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The Interview
IRIE. Mato Seco was formed in the mid 2002. How did you all meet?
Mato Seco: We were all born in São Caetano do Sul, a small city around São Paulo. We grew up in the same neighborhood of Santa Maria… almost from the same place! We met each other at a very early age on the streets of our community and since then, we’ve learned how to live together.
IRIE. Was reggae music part of your childhood or did you discover it later on in your adolescent?
Mato Seco: Reggae was always present in some form. Although none of us come from families of musicians, music is part of the Brasilian culture and with us, it isn’t any different.
IRIE. What was the vision behind the creation of Mato Seco? What message did you want to share with the world?
Mato Seco: Only sincere feelings transmitted through the music. We want to contribute to people’s life and show to those who can’t see clearly that we can make a positive difference on each other’s life and, consequently, make from this world a better place to live.
IRIE. Mato Seco translated in english is Dry Grass. Can you share with us the meaning behind the name?
Mato Seco: Mato Seco is a symbology, representing the cycle of life. We are like a tree that is alive, growing, feeding, and producing flowers and fruits. We are also like a tree in the autumn and winter, dormant but not dead; the time of resistance. Mato Seco is this resistance.
IRIE. When producing your music, is it a collaborative effort or do certain members have specific roles?
Mato Seco: Most of the lyrics are written by Rodrigo Piccolo, but we all participate in the artistic and creative process. Everyone contributes to Mato Seco’s music, which, in turn, makes it bigger than all of us.
IRIE. Who are some of your musical influences?
Mato Seco: We are influenced by music with feelings, you know… musics that feeds our souls, gives us wisdom and knowledge and touches us heart. We don’t cling to any particular genre, however we are greatly influenced by Bob Marley & The Wailers, Raul Seixas, The Beatles, Peter Tosh, Max Romeo, The Doors, etc.
IRIE. You have produced four albums to date; Reggae Raiz (2003), Mato Seco (2004), Seco Mas Não Morto (2009) and Seco e Ainda Vivo (2013). Is there a new album in the works?
Mato Seco: We’re always working, always producing and creating. We still have a lot to do yet and we are relatively new at this work of bringing Jah’s message. So, for sure, a new album will come soon.
[wolf_jplayer_playlist id=”179″]IRIE. One of my favorite trax is ‘Like A Lion’ which features Max Romeo. How did this collaboration come about?
Mato Seco: It’s a great song! We met Max Romeo during his tours in Brasil and a great vibe sparked between us. He has been an admirer of our work and we have always admired and been influenced by his work. When we worked together with Flabba Holt (who produced our albu,m ‘Seco E Ainda Vivo’), our relationship grew and we realized that this partnership was important for us.
IRIE. In 2014, you released the brilliant DVD concert tour, ‘Marley Experience’. How did this idea come first about?
Mato Seco: First of all, thank you for using the word “brilliant” (laughs). Our association with The Wailers music has always been strong since we first got together and started playing reggae music. When we played their songs at our shows, we believed that their message needed to be propagated more and more. So, one day, we decided to follow up on an old dream and do a special tribute show playing Bob Marley & The Wailer’s musics. This tribute is a thank you to the Wailers, because they not only taught but still teach us to feed each day, musically, morally and spiritually speaking.
IRIE. Your backup vocals are Srta Paola and Talita Cabral. How did they come to join the band?
Mato Seco: These queens were a big find. We already knew each other from the early days, but they first joined us on the “Marley Experience” project. The idea was that they would sing with us only on the project, but Jah thought it was best that they officially join Mato Seco.
IRIE. Mato Seco has shared the stage with some of the great reggae icons like Alpha Blondie, Israel Vibration, Alborosie, Soja, Groundation and Julian Marley to name a few. Can you share with us one of your favorite moments from touring?
Mato Seco: All the memories from these giants were magical and unforgettable. Without a doubt, our meeting with Aston Barrett and the Wailers was one of the most memorable moments. With this opportunity, we got to present the “Marley Experience” project to them and get their direct endorsement. We have so much gratitude and admiration for them. Another great moment was the opportunity to work alongside Errol “Flabba” Holt and absorb his knowledge about reggae.
IRIE. What’s in store for Mato Seco for the second half of the year? 2016?
Mato Seco: We’re are working on a new album and have plans for our first live show on dvd.
IRIE. Is there anything else you would like to say to the IRIE audience?
Mato Seco: We would like to share the reggae message: the message of living and love!!! Walk forward without ever stepping on anyone. Believe in love and take it always forward in the attitudes of your hands. Always!!! Thanks to all of IRIE!!! Jah bless!!!
IRIE. Máximo Respeito! 
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