In a land widely known for axé, one of Brazil's most popular musical genres, Human is emerging as a powerful force. Founded by Rafael Sampaio (bass) and Níass (guitar), the band challenges the common perception that rock has no place in a country traditionally associated with more party-oriented musical genres. Rafael and Níass point out that the state of Bahia, since the days of singer Raul Seixas, has always had a vibrant rock scene, although it currently faces significant challenges, especially after the pandemic that has reduced audiences, concert venues, and festivals. However, Human sees a slow and gradual renewal, trying to unite young and old in events that revitalize the local underground scene. With a sound that transcends easy categories, incorporating elements of metal, hard rock, prog, and even acoustic guitar, Human refuses to be confined to a single style. The band's latest album, "A New Perception", emerges as a spontaneous reflection of their experiences and observations about today's society. Themes of false idolatry, misinformation, and the search for authenticity permeate their lyrics, especially on tracks like 'Clay Idols' and 'Infodemic.' Inspired by figures like Christopher McCandless, the band also explores reconnecting with nature and rejecting material values ​​in search of a simpler, more meaningful life. With upcoming tours and new projects in the works, Human continues to expand its influence and challenge expectations of what Brazilian rock can be.

Marcelo Vieira

Human comes from Feira de Santana, Bahia, right? Let's start the conversation by demystifying things for those who are not from there and tend to think that there is no rock in the land of axé. How would you describe the local underground scene? Is there really a scene? Tell us a little about bands, venues, opportunities, difficulties, etc.

Rafael Sampaio: Bahia is not only the land of axé, but since Raul Seixas, it has always been an exponent of rock. There are many bands from the most diverse styles.

As for the scene, it does exist, but, as a whole, it used to be more intense. After the pandemic, there was a reduction in the audience, venues, and festivals. It has been harder to get people out of their homes, given the many entertainment options that the internet/streaming offers. Still, we see a slow and small renewal. The challenge now is to bring together a good part of the youngsters and the old guard at the same events.

It's hard to categorize Human's sound because it has metal, hard, prog. It even has an acoustic guitar. By the way, 'Sea Of ​​Sensations' is beautiful. What is the right definition, if there is one, and what names/albums inspired and inspire the recipe for your sound?

Níass: I loved your description of our sound because we really draw a little from all these musical styles. We also have some songs with a lot of blues influence, such as 'Seekin' the Light', featured on our first EP "Leaving The Shadows".

As for a possible definition, we'll leave it to the listeners (laughs).

Let's talk now about "A New Perception". Just one read of the lyrics is enough to suspect that it's a concept album. What would you say is the thematic backdrop that ties together, if not all, then most of the songs?

Rafael: The album ended up sounding quite conceptual quite spontaneously, but it wasn't something we thought about beforehand. It was simply that when we selected the songs that would make up the album, we realized that they spoke to each other. I believe that the backdrop is the way that today's society affects us and how we can deal with it, escape imposed standards, and have an authentic existence.

'Clay Idols' criticizes false idolatry and the search for messiahs or magical solutions in a chaotic world full of hate. When you sing "There is no myth, wake up!!", it is very clear to me that you are addressing the Bolsonaro supporters and talking about the Bolsonaro (mis)government. Am I right? I would like you to comment on this, on how Brazilian politics ended up influencing, above all, this song.

Rafael: Good point, Marcelo. 'Clay Idols' was finished during the 2018 election campaigns, so it was kind of inevitable that we wouldn't touch on the subject given the discomfort that Bolsonaro and everything he represents brought us. We felt the need to express ourselves at that turbulent time for the Brazilian police.

'Infodemic' has, for me, the best lyrics on the album. The core is disinformation, but you also take a jab at the "God above all" crowd. How much did the pandemic and everything that came with it (fake news, denialism; all of this mentioned in the lyrics) affect you personally and professionally?

Rafael: Thank you, Marcelo. Just like 'Clay Idols', the lyrics for this song are a collaboration between me and Níass. 'Infodemic' was the last song to be included on the album. Months before we started working on it, I had read an article about the concept of "infodemic" and found it interesting enough to approach in a possible song. Níass had some ideas that converged, so it ended up flowing.

Once again, our discomfort and nonconformity regarding the spread of fake news, one of the main weapons of Bolsonaro's (mis)government, and denialism, motivated us to address this topic.

'A Call Of The Wild' is a tribute to Christopher McCandless. What makes him such an inspiring character for you? In your opinion, would it be possible to live in this isolation in the middle of nature, in search of peace of mind, etc., without having the same end as Christopher? What would be the first step to be taken towards this idyllic life?

Níass: So, Marcelo. I first had access to the film "Into The Wild" and then I read the book "The Call Of The Wild" by Jack London. The main message we wanted to convey was about the need for human beings to reconnect with nature, but as Christopher himself wrote "Happiness is only real when shared". In any case, it is a beautiful example of a simpler life, detached from material goods, consumerism, and status, in short, from this "dictatorship of capital".

The title track contains the album's mantra: "No patterns, no models. No rules for us, sick society!". What is the message behind these verses, which are even printed on the cover?

Níass: I think that because of characteristics like this, many people think that the album is conceptual since this part of the song 'A New Perception' is completely connected to the lyrics of 'A Call Of The Wild'. Our society is increasingly sick. Most people only value what brings financial return and status. We try in every way to go against this model. We are not minimalists, but it is an ideology that we identify with a lot. About The 'N', thanks for letting us know. We hadn't even noticed, lol. When the rush of the tour here subsides, we will analyze it calmly.

Since I mentioned the cover, let's talk about it. There are several elements: an endless road in the middle of a desert landscape, where a castle evaporates as if Thanos had snapped his fingers. Dry branches, an owl, a bull's skull. You could write a thesis of possible meanings, but what is the "official" one?

Níass: Let's start with the road representing the unknown and the eternal search for new experiences. The evaporating castle is a reference to the book "The Twilight of the Idols" by Friederich Nietzsche and the owl as a representation of the appreciation for wisdom. In short, I think that's it.

The album came out on digital platforms in 2022, but I confess that I only found out about the release after receiving the CD a couple of months ago. Was releasing the album at that time, in a way, a mistake? Like, were you able to promote it properly or do you feel that now is the time to work on the material properly?

Rafael: Actually, A New Perception was going to be an EP, but since the pandemic delayed the recording/finalization process and new ideas emerged, we decided to release a full album.

The strategy was to release the songs as singles/clips throughout 2020, but the pandemic changed our plans.

Initially, the album was going to be released only via streaming, but since part of our audience was interested in the physical material, we decided to press it.

What's on Human's radar in terms of spreading the message? Are there any upcoming shows or anything else you're working on at the moment?

Níass: We're currently doing our second tour in 2024. The first one in January was in the states of Minas Gerais and São Paulo, and now we'll be touring the Northeast, where we'll be visiting 8 states in the region.

In the second half of the year, the focus will be on songwriting, and the priority will be the release of the new album, which we hope to release in early 2025.