Forro in the Dark are Brazilians living in New York – Maoro Refosko on percussions, Guilherme Monteiro on guitar and Jorge Continentino – flutes and saxophone. Forro is actually the name of the most popular musical genre in the northern parts of Brazil. To this day Forro competes for popularity with the samba, it gets performed and danced to all around the globe, and at least according to us, especially in Forro in the Dark, it’s a style full of energy, humor and joy. 

Today we listen to and discuss Otto Ferreira, or just Otto, as he is known in Brazil. People from different parts of the world have a different feel for music, but we can all agree that in Brazil it has a cult status. On the other hand, contemporary Brazilian music, especially when it comes to independent musicians, is quite unknown in our neck of the woods. That is why we decided to take a chance and introduce Otto – one of our favourite Brazilian musicians, whose music carries the feeling of summer, the ocean and endless beaches, while also being filled with depth and poetry. 

Stepping into sizzling July, we look back on to the past six months, and to cool things off we listen to all the newly released music of 2019 so far. 

Jamie Safts’ music can be recognized by its distinct depth, melodicity and positivity. In his latest album we take a walk between the genres and we listen to not only classical standards, but also eastern mystical motives – mainly influences by Jewish mysticism. Yet another musical journey, with a lot of new surprises hidden in little cornets along the way. 

This week in Ljubljana and Belgrade is a festival week – for everyone that goes, it will be a real pleasure for the senses. That’s why the MA team, completely emerged in the summer mood, keep listening and listening to music. We ride the summer wave with full force, while we are packing our bags for the summer. And we’re not hiding – there’s a cat in one of the videos. 

Hiromi’s music raises the bar – there’s no arguing with that. Back in the day we were lucky to discuss her with a really good classical pianist, who said: „She is crazy! “.  In the most positive sense of the word. Madness means talent here. Hiromi carries us through the world like a magician, very innocent, but powerful – full of strength and life!