Dublin-based Avant-Garde Jazz artist Guilherme Cosme has released his second album, They Call Me Names. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
They Call Me Names is a conceptual album about Guilherme confronting his own demons, largely based on his traumatic upbringing in a heavily religious environment.
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Guilherme Cosme was born in Brazil and has been part of various different musical projects as the main singer/songwriter for post-punk outfit Mary Bleeds, as well as one half of the duo Eca.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I'm a Brazilian singer-composer based in Dublin with a deep urge to connect with listeners on a deeper level. I breathe music and love cinema. I’m the stubbornest person I know. That’s actually what kept me going all these years. Yet I’d call myself a fighter rather than a striver.
How would you describe your music?
My work is very diverse. I’ve just released my second studio album, They Call Me Names, which is a semi-autobiographic collection of pieces for voice, piano and strings which explores themes of child abuse, neglect, childhood trauma and mental health. This record has influences of contemporary classical music and avant-garde Jazz mainly. My previous release Persephone and the Ghost Brother is more on the electronic-experimental side of the force and was written while I was facing many hardships mental health wise. My very first album though was released with the Dublin post-punk band Mary Bleeds, which I am founder member of. These three works reflect my deep passion for jazz, rock 'n’ roll and classical music. I’d also describe my music as organic, deeply personal, and confrontational, because I tend to explore themes of relevance in modern days society that sadly many people tend to avoid talking about.
Who are your musical inspirations?
There are so many, and they are from diverse backgrounds as well. Let’s say Joni Mitchell, Tom Waits, Mark Lanegan, Iggy Pop, Layne Stanley, Wim Mertens, John Cage, Arvo Part, Patricia Barber, Milton Nascimento, Andy Bey to name a few.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
I can’t remember exactly, but I can tell you about one of the most inspiring gigs I’ve ever went which was Mark Lanegan in Dublin. Listening to him since my teens made me discover and connect more deeply with my own voice and develop my singing style. So, I was very moved when I saw him performing for the first time.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Joanna Newsom’s Ys was the first vinyl record I bought. It’s a beautiful record with so much to take in lyrically, emotionally, and musically.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Right now, is Wise Up by Aimee Mann (from the movie Magnolia). I watched this movie again after many years and it's amazing how deeply I relate with most of the characters in it now that I'm in my 30s.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"There's comfort in melancholy. When there's no need to explain. It's just as natural as the weather. In this moody sky today". Hejira by Joni Mitchell.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Maybe Morpheus by Patricia Barber. I lost the count of how many times I played this song in a row. It’s like a dark lullaby.
Where can people find your music/ more information?
On my website you’ll find all my video clips and information about my releases, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook.
