Keep up with Bruno here:
Age 10… What can one expect from a child of that age? Bruno Valverde has always been a boy ahead of his time. Games and playtime were not his favourites, instead he chose the drum set. Encouraged by his parents, he then went on to taking drum lessons under Lenilson da Silva's coaching, a renowned drummer from Sao Paulo. As well as Lenilson other names such as Pipe Joares and Douglas Las Casas played important roles in Bruno's career from its early days.
From as young as 15, Bruno's musical world as a young prodigy, had a lot to show for and it wasn't before long until he had his first chance to prove it back in 2005 when he won the State's competition at the Odery & Modern Drummer's Festival, being the single contestant from his home State to make the finals. As a result of an excellent performance and on the back of restless dedication, Bruno then 17, became the front drummer at Bateras 100% Brasil, when he performed for a full edition.
Bruno freelanced at "the Mission Choir" (a group led by singer Marcelo Gonçalves), as well as a Christian music band called "União", wherein he shares the stage with "Torture Squad" and Edu Falaschi (former member of the bands "Angra" and "Almah").
In 2011, Bruno became the official touring drummer for Germán Pascual (vocal at “Narnia” the band ). In the same year, Bruno played along with “Suprema” and Swedish band “Evergrey”, but it didn't stop there. Bruno went on to join “Cactus Jack”, an experienced cover band for a number of years, and is currently playing on another cover band called “Flashmob”, who play several nights a month in São Paulo.
He plays in a band named "Yahweh" along with Eloy Casagrande (Sepultura), whose lead singer is André Leite (from "Hangar”). Bruno's career had it's highlight when Rodrigo de Oliveira (Korzus) a fellow expert drummer introduced him to Kiko Loureiro (Angra), who's notoriously considered one of the greatest guitarists in the world. The partnership was a hit and Bruno got invited to perform at the “Stay Heavy Metal Stars” concert along with Kiko back in 2012, all of which then foresees the guitarist's next project, the “Kiko Loureiro Trio”.
The trio was then formed by Felipe Andreoli (Angra) on bass, Bruno Valverde on the drums and Kiko Loureiro (Angra) on guitar. They played live at several venues in São Paulo throughout the year of 2012. In 2013, the power trio went on a Brazilian tour where they played on a "eight cities, eight days" basis. Inevitably, the musical chemistry within the trio lead to a recorded a series of live videos on studio which came as a delight for an ever increasing audience. The trio has also recorded a series of videos for a popular Internet show called “Estúdio Show Livre” and for “Two Tone Sessions”, a show dedicated to musicians on YouTube where big names such as Rafael Moreira, Ritichie Kotzen, and George Lynch also played.
The trio has been to the classic TV show “Metropolis”, as well as on the late-night talk show “Programa do Jô", a nation wide and overseas mainstream program aired by Globo TV. And the work goes on. Embedded on his notoriety and musical identity each time more and more, Bruno's demand as a session player saw a substantial number of recordings and studio work for many instrumentalists throughout Brazil and the world.
Bruno has just finished recording a full-album for Italian fusion superstar Fabrizio Bicio Leo. The album also features bassist Falvio Scopaz and keyboardist/producer Alex Argento.
Amidst long-hour rehearsals and intense gigs, Bruno has been interviewed by the Italian website Groove Portal (www.grooveportal.it). Besides his activities performing in concerts and workshops throughout Brazil. He also teaches lessons at his studio as well as at Bateras Beat Drum School in São Paulo. With that many projects, this young boy is barely out of adolescence and is already defining the music scene as we know it.
Bruno Valverde Interview:
SDM: Were you 10 years old when you started playing or was it earlier than that?
Bruno: I started playing drums when I was 10 years old. Before that My father wanted me to guitar, because he is a guitar player. haha
SDM: Aside from the early lessons you took, did you play in a school band or any drum corps?
Bruno: My first contact playing with a band was in the Church. It was great because I knew other genres aside from the drum lessons that I’ve took.
SDM: Who are your top 5 metal influences?
Bruno: Richard Christy was one of my first metal influences, great compositions on the Death and Burning Inside albums. Another one is Mike Terrana Rock/Metal influences. Thomas Haake, Deen Castronovo and Bobby Jarzombek.
SDM: Watching your style and hearing your diversity,who are some other of your favorites who might have shaped the drummer you are now?
Bruno: Endless list… Who influences me a lot are: Simon Phillips, Virgil Donati, Marco Minnemann, Tony Williams, Dave Weckl, Gary Novak, Bill Bruford. (No particular order). Fusion and Progressive rock are what I listen to more.
SDM: Let us know 5 CD's that are in your current rotation
Bruno:
Symbiosis (Simon Phillips)
Mutiplicity (Dave Weckl Band)
In This Life (Virgil Donati).
Believe It (Tony Williams)
Road Games (Allan Holdsworth)
SDM: What do you do to warm up before a show?
Bruno: I always am with a drum practice pad to warm up. I always stretch my wrists, calves, etc (it’s very important). Technically I play some singles and double strokes and then I play combinations of paraddidles and flams. I like to hit the limits on the pads. The muscles become “aware” of what will come on the stage.
SDM: Do you read music? Regardless of answering yes or no, please tell us how it might have effected your playing?
Bruno: Yes. Musical reading/writing helps us to understand several specific points, techniques, etc. It helps us in the creativity and in a “conscious” exploration of new horizons. The "perfect ideal" is: trying to establish a balance. Because your playing needs to be flowing, sometimes the sheet music takes you to a “mechanic mode” if you don't practice improvisation, etc. But no doubt reading/writing music makes you adapt quickly various things.
SDM: Can you tell us about the gear you use?
Bruno: I use a setup "medium-large", like the cymbals, I use 3 hi-hats for example. I use my main toms inverted (10 "instead of 12" and vice versa) because I like the challenge of having to invert the right to left side. And it is also a choice because of the Traditional Grip.
SDM: If you could give one piece of advice to younger drummers than you, it would be…
Bruno: Be persistent with your musical studies. Believe in your strengths and never give up on your dreams.
SDM: Who gave the best live performance you've ever seen?
Bruno: Mr. Virgil Donati. His capacity of concentration, dynamic, time is incredible.
SDM: Aside from drumming, what else do you like to do?
Bruno: Studying piano a little bit. And listening to female singers as a hobby.
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