Sessa

Biography

Sessa, born Sergio Sayeg in São Paulo, Brazil, is a singer-songwriter and guitarist deeply rooted in both the Brazilian and American music scenes. Growing up in São Paulo, he was immersed in Brazil’s rich musical traditions, absorbing the rhythms and melodies of MPB (Música Popular Brasileira), Tropicália, and bossa nova from an early age. His formative years were shaped by the sounds of Caetano Veloso, Tom Jobim, and the broader spectrum of Brazilian music, as well as the influence of American rock bands like The Stooges and MC5. Moving to New York in his late teens, Sessa broadened his musical horizons, collaborating with artists from diverse backgrounds and further refining his unique style.[2][3][7]

Sessa first gained recognition as a founding member of the São Paulo psych-funk band Garotas Suecas, and later as a collaborator with New York guitarist Yonatan Gat. His solo debut, 'Grandeza' (2019), drew critical acclaim for its minimalist arrangements, sensual Portuguese lyrics, and blending of Afro-Brazilian percussion with acoustic guitar and female choral harmonies. Sessa’s music is often described as intimate, enigmatic, and evocative, with a deliberate bareness reminiscent of Leonard Cohen, yet deeply rooted in the vibrant textures of Brazilian songwriting. His follow-up work, including 'Pequena Vertigem de Amor,' continues to explore the intersections of Brazilian sophistication and psychedelic soul, cementing his reputation as a leading voice in contemporary nova MPB.[1][2][3][4]

Sessa’s legacy is defined by his ability to channel the plurality of Brazilian culture into a sound that is both timeless and forward-thinking. His live performances, often accompanied by a female backing choir and Afro-Brazilian percussionists, are celebrated for their spiritual and sensual energy, offering new directions for Brazilian pop while honoring its storied past.[1][3]

Fun Facts

• Sessa’s debut album, 'Grandeza,' was recorded over six or seven different sessions, often in friends’ homes or studios, with minimal rehearsal or planning.[3]
• He often performs live accompanied only by a female backing choir and Afro-Brazilian percussion, creating a legendary and intimate concert experience.[1]
• Sessa’s fascination with 'the mess' of music and its cultural translations is inspired by the Brazilian Tropicalistas’ philosophy of mixing genres and influences.[2]
• Despite his love for electric guitar as a teenager, Sessa’s primary instrument became the nylon-string acoustic guitar, a staple in Brazilian households and traditions.[3]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Caetano Veloso - Stylistic influence; Sessa’s songwriting and vocal approach are frequently compared to Veloso’s, especially in their minimalist, poetic lyricism. (General influence across Sessa’s discography) [Ongoing]
• Tom Jobim - Inspirational figure; Sessa’s melodic sensibility and harmonic choices are often likened to Jobim’s bossa nova innovations. (General influence across Sessa’s discography) [Ongoing]

Key Collaborators

• Yonatan Gat - Bandmate and collaborator; Sessa toured and recorded with the Israeli guitarist in New York, which influenced his songwriting and solo work. (Live performances, recordings with Yonatan Gat’s band) [2010s]
• Garotas Suecas - Founding member of the São Paulo psych-funk band; Sessa’s early career was shaped by this group’s collaborative environment. (Albums and performances with Garotas Suecas) [2005–2015]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Sereia Sentimental (Sereia Sentimental)
2. Flor do Real (Grandeza)
3. Grandeza (Grandeza)
4. Canção da Cura (Estrela Acesa)
5. Ponta de Faca (Estrela Acesa)
6. Voyage (anaiis & Grupo Cosmo)
7. Pele da Esfera (Estrela Acesa)
8. Como é que vai você (Force of the Wind)
9. Gostar do Mundo (Estrela Acesa)
10. Sereia Sentimental (Estrela Acesa)

External Links

• Spotify
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #cosmic-jazz, #folk, #psychedelic-folk