Simone Sou

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Years active

1985

Genres

brazilian popular music, mpb, world music, jazz, samba, choro, balkan music

Instruments

drums, percussion, vocals

Biography

Simone Sou is a highly respected Brazilian percussionist, drummer, and composer born in São Paulo in 1970. Her musical journey began at the age of 14 when she started drum lessons, quickly immersing herself in various genres including hard rock, reggae, and Brazilian music. She developed a unique percussive style on the drums, characterized by an "urban" approach deeply inspired by traditional Brazilian rhythms. Sou's career has been marked by extensive collaborations with a wide array of Brazilian and international artists, solidifying her reputation as a versatile and sought-after musician.

Throughout the 1990s, Sou worked and recorded with influential figures such as Itamar Assumpção and Chico César, embarking on extensive international tours that included performances at renowned festivals like the Montreux Jazz Festival and the Jazz Heritage Festival in New Orleans. Her collaborations extend to prominent Brazilian artists like Zeca Baleiro, Zélia Duncan, Badi Assad, Jards Macalé, Marku Ribas, Elza Soares, and the legendary band Os Mutantes. She has also shared stages and recorded with international musicians including Ray Lema, Adama Drame, Adrian Sherwood, and Oleg Fateev, showcasing her ability to bridge diverse musical cultures.

Sou has also explored her own artistic projects, such as "Projeto CRU" and "Batucajé," and has been involved in theater music. Her solo work includes the album "SIM.ONE.SOU," and she continues to explore new creative avenues, including a collaboration with producer Guilherme Kastrup called "Soukast." Simone Sou's innovative approach to percussion and her deep connection to Brazilian musical heritage make her a significant figure in contemporary Brazilian music.