Romulo Fróes

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Years Active

1997

Genres

samba, MPB, vanguarda paulistana, alternative rock

Instruments

vocals, acoustic guitar

Biography

Romulo Fróes is a singer-songwriter from São Paulo who emerged as one of the central figures of independent Brazilian music in the 21st century. His career began in the late 1990s with the band Losango Cáqui, but it was in his solo career that Fróes solidified a singular aesthetic language, often associated with a melancholic and experimental samba. His solo debut album, 'Calado' (2004), deeply influenced by the work of Nelson Cavaquinho, established his creative core alongside partners Clima and Nuno Ramos, and was acclaimed by critics for its emotional density.

Over the years, the artist expanded his musical boundaries, moving away from the restricted label of samba artist to embrace various facets of contemporary Brazilian music. The ambitious double album 'No Chão Sem o Chão' (2009) exemplifies this transition, featuring collaborations with expressive names such as Curumin, Mariana Aydar, and virtuoso guitarist Lanny Gordin. In addition to his solo work, Fróes is a key member of the supergroup Passo Torto, formed alongside Kiko Dinucci, Rodrigo Campos, and Marcelo Cabral, a project that investigates urban chronicles and the sound of the São Paulo avant-garde.

As a composer and musical director, his influence extends to fundamental collaborations, notably his participation in Elza Soares's award-winning album 'A Mulher do Fim do Mundo' (2015), for which he composed the title track. Recognized by publications such as Rolling Stone Brasil and APCA, Romulo Fróes remains an active chronicler of the São Paulo scene, maintaining a steady output that defies genre classifications, as seen in later works like 'O Disco das Horas'.

Discography

• Calado (2004)
• Cão (2006)
• No Chão sem o Chão (2009)
• Um Labirinto em Cada Pé (2011)
• Barulho Feio (2014)
• Por Elas sem Elas (2015)
• Rei Vadio: As Canções de Nelson Cavaquinho (2016)
• César Lacerda & Romulo Fróes – O Meu Nome É Qualquer Um (2017)
• O Disco das Horas (2018)
• Aquele Nenhum (2021)
• Romulo Fróes, Tiago Rosas – Na Goela (2023)
• Elefante (2023)
• Boneca Russa (2026)