Pedro

Biography

Pedro Guinu is a Brazilian musician, composer, and producer known for his dynamic fusion of Brazilian funk, funk pop, funk carioca, and brega funk. Raised in Vale do Mucuri, Minas Gerais, Pedro grew up in a musically rich environment, surrounded by professional musicians in his family. His early exposure to music came from his uncles, who were drummers and regularly rehearsed at his grandmother's house, immersing him in a blend of classic Brazilian and international sounds. This upbringing deeply influenced his affinity for Afro-Brazilian styles such as afoxé and ijexá.

Moving to Rio de Janeiro, Pedro established himself as an in-demand session musician, working with a range of prominent Brazilian artists across genres. He is primarily a keyboardist, adept at piano, Fender Rhodes, and various synthesizers, but also plays drums. Pedro's approach is largely self-taught, learning by ear and later supplementing his skills with targeted piano technique courses. His solo debut album 'Palagô,' released on Brooklyn-based label Razor-N-Tape, showcases his ability to blend live, organic Brazilian rhythms with contemporary funk and jazz influences, earning him recognition in both Brazilian and international music circles.

Pedro's career is marked by a collaborative spirit and a commitment to musical authenticity, contributing to projects that bridge traditional and modern sounds. His work with artists like Baco Exu do Blues, Planet Hemp, and Zé Bigode Orquestra highlights his versatility and influence within Brazil's evolving popular music scene.

Fun Facts

  • Pedro learned to play music by ear, with no formal training until later in life.
  • His debut album 'Palagô' was recorded in just three days after four years of composition.
  • Pedro's musical upbringing was shaped by living in a multi-generational household where rehearsals and jam sessions were a daily occurrence.
  • He considers the album artwork for 'Palagô,' created by Daniel Vincent Gomes, as the album's '11th track.'

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

  • Pedro's uncles - Family members and professional musicians who rehearsed at his grandmother's house, exposing him to music from an early age. (Informal mentorship and early exposure to drumming and Brazilian music) [Childhood (1990s)]

Key Collaborators

  • Baco Exu do Blues - Worked as a session musician and collaborator (Live performances and studio recordings) [2020s]
  • Planet Hemp - Contributed to their first album in 20 years (Studio album (2020s)) [2020s]
  • Zé Bigode Orquestra - Produced their new album (Album production) [2020s]
  • Thami, IZA, Luedji Luna, Donatinho, YOUN, Arosa - Session musician and collaborator (Various recordings and live performances) [2010s–2020s]
  • Damilo (brother), Gustavo Pereira, Leo Mucuri, Floor Polder, George Mason, Marcelle Mota, Yumi Park, Tati Monteiro - Band members and contributors to 'Palagô' ('Palagô' album) [2022]

Discography

Albums

Title Release Date Type
ASTRO 2024-09-04 Album
CHAMA MEU NOME 2022-02-02 Album
Cullinan : La Gelée Royale 2023-09-27 Album
ASTRO 2025-05-28 Album
AFTER 2023-07-27 Album
ASTRO 2025-04-02 Album
Cavaleiro Macunaíma 2013-06-14 Album
Tudo Vira Terapia 2024-05-24 Album

Top Tracks

  1. SEQUÊNCIA STRIPTEASE
  2. ESCADA DO PRÉDIO (ASTRO)
  3. Medley Canoa - Putaria no Escuro / Menina do Job / Escada do Prédio / Mal Caminho / Pede Que eu Te Dou
  4. POCPOC (ASTRO)
  5. ESCADA DO PRÉDIO
  6. POCPOC
  7. Joga Pra Lua (Funk Generation)
  8. CAVALINHO
  9. Si Las Gatas Se Amotinan (feat. DobleP) - Remix
  10. GALOPA (CHAMA MEU NOME)

References

  1. banbantonton.com

Heard on WWOZ

Pedro has been played 7 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.

DateTimeTitleShowSpotify
Jan 22, 202623:26Cantar das KandakinhasKitchen Sinkw/ Jennifer Brady
Dec 22, 202523:40Smoked CityKitchen Sinkw/ Derrick Freeman
Dec 22, 202523:16Dumpster DriverKitchen Sinkw/ Derrick Freeman
Dec 22, 202523:04Human CombustionKitchen Sinkw/ Derrick Freeman
Nov 22, 202514:20Estou com FomeTudo Bem (Brazilian)w/ Dean Ellis
Nov 1, 202516:37que tu quieresfrom slave to africaWorld Journeyw/ Logan
Oct 29, 202514:40Singing A Different Songfrom Tales From Starting OverSittin' at the Crossroadw/ Big D