Max de Castro

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years active

2000

Genres

mpb, samba, hip hop, soul music, jazz, pop music

Instruments

vocals, multi-instrumentalist

Biography

Max de Castro is a versatile Brazilian singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and arranger born in Rio de Janeiro. He is the son of the renowned singer Wilson Simonal and the brother of artist Wilson Simoninha. Emerging as a prominent figure in contemporary Brazilian music, he has built a reputation for blending genres such as samba, hip hop, jazz, soul, and electronic beats.

He launched his career in 2000 with the release of his debut album, Samba Raro, which was critically acclaimed and earned him the APCA Award for Revelation. Following this success, he released albums like Orchestra Klaxon in 2002 and Balanço das Horas in 2006, receiving international recognition and even being featured on the cover of Time magazine alongside artists like Shakira. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with and produced music for notable Brazilian acts such as Ed Motta, Tom Zé, and Paula Lima.

In addition to his solo discography, Max de Castro has worked extensively as a producer and musical director for other artists, including his brother Wilson Simoninha. He has also conceptualized tribute shows honoring Brazilian music legends like Roberto Carlos and Baden Powell. His innovative approach to mixing traditional Brazilian rhythms with modern sonic textures has cemented his status as a significant voice in modern Brazilian culture.