands that catch your attention.
Aline Duran: Reggae in Brazil has been growing a lot over the years. In different regions of the country we can notice this musical expression with the emergence of several bands. There is a potential audience that is ignored and that really appreciates and wants to hear national works and therefore, I think it could be a better explored market.
I believe that for the scene to strengthen once and for all, more unity is needed between the bands to organize themselves and carry out their own presentations, more seriousness and commitment to good reggae on the part of the musicians, so that the movement can be valued and become more respected within the music scene in general. Bands like Reggae Style, which is no longer active, and others like Namastê, Leões de Israel, Natiruts and Solano Jacob have very good work and stand out.
Rangel: What do you think of the erroneous relationship made between reggae and herb? Do you think there is a solution? Does this hinder anything in the propagation of your music?
Aline Duran: This relationship is really erroneous. For example, Planet Hemp was not a reggae band and their entire lyrics were about marijuana and its legalization, while not all reggae bands write lyrics about the subject. I think that the fact that reggae is associated with the use of marijuana hinders the spread of the movement as a whole, since marijuana is stigmatized by society. The solution lies in people's common sense of understanding each artistic work individually, free from preconceived ideas.
I think that regardless of the style, music can and should be used as a form of expression not only of the feelings of the soul, but also to express ideas and cause reflections in people, especially what is reality within society. And reggae has this characteristic of protest. Everyone who questions is subject to criticism and may see their art persecuted in some way. The important thing is to do what you believe.
Rangel: What is your relationship with the Rastafari culture? Do you have any religion?
Aline Duran: My relationship with the Rastafari culture is through Reggae, because it is the music that is inside me and where the message I want to convey is found, and also because I have the same philosophy of life, which is based on Christian precepts of love and respect between people. I'm a spiritualist, I feel completely comfortable praising God under the name Jah in my songs. My religion is LOVE and the commandment is: “Love God above all things and your neighbor as yourself”.
Rangel: You are a beautiful woman, and this beauty became even more evident when you left the braids from the beginning of your career for your current loose hair. For this reason, was there any type of noise in your communication with the public? Have you ever had to face jokes or disrespect?
Aline Duran: There were no problems, everyone liked the new look. Regardless of the type of hairstyle you use, there is always someone who is not so in tune with the true purpose of the show. I've had to face some “unpleasant compliments” even with braids, now without them I haven't experienced anything like that, but I believe that over time people will understand that not every woman goes on stage to be seen as a sexual object.
Rangel: You were one of Brazil's representatives at "Dynamic Reggae Soundclash", a respected festival in Argentina. How was your work accepted there?
Aline Duran: Argentines love reggae and are completely open to our music and to Brazilians. They were very receptive and the acceptance was great, so much so that I ended up coming back to do a second show. Many are already interested in my new CD and I can't wait to go back and present this new work there.
Rangel: Name some bands you've been listening to on your player?
Aline Duran: Lately I've been listening to a lot of Stephen Marley, Barrington Levy, Skatalites, Damian Marley, Aswad, among others in reggae, as well as a good Marvin Gaye that can never be missed.
Rangel: In the last 5 years, do you think there has been an improvement in the national reggae scene in terms of quality of events, respect for schedules, safe and pleasant places for the public, etc.?
Aline Duran: I can only talk about the reality of the events in the state of São Paulo, since I have been involved with them for five years. I think that during this period the number of events, including the bad ones, decreased a little, but the quality did not increase as much as it could have. There are people really interested in holding good events and consequently staying in the market, but not everyone has this concern and they don't do it with due attention to both the public and the musicians, and end up getting burned on both sides. The quality of these events depends on the capacity and good intentions of the organizers. I really hope that the good ones remain and can offer the public the opportunity to discover good reggae works at well-organized events, respecting both the public and the musicians who perform at them.
Rangel: What are your general perspectives regarding the new work? Have you already thought anything about your next album?
Aline Duran: My prospects are the best. I want to promote this work as much as possible throughout Brazil and as far as I can go and as far as Jah allows me, to make my sound and pass on my message to people and conquer my space in the market. I've already written some lyrics for the next album, it's an ongoing process, but now it's time to give all my attention and concentration to this CD “Novo Dia”.
Rangel: Tell us more about the major contributions you had on your album.
Aline Duran: I met them all through my producer Rafael Ramos, who introduced my songs to these people, who ended up wanting to participate. I was very happy to have these big names on the first album. João Fera recorded all the pianos; Marcelinho da Lua did some Dubs on some tracks; Marlon Sette and Rodrigo Sha recorded all brass; this time Black Alien was my partner in the lyrics of “Pra quem Jah olha” and participated in the vocals in this song; Bi Ribeiro and Ronaldo Silva recorded “Olhar pro Sol” and “Depois de amanhã”; and Júlio Porto and Jota Morais also participated in the album.
Rangel: How do you classify piracy? Crime or another "versatile way" of disclosure?
Aline Duran: I classify it as a crime, it is someone who is taking advantage of my efforts, my work, which is making music. Only I know how persistent I had to be to get here, investing everything I had alone and trying to survive from this for five years and now anyone can come and take advantage. This is my livelihood, it's not volunteer work. There are many people with families to support who work honestly with music, not only artists, but also the entire music industry, and people need to be aware that buying a pirated CD is harming all these people in order to support some scoundrel.
If the CD is expensive in stores for some, certainly on the website and especially at shows, the price will be much more affordable, what we cannot do is continue with this thought that being honest is being stupid and always wanting to take advantage of others in everything, because by doing this we will never have the morale to raise our voice in the face of those who act corruptly towards us.
Rangel: What was it like facing 80 THOUSAND people on "Carnaval Reggae de 2004" with practically 1 year of career?
Aline Duran: “Carnaval Reggae de 2004” was a beautiful event, and the one that brought together the most regueiros to date, from what I heard. It was my third show, we were late and had already missed about 10 minutes of the show. I didn't have time to think about anything, I arrived singing and as I got on stage I started to see the size of the crowd. I was moved to see all that crowd. I started to realize it little by little and then when I assimilated everything that was happening, the show ended. The sun was setting during the show, it was wonderful and unforgettable.
Rangel: Reggae has several aspects, such as Rocksteady, DanceHall, Ragga, Roots, Lovers, anyway, do you see yourself in any of these styles? Talk about.
Aline Duran: I see myself in reggae and all its aspects. “I appreciate without moderation” Jamaican music as a whole, I have always liked all these styles and I made a point of putting them on my CD, as I am not limited to this or that style. People have little information about reggae music and it is important that they know all these aspects in addition to roots, so that they understand how reggae is a rich and interesting style, and that it deserves much more attention and space in the market.
Rangel: Aline, thank you for the answers and your kindness. Leave a message to all the regueiros who admire your work on Surforeggae.
Aline Duran: I want to thank Surforeggae for the space and all the people who follow my work, for their support and for always sending me good vibes. I hope you like this son of mine called “Novo Dia”, which is very special to me and was made with all love and sincerity, and that we can all share this positive vibe together at the shows. Jah bless!
Click here and watch Aline Duran with the clip "É Com Você".
Official Website: www.alineduran.com.br
Myspace: www.myspace.com/alineduranoficial
Aline Duran on Surforeggae: Click and Access.
THE INTERVIEW
Rangel: Hello Aline. At Surforeggae we always start by asking how music came into your life. When did your career begin? Have you always been dedicated to reggae?
Aline Duran: Yes, my career has always been dedicated to reggae, I loved singing since I was little, but it was at 19 that I decided to become a professional musician. I started studying singing and guitar and later studied a little piano as well. At this time I was already involved in the reggae scene in São Paulo and when I was around 20 years old I ended up joining a reggae band, where I stayed for about a year until I started my solo career.
Rangel: You had a recently released album by Deckdisk, "Novo Dia", which features songs written by you. How has people been accepting it?
Aline Duran: People's acceptance has been very good, this new CD is being released all over Brazil and both the people who already knew my work and the people who are getting to know me now, all identify with my lyrics and enjoy the sound and that is what makes me happiest.
Rangel: We recently did a story on Surforeggae called "Mulheres no Reggae". In it we talk about women's struggle to stand out in this field of life, music. Have you ever suffered any type of prejudice from a producer, band or someone in the music industry?
Aline Duran: Unfortunately, ignorance predominates in the minds of some people and ridiculously machismo still exists not only in music, but in all areas. Yes, I have already suffered prejudice and, although it saddens me a little, I tried not to give importance to these facts and people and I never let myself get discouraged by it. On the contrary, it encouraged me even more to move forward and gain my space and respect for my work.
Rangel: Aline, how do you see the national reggae scene? Name some bands that catch your attention.
Aline Duran: Reggae in Brazil has been growing a lot over the years. In different regions of the country we can notice this musical expression with the emergence of several bands. There is a potential audience that is ignored and that really appreciates and wants to hear national works and therefore, I think it could be a better explored market.
I believe that for the scene to strengthen once and for all, more unity is needed between the bands to organize themselves and carry out their own presentations, more seriousness and commitment to good reggae on the part of the musicians, so that the movement can be valued and become more respected within the music scene in general. Bands like Reggae Style, which is no longer active, and others like Namastê, Leões de Israel, Natiruts and Solano Jacob have very good work and stand out.
Rangel: What do you think of the erroneous relationship made between reggae and herb? Do you think there is a solution? Does this hinder anything in the propagation of your music?
Aline Duran: This relationship is really erroneous. For example, Planet Hemp was not a reggae band and their entire lyrics were about marijuana and its legalization, while not all reggae bands write lyrics about the subject. I think that the fact that reggae is associated with the use of marijuana hinders the spread of the movement as a whole, since marijuana is stigmatized by society. The solution lies in people's common sense of understanding each artistic work individually, free from preconceived ideas.
I think that regardless of the style, music can and should be used as a form of expression not only of the feelings of the soul, but also to express ideas and cause reflections in people, especially what is reality within society. And reggae has this characteristic of protest. Everyone who questions is subject to criticism and may see their art persecuted in some way. The important thing is to do what you believe.
Rangel: What is your relationship with the Rastafari culture? Do you have any religion?
Aline Duran: My relationship with the Rastafari culture is through Reggae, because it is the music that is inside me and where the message I want to convey is found, and also because I have the same philosophy of life, which is based on Christian precepts of love and respect between people. I'm a spiritualist, I feel completely comfortable praising God under the name Jah in my songs. My religion is LOVE and the commandment is: “Love God above all things and your neighbor as yourself”.
Rangel: You are a beautiful woman, and this beauty became even more evident when you left the braids from the beginning of your career for your current loose hair. For this reason, was there any type of noise in your communication with the public? Have you ever had to face jokes or disrespect?
Aline Duran: There were no problems, everyone liked the new look. Regardless of the type of hairstyle you use, there is always someone who is not so in tune with the true purpose of the show. I've had to face some “unpleasant compliments” even with braids, now without them I haven't experienced anything like that, but I believe that over time people will understand that not every woman goes on stage to be seen as a sexual object.
Rangel: You were one of Brazil's representatives at "Dynamic Reggae Soundclash", a respected festival in Argentina. How was your work accepted there?
Aline Duran: Argentines love reggae and are completely open to our music and to Brazilians. They were very receptive and the acceptance was great, so much so that I ended up coming back to do a second show. Many are already interested in my new CD and I can't wait to go back and present this new work there.
Rangel: Name some bands you've been listening to on your player?
Aline Duran: Lately I've been listening to a lot of Stephen Marley, Barrington Levy, Skatalites, Damian Marley, Aswad, among others in reggae, as well as a good Marvin Gaye that can never be missed.
Rangel: In the last 5 years, do you think there has been an improvement in the national reggae scene in terms of quality of events, respect for schedules, safe and pleasant places for the public, etc.?
Aline Duran: I can only talk about the reality of the events in the state of São Paulo, since I have been involved with them for five years. I think that during this period the number of events, including the bad ones, decreased a little, but the quality did not increase as much as it could have. There are people really interested in holding good events and consequently staying in the market, but not everyone has this concern and they don't do it with due attention to both the public and the musicians, and end up getting burned on both sides. The quality of these events depends on the capacity and good intentions of the organizers. I really hope that the good ones remain and can offer the public the opportunity to discover good reggae works at well-organized events, respecting both the public and the musicians who perform at them.
Rangel: What are your general perspectives regarding the new work? Have you already thought anything about your next album?
Aline Duran: My prospects are the best. I want to promote this work as much as possible throughout Brazil and as far as I can go and as far as Jah allows me, to make my sound and pass on my message to people and conquer my space in the market. I've already written some lyrics for the next album, it's an ongoing process, but now it's time to give all my attention and concentration to this CD “Novo Dia”.
Rangel: Tell us more about the major contributions you had on your album.
Aline Duran: I met them all through my producer Rafael Ramos, who introduced my songs to these people, who ended up wanting to participate. I was very happy to have these big names on the first album. João Fera recorded all the pianos; Marcelinho da Lua did some Dubs on some tracks; Marlon Sette and Rodrigo Sha recorded all brass; this time Black Alien was my partner in the lyrics of “Pra quem Jah olha” and participated in the vocals in this song; Bi Ribeiro and Ronaldo Silva recorded “Olhar pro Sol” and “Depois de amanhã”; and Júlio Porto and Jota Morais also participated in the album.
Rangel: How do you classify piracy? Crime or another "versatile way" of disclosure?
Aline Duran: I classify it as a crime, it is someone who is taking advantage of my efforts, my work, which is making music. Only I know how persistent I had to be to get here, investing everything I had alone and trying to survive from this for five years and now anyone can come and take advantage. This is my livelihood, it's not volunteer work. There are many people with families to support who work honestly with music, not only artists, but also the entire music industry, and people need to be aware that buying a pirated CD is harming all these people in order to support some scoundrel.
If the CD is expensive in stores for some, certainly on the website and especially at shows, the price will be much more affordable, what we cannot do is continue with this thought that being honest is being stupid and always wanting to take advantage of others in everything, because by doing this we will never have the morale to raise our voice in the face of those who act corruptly towards us.
Rangel: What was it like facing 80 THOUSAND people on "Carnaval Reggae de 2004" with practically 1 year of career?
Aline Duran: “Carnaval Reggae de 2004” was a beautiful event, and the one that brought together the most regueiros to date, from what I heard. It was my third show, we were late and had already missed about 10 minutes of the show. I didn't have time to think about anything, I arrived singing and as I got on stage I started to see the size of the crowd. I was moved to see all that crowd. I started to realize it little by little and then when I assimilated everything that was happening, the show ended. The sun was setting during the show, it was wonderful and unforgettable.
Rangel: Reggae has several aspects, such as Rocksteady, DanceHall, Ragga, Roots, Lovers, anyway, do you see yourself in any of these styles? Talk about.
Aline Duran: I see myself in reggae and all its aspects. “I appreciate without moderation” Jamaican music as a whole, I have always liked all these styles and I made a point of putting them on my CD, as I am not limited to this or that style. People have little information about reggae music and it is important that they know all these aspects in addition to roots, so that they understand how reggae is a rich and interesting style, and that it deserves much more attention and space in the market.
Rangel: Aline, thank you for the answers and your kindness. Leave a message to all the regueiros who admire your work on Surforeggae.
Aline Duran: I want to thank Surforeggae for the space and all the people who follow my work, for their support and for always sending me good vibes. I hope you like this son of mine called “Novo Dia”, which is very special to me and was made with all love and sincerity, and that we can all share this positive vibe together at the shows. Jah bless!
MULTIMEDIA
Click here and watch Aline Duran with the clip "É Com Você".
MORE INFORMATION
Official Website: www.alineduran.com.br
Myspace: www.myspace.com/alineduranoficial
Aline Duran on Surforeggae: Click and Access.Category
#Reggae