Oruã Releases Provocative New Single “Real Grandeza” Ahead of Upcoming LP “Passe”

Oruã, a staple of the Brazilian underground music scene, has released “Real Grandeza,” the first single from their eagerly awaited LP, *Passe*, set to drop on July 19th. Known for their distinctive noisy, lo-fi, experimental sound, Oruã continues to embody a core principle of their music: resistance to fascism.

Bandmember and producer Lê Almeida shares the inspiration behind “Real Grandeza,” recounting a significant event. “Many of the tracks on this album, including ‘Real Grandeza,’ were created during a time when most of us lived together in a house in Búzios, a coastal town near Rio de Janeiro. The song was inspired by a news story about a young white man with blue eyes who had robbed numerous luxury apartments in Southern Rio. Despite his crimes, his privilege allowed him to escape unnoticed and unpunished, as if he possessed a real internal grandeur.”

The upcoming LP, *Passe*, delves into various social and political issues prevalent in Brazil, particularly in Rio de Janeiro. Almeida explains that creativity often flourishes on the margins of Rio, driven by the city’s pervasive violence. He reflects on his personal experiences with violence, either witnessed or endured, which have profoundly influenced his work. Oruã’s music emerges as a response to this violence, especially during Brazil’s turbulent recent history.

Operating out of Escritório in Rio’s Centro neighborhood, Oruã works near the Cemitério dos Pretos Novos, a mass grave for 30,000 slaves. This haunting site underscores Brazil’s brutal history of slavery, a grim reminder that lingers beneath the surface.

While Oruã’s sound might not be traditionally Brazilian, their spirit of resistance is deeply rooted in the country’s history. They draw from the defiance of Brazil’s indigenous people, the legacy of slave rebellions, and the resilience of quilombos—communities formed by fugitive slaves. They are influenced by the syncretic religions of Candomblé and Umbanda, which blend African traditions with Catholicism, often practiced in secrecy to avoid persecution. The album title, *Passe*, refers to an Umbanda ritual of energy exchange and also symbolizes evasion, a form of resistance.

Oruã’s music is an energetic exchange with their audience, aiming to inspire defiance against oppression, racism, and brutality. They strive for equality and fellowship, echoing Nina Simone’s call to “persuade them by hook or crook” to resist oppressors.

“Real Grandeza” is now available on all digital streaming platforms. The LP, *Passe*, will be released on July 9th via Transfusão Noise Records.

Formed in Rio de Janeiro, Oruã features acclaimed guitarist and producer Lê Almeida, alongside longtime collaborators João Casaes (synths), Bigu Medine (bass), and Phill Fernandes (drums). Together, they blend lo-fi indie rock, krautrock, noise, afrobeat, and Brazilian influences, drawing from Luiz Gonzaga’s primal Pernambuco sound to classic Brazilian psych rock.

In 2019, their unique sound caught the attention of Doug Martsch from Built to Spill, leading to collaborations that included recording, co-producing, and co-mixing Built to Spill’s latest album, *When the Wind Forgets Your Name*, released in 2022 on Sub Pop Records.

Following extensive tours with Built to Spill and captivating performances in the US and Europe, Oruã will return to the US in 2024 to promote *Passe*. Their dynamic shows continue to blend electric, deconstructed guitars with hypnotic grooves, creating a collective trance for audiences and band alike.