A proud exponent of the São Paulo scene known for its subversive, alternative music underbelly, Naná Rizinni is a drummer, producer and composer who bridges improvisatory flavours with progressive electronics, Brazilian rhythms and expansive textures. Now based in London after making the move across continents in 2020, she is proud to announce her new album ‘Epiblastʼ with the release of lead single ‘The Right Side ofi the Escalatorʼ.
Out today – Wednesday 28th January – the track is the first preview of the album, which will release digitally and on vinyl on Friday 24th April via Bridge The Gap. Written and co-produced with saxophonist and producer Mark Cake over the course of the last two years in London, ‘Epiblastʼ chronicles a full cycle of life, in all its intensity. Beginning with the excitement and joy of new parenthood, in conjunction with adjusting to the pace of life and the creation of relationships in her new home, the record also became a companion for Nanáʼs grieving process after the loss of her brother. She shares:
The title ‘Epiblastʼ comes firom an early embryonic layer firom which the entire organism develops. For me, it represents multiple births and rebirths — new roles, identities, and directions — capturing both firagility and infiinite potential.
The Right Side of the Escalator’ captures the energy of freedom and spontaneity. Informed by a deep understanding of Brazilian rhythms, improvisation blends with experimental electronics and synth tones, unfurling into a rave atmosphere and charting a story of travel between Brazil and the UK. The Right Side ofi the Escalator is a trip — probably the most challenging to play live. The beat was born firom a solo improvisation in my studio, completely firee ofi a defiined time signature. I recorded the session and then wrote additional parts, taking it to Mark, who pushed it even fiurther — triggering the kick drum to create the synth bass and experimenting with the sound. ~ Naná Rizinni
Known in Brazil for her fluid, experimental approach to the confines of genre, Nanáʼs work has evolved from the alternative, post and garage rock textures of her early music into a hybrid, jazz-forward language rooted in rhythm, texture and improvisation. That experimental edge deepens on ‘Epiblastʼ, with the music sitting somewhere between the synth-heavy sonics of The Comet Is Coming and future jazz of corto.alto, whilst nodding to the progressive fusion of jazz and electronics pioneered by other contemporary drummer-turned-producers like Mark Guiliana and Richard Spaven.
Born and raised in São Paulo, Nanáʼs musical journey began in the mid-2000s, studying with celebrated Brazilian drummers including Lilian Carmona, Vera Figueiredo, and Duda Neves. She has been a sought after drummer and producer in her home country ever since, touring and recording with numerous acclaimed artists including Tiê, Johnny Hooker, Ana Cañas, Barbara Eugênia and Thiago Pethit, releasing four solo albums and recording music for television, film and advertising. She has also performed at major international festivals including Lollapalooza, Rock in Rio, SXSW and Primavera Sound.
‘Epiblastʼ will release on Friday 24th April.