Arnaldo Brandão

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Genres

rock, brazilian rock, pop rock

Instruments

bass guitar, vocals

Biography

Arnaldo Pires Brandão is a prominent Brazilian singer, songwriter, and bass player born in Rio de Janeiro. He began his musical journey in the late 1960s as a member of the rock band The Bubbles, which later evolved into A Bolha, performing at major events like the Isle of Wight Festival and backing artists such as Gal Costa under the direction of Jards Macalé and Hélio Oiticica. After studying at the Royal Academy of Music in London, Brandão returned to Brazil to collaborate with iconic musicians including Raul Seixas, Luiz Melodia, Jorge Ben Jor, and the group Doces Bárbaros.

Throughout his prolific career, Brandão has been a driving force behind several influential musical projects and bands. In 1978, alongside Caetano Veloso and Vinícius Cantuária, he founded A Outra Banda Da Terra, pioneering a rhythm shift known as "Ao Contrário." He later formed the band Brylho, scoring a major hit with "Noites de Prazer," and founded the rock group Hanói-Hanói, where he co-wrote the legendary track "Totalmente Demais." Known for his prolific songwriting partnerships, he also co-authored hits like "O Tempo Não Pára" with Cazuza and "Rádio Blá" with Lobão.

In addition to his work with Hanói-Hanói and Blitz, Brandão has maintained a vibrant solo career with albums like Brandão e o Plano D and Amnésia Programada. He has also dedicated himself to production, co-directing projects celebrating the legacy of Raul Seixas alongside Kika Seixas. Continuing to innovate, he formed the trio Uma Outra Banda with Dadi Carvalho and Vinicius Cantuária, cementing his enduring legacy in Brazilian rock and popular music.