There seems to be something weird going on in Brazil, as new AOR bands seem to be popping up there on a regular basis. Highest Dream, N.O.W. and Auras are the ones that are making the most noise right now. Very melodic, harmonious and smooth noise, that is of course. Whether it's still noise if it's so nice is debatable. Okay, let's get on with it... cue the intro tape...sweeping keyboards...background vocalists going "Oooooohaaaah ooh"...guitarist widdling smooth notes... drums, bass... and here's AURAS. Ka-Pow! Gui Oliver answers the questions.
What's going on in the world of AURAS right now?
The album was just released in europe and we are very excited about it... we want to promote the album not only in Brazil but also in the rest of the world... so... hope to see you all pretty soon!
What possessed young men like you to start playing this sort of "retro" music as AOR?
Well... I grew up in a very musical family, my father was a dj back in the 70's and when I was born my father had a huge collection of rock albums... we listened together to these albums... he had albums from Survivor, Journey, REO Speedwagon, Foreigner, Asia, Kansas, Toto, Chicago, Styx... so naturally I fell in love with these bands, they were and still are huge influences.
What would be your 3 desert island albums?
Wow... that's a tough question! Right now comes to my mind... Toto - IV, Survivor - Vital Signs, Journey - Escape... all classy stuff!
What's your favourite nineties' album?
Journey's Trial by Fire!
What is your guilty secret?
It's a secret... can't tell!
Do you ever want to snatch people's mobiles or cameras at gigs and smash
them?
No... not yet!
Who do you think is the most overrated band/solo artist ever and why?
Nirvana... grunge scene had better bands than Nirvana, Alice in chains and Soundgarden are examples... foo Fighters is better also!
How did you get involved in music?
Since the day my father bought me a guitar... when I formed my first band we didn't find a lead singer and I decided to handle it... after that I quit the guitar and decided to be just a lead singer.
What song (not necessarily yours) do you identify with the most?
Freddie Mercury - in my Defence
Who is the sexiest person in rock?
France D'Amour and Lara Fabian (she used to be a rocker!)... can I mention any country singer?
what has been your most embarrassing tour moment?
When we played our piano ballad, "In My Arms", to a metal audience! Actually all the girls that were there loved the song... but the guys... hate it!
We know that every town is "the best ever", but what town is really the best for you?
We still didn't have the chance to play outside Brazil, but I would love to be in Europe and USA... ask me again soon!
What's the best thing about being a musician?
The best thing is that you have the chance to show your feelings when you write a song, you also have the will to make somebody happy... it's great also to meet different people and be in different places!
What's the worst thing about being a musician?
Staying away from family and friends!
What/whom are your influences and heroes (musicwise):
Many people... in music I have to say that Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Lou Rawls, Ray Charles and The Isley Brothers are special to me... every time I listen to them is like being in heaven! in rock my heroes are Bad Company, The Guess Who, The Doobie Brothers, The Eagles, Led Zeppelin, Badfinger, America, Queen, Kansas... And of course... Journey, Survivor, Toto, Chicago, Styx, Foreigner, REO Speedwagon, just to name a few.
How did you get your band name?
We were looking for an international name, that would be given in different languages with the same meaning... we choose first Aura and then Auras...
What song do you want played at your funeral?
"In My Life" by The Beatles
What is the best tv theme tune ever?
Baywatch's "I'm Always Here" by Jimi Jamison.
What are your plans for the next 6 months?
Promote the album playing live!
interview by Rapinaldo Fire, the man of mystical questions.
Photos courtesy of Frontiers and Auras Myspace
31 March 2010
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