Urban Totem

Years active

2008

Genres

mpb, psychedelic rock, r&b, soul

Instruments

drums, percussion, vocals, cello, keyboards, bass

Biography

Urban Totem is a Brazilian musical project that emerged in 2008, led by former Ira! drummer André Jung. The group stood out for its sound that blends MPB with influences of psychedelic rock, R&B, and electronic elements, creating a cosmopolitan and sophisticated musical proposal.

In addition to André Jung on percussion and drums, Urban Totem's lineup featured musicians such as Michelle Abu (drums and percussion), Lino Criz (vocals), Jonas Moncaio (cello and vocals), and Adriano Grineberg (keyboards, bass, and vocals). This collaboration resulted in a surprising debut album that explored "afro-brazilianness" in an experimental way, straying from the more direct rock for which Jung was known with Ira!.

Urban Totem's sound is marked by the warm soul of Lino Crizz's voice, which transitions between North American and Brazilian music, with a strong percussive spice from Jung and Abu. The cello adds delicate nuances, while special guest appearances, such as Fabio Golfetti's, further enrich the work. The project became known for revisiting and innovating within Brazilian music, with a sound that, despite being modern, carries clear references to 1970s soul music and Brazil's rhythmic richness.