RPM

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Years Active

1984–2024

Genres

rock, pop rock, synth-rock

Instruments

guitar, bass, keyboard, drums

Biography

RPM (Revoluções por Minuto) emerged in São Paulo in 1984, founded by Paulo Ricardo and Luiz Schiavon. The band quickly became one of the biggest phenomena of Brazilian rock in the 1980s, blending elements of electronic music, synthesizers, and striking lyrics that engaged with the country's political and social context. Hits like "Olhar 43" propelled the resounding success of albums and monumental tours, featuring elaborate visual productions that left their mark on the national scene alongside artists like Ney Matogrosso.

Throughout its trajectory, the group faced several separations, internal conflicts, and line-up changes, in addition to side projects and memorable partnerships with names like Milton Nascimento. Despite comings and goings over the decades, RPM returned to the stage at different moments, releasing important works and remaining relevant in the Brazilian music scene until facing significant losses, such as the death of drummer Paulo Pagni and, later, maestro and keyboardist Luiz Schiavon.

The band definitively ended its activities after Schiavon's death, leaving an indelible legacy in the history of national rock. Its influence reverberates across multiple generations of musicians, being compared to major movements and cementing RPM's name in the gallery of the greatest exponents of Brazilian pop rock music.

Discography

• Revoluções por Minuto (1985)
• Rádio Pirata (Re-Mix) (1985)
• Rádio Pirata Ao Vivo (1986)
• Naja (1986)
• Alvorada Voraz (1986)
• RPM (1988)
• Partners (1988)
• Quatro Coiotes (1988)
• Disco Release (1988)
• Gita (1991)
• Paulo Ricardo & RPM (1993)
• Paulo Ricardo & RPM – Pérola (1993)
• Paulo Ricardo & RPM – Surfista Prateado (1993)
• MTV RPM 2002 (2002)
• MTV 2002 (2002)
• Maxximum (2005)
• Rádio Pirata Ao Vivo (2009)
• Elektra (2011)
• Sem Parar (2023)
• Revolução! RPM 25 Anos