Brazilian guitar player Marcela Campos got her start on guitar at the mere age of 16 years old. After some time passed and private lessons later, she moved her musical talent onward giving her own guitar lessons, and continued to make music, which would lead up to her writing and recording for her debut album! Marcela Campos herself discusses her time as a musician and the new music she can't wait to unleash!
1. Please tell us about the history of you as a musician and why did you want to get involved with music and an instrument like a guitar?
Marcela: When I was a teenager I listened for the first time the classic hits from Aerosmith and that struck me really strong. I fell in love with the energy of their music and specially with the catchy riffs and bluesy solos from Joe Perry. After listening to that I fell in love with guitar and decided to learn it! I got my first guitar at 16 and had private lessons for a couple of years in Brazil with an awesome guitar player called Roger Franco. I learned a lot from him and he greatly encouraged me to pursue this dream.
The more I got immersed in the guitar universe, more decided I was that this was definitely what I wanted to do for my life. My family, on the other hand, didn't like at all that idea, and for this reason I ended up getting a degree in Public Relations.
When I was done with college, I started to give private lessons of guitar and with the money I gathered with the lessons I was able to little by little start building a good gear and playing a lot in my city. I was starting to build up a career but I would still feel the need of going to a good music school, to get a deeper knowledge of music. After researching a lot, many people recommended me the Los Angeles College of Music (LACM). I decided to apply and they offered me a scholarship to do the Guitar Program.
Studying at LACM was a dream come true! It was definitely pretty challenging, but it opened up a whole new world for me. I learned different styles, rhythms, got to know people from all over the world and had excellent teachers/ mentors. It was a game changer for me!
Since I graduated from LACM, I've been working in several different projects and teaching a lot. My main focus right now is finishing my first record, which I'm very excited about!
2. Why did you want to name, what you do, after your own name, Marcela Campos?
Marcela: I named my project after my name because this is my solo project, and in a way, I wanted it to be a way of telling my story through my songs. I want my music to encourage people like me, that when was a teenager and dreamed of being a guitar player had so many "NOs" but kept going and made it happen.
3. Where are you based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
Marcela: I am based in Los Angeles and here the music scene is VERY intense, we have music absolutely everywhere! I feel lucky enough to be on the city that so many of my favorite guitar players are based and I go see them playing every chance I have. Scott Henderson, Richie Kotzen, Carl Verheyen, Tariqh Akoni, Michael Landau, Joe Bonamassa and Rafael Moreira are on the top of my list.
4. How would you describe your style? Which bands influenced your music?
Marcela: My style is rock/blues. I listened a lot of 80's rock so this definitely has a big influence on me, but I also love instrumental music! My all time favorite artist is Andy Timmons, I'm crazy about how melodic and tasteful his music is! He has been my biggest influence as a musician and guitar player. At last, but not least, I'm a blues addict! B.B. King, Derek Trucks and Joe Bonamassa are always on my playlist. I love their phrasing and and I'm always trying to learn from them.
5. What have you released so far and how were your releases received by the public/media?
Marcela: I'm working on my first record, so I haven't released anything yet. Coming soon!
6. Do you play live as well? What do you have planned in terms of shows and touring, if any?
Marcela: Yes, I love the energy of playing live! Right now I've been playing a lot with my acoustic Duo, called "Organika". It's a more intimate and organic music but still pretty fun to play! Next year I have planned a tour in Brazil with my solo project and I'm very excited about it! I haven't been in Brazil for a while and it's gonna be awesome to play home and to be able to visit family and friends. I can't wait!
7. What should labels/zines/promoters know about your music? Why should they be interested in it?
8. What plans do you have for the future?
Marcela: My plan is to finish recording my album, which is gonna come out March, 2015. I'm putting a lot of heart in it and I can't wait to share it! Also, I'm working on a series of videos with an amazing ethiopian female guitar player and friend, Etsegenet Mekonnen. We have a lot of tunes that we wanna do and we've been working on some original material too. It's been a great experience! I've mentioned earlier about another part of my plan, the tour in Brazil. This tour is gonna consist of concerts to promote my new record and also guitar clinics. This is gonna be fun!
9. Where can we listen to your music and where can we buy your stuff?
Marcela: My music can be listened at my webpage: www.marcellacampos.com, Reverbnation: www.reverbnation.com/marcelacampos and my YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/marcelacamposg . I still don't have my music being sold, but you can stay tuned about what's new on my social media.
10. What is it you would like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?
Marcela: I would like a listener to remember the melodies of the songs and to enjoy the solos. Also, I would like the audience to connect with the songs in a way that moves them.
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