Based in Sao Paulo, Fernando Triff is a hip-hop and rock artist — an uncanny combination, but one anyone with a high amount of musical talent can handle. In his spare time, he also does band management and collaborates with various rappers and producers. Fernando has been at it for at least 10 years now, so he has a lot to say about making music, the state of the local scene, and his aspirations. We caught him just before his big break with a brand new single and upcoming tour, so mind you, this could be one of Mr. Triff’s last interviews as an independent, underground musicians! Enjoy.

Hello! Tell the world about yourself. How did you grow up to become the musician you are today?

I started playing in underground bands when I was a teen. That gave me a lot of experience and I made a lot of connections in the music industry. In 2010 I started working with marketing and merchandising for bands signed to Universal Music Group. Then, 4 years later, I decided to start my solo career!

Introduce your current musical projects and tell us what makes each one special for you!

When I decided to start this solo project, the first step was to find a music producer. After a few brainstorms, we decided to start with a rock track. That eventually became “Blessing like Swagger”, then “Indigo Riot and “Risk Tak3r”. After those releases, I got a lot of hip-hop producers and rappers inviting me to collab and work together. I am about to start a new era in my career.

You have been playing music for a long while! How do you find the drive and inspiration to keep going all this time?

Sometimes it’s hard, I am not making music just to be commercial like people today. Dropping one track every month is a long process and you cannot do epic in a hurry.
So I like to take a break to keep it going.

How is your local music scene in your perspective? Do you feel like you belong there?

No, rock music in Brazil is dead. Rua Augusta, the most alternative street in São Paulo, is playing “Funk Carioca” in its clubs. I remember when things were different. The “emos” ran from “skinheads”, now you can count on your finger the good rock bands in Brazil doing a buzz!

What is your all-time favorite record and how did it change you as an artist?

“Songs for the Deaf” by Queens of the Stone Age is a great record, it’s very hard to me enjoy a whole album, but this one was great! At the time, I was just listening to heavy bands like Limp Bizkit, SoulFly, and similar artists. This record helped me give a chance to other rock genres, opening up my perspective.

What are your favorite software and hardware tools for music production?

I have set up my personal studio. There, I have an Yamaha MG06X mixer, a Scarlett solo audio interface, an AKG microphone, 2 TC Helicon pedals, a Digitech distortion pedal, Fender and Marshall amps, and an ESP guitar. I also use Pro Tools and Ableton Live 9 Lite.

What is your songwriting process like?

I do not have a formula. Each song is different, but with my last producer, I created the lyrics and the melodies and he was helping me with harmonies. I like to work that way.

Out of all the live shows you played, which one was the most memorable, and why?

I remember once, I played in a bar and the street was on a slope. People were super drunk and literally rolling on the street while we were playing, it was very lively!

What is your biggest musical goal?

To win a Grammy!

How has being on Drooble helped you as a musician?

It has been an amazing experience since I started in the community. I have more than 700 radio spins and a lot of positive feedback. It is also possible to promote your music in a creative way as you can earn points for being active in the community, create an EPK, have an album review, and much more! I am having a great time using Drooble.