Kassin

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Alexandre Kamal Kassin, Artificial

Years Active

1990

Genres

MPB, indie rock, experimental, electronic, samba, pop

Instruments

bass, guitar, vocals, keyboards, game boy

Biography

Kassin (born Alexandre Kamal Kassin in 1974) is a highly influential Brazilian music producer, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from Rio de Janeiro. He first gained prominence in the 1990s as a member of the independent band Acabou La Tequila, which was a fixture in the Rio de Janeiro underground scene. In the 2000s, he formed the celebrated +2 project alongside Moreno Veloso and Domenico Lancelotti. Together, the trio released three albums, each headlined by a different member, and composed the soundtrack for 'Imã' by the renowned dance company Grupo Corpo.

Beyond his collaborative work, Kassin is a member of the big band Orquestra Imperial and is known for his experimental side projects, such as Artificial, where he creates electronic music using a Game Boy. His solo career is marked by critically acclaimed albums like 'Sonhando Devagar' (2011) and 'Relax' (2018). The latter was recognized by Rolling Stone Brasil and the APCA as one of the best Brazilian releases of its year, showcasing his unique blend of pop, electronics, and traditional Brazilian rhythms.

Kassin is perhaps most widely recognized for his extensive production credits, having shaped the sound of some of the biggest names in Brazilian music. He has worked on landmark albums for artists such as Caetano Veloso, Jorge Mautner, Erasmo Carlos, and Los Hermanos. His versatility is further evidenced by his work on soundtracks, including the music for the Japanese anime series 'Michiko to Hatchin', and his collaborations with younger generations of artists like Mallu Magalhães, Marcelo Jeneci, and Clarice Falcão.

Discography

• Futurismo (2006)
• Michiko & Hatchin Original Soundtrack Chapter 1 (2009)
• Michiko & Hatchin Original Soundtrack Chapter 2 (2009)
• Sonhando Devagar (2011)
• Mitch & Mitch, Kassin – Visitantes Nordestinos (2017)
• リラックス (2017)
• Relax (2018)
• Relix (2020)
• Nunca Fomos Tão Lindos (2021)