Penelope

Origin

Salvador, BA

Years active

1997–2004

Genres

rock, bubblegum pop, new wave, jovem guarda

Instruments

vocal, guitarra, baixo, bateria

Biography

The band Penélope was formed in 1997 in the city of Salvador, on the initiative of vocalist Érika Martins after her return from a period of studies in Germany. Inspired by a strong female scene in European rock, she conceived an essentially all-female group that combined instrumental weight with themes from the adolescent universe, pop culture, and philosophy, challenging the predominantly male rock aesthetic of the era. The band's signature sound mixed elements of bubblegum pop, new wave, and Jovem Guarda, carving out a space in the Brazilian alternative scene starting from their professional debut at the Abril Pro Rock festival.

Throughout their journey in the 2000s, the group released striking albums such as "Mi Casa, Su Casa" (1999), produced by Tom Capone and Antoine Midani, which landed hits on the charts and on television, including prominent partnerships and appearances in the national scene, such as Érika Martins' work on the single "A Mais Pedida" with the band Raimundos. Subsequent records like "Buganvília" and "Rock, Meu Amor" brought heavy collaborations, such as Samuel Rosa from Skank, consolidating the band's prestige before their temporary hiatus in 2004. In 2024, the group returned to the stage for a tour commemorating the 25th anniversary of their debut album, culminating in a performance at Rock in Rio X alongside Pato Fu.

Penélope's history directly dialogues with the renewal of national rock at the turn of the millennium, opening doors for greater female representation in the country's festivals and radios. Names like Chico Buarque and Edu Lobo also figured in the band's repertoire in rock renditions, showcasing the Bahian group's artistic versatility. The band's relevance remains alive in the memory of Brazilian rock, serving as a reference for new generations of female musicians.