Thursday, August 14, 2025
Quickfire: Gabriel da Rosa
Brazilian singer and musician Gabriel da Rosa reveals the secrets to his easy-going charm
What are you listening to at the moment?
Cindy Lee’s Diamond Jubilee.
What are your all-time favourite albums, and why?
Hard one. Construcão by Chico Buarque – I love its complexity and beautiful arrangements. I really love The Kinks’ Something Else, too. It’s so psychedelic, but incredibly pop at the same time, just beautiful. The self-titled João Gilberto album is incredibly sweet, and The Clash’s first album from 1977 always hits the spot.
What’s the first album you ever bought?
Beastie Boys’ Licensed to Ill.
Which musician (living or dead) do you most admire, and why?
Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, João Gilberto and Tom Jobim for their geniality and for the pillars they created in Brazilian music. I love David Byrne too, for his uniqueness and unapologetic melodic and lyrical choices.
What is your most memorable musical encounter?
When I was 13 and walked into the garage with three other friends who barely knew how to play any instrument, and just started rocking. What a magical moment.
Which new artist should our readers know about?
João Mansur. He released some songs in 2021 and then never put anything else out and I think it’s incredible. Hopefully he’ll bless us with more stuff.
What’s your hidden talent or claim to fame?
I have extremely fast reflexes.
If you weren’t a musician, what would you be?
Probably a mover, driver or producer/figure-it-outer sort of thing.
Cacofonia by Gabriel da Rosa is out now on Stones Throw
