JOÃO MESQUITA
João Mesquita on “Olheiras”:
This album, like all my music, is about feelings — raw, unfiltered, and deeply introspective. While many artists rely on metaphors and structured narratives, I approach composition as a direct translation of emotions. There is no central message or overarching storyline; instead, it is an attempt to capture the intensity of what I feel in the moment. The lyrics do not seek coherence or factual truth, but rather express a self-centered version of reality, a reality shaped by emotions that connect my present to reflections on my past.
I have always felt the urge to create music. Ever since I first picked up a guitar at the age of 12, I have been fascinated by sound — exploring it, understanding it, and shaping it to create something that moved me. The process of creating, refining, and ultimately recording my music is where I feel most fulfilled. It is not on stage that I find the greatest artistic satisfaction. For me, the magic lies in creating an album — building something tangible that encapsulates my artistic expression in a lasting way. I grew up in an era when people still bought and collected albums, and that experience shaped my love for the format. Creating an album was simply the most natural path for me.
I chose the title “Olheiras” primarily for three reasons: because they are a physical feature of mine that has become more pronounced in recent years, because they are a symbol of maturity, and because they represent the sum not only of all the work required to make this record, but also of all the feelings brought together within it.
My influences are diverse, spanning three broad categories: classical music and film scores, mainstream pop, and MPB (Brazilian Popular Music). From Wagner, Bernard Herrmann, and Angelo Badalamenti to Arctic Monkeys, Olivia Rodrigo, Dua Lipa, The Weeknd, Chappell Roan, Earth, Wind & Fire, Da Weasel, Japanese Breakfast, João Borsch, Zé Ibarra, Bala Desejo, and João Bosco, each of these artists has, in some way, influenced my sonic universe.
At its core, this is a rock album. I aimed to make it as engaging as possible — immersive and immediate — without sacrificing the sophistication and nuance that bring me artistic satisfaction. The overall tone is darker, but I sought moments of lightness and warmth that would naturally balance that tension.
I want listeners to feel vulnerable, but also hopeful, when listening to this work. My songs express emotions such as loneliness, longing, anger, and jealousy, but also ecstasy, friendship, and joy.
Instrumentally, the album is built around the classic formation of guitars, keyboards, bass, drums, and vocals. Some tracks include orchestral instruments, while others feature only a brass or string section. As I progressed, I began to increasingly appreciate synthesizers, which took on a more prominent role in the later tracks.
The creation of this album was a journey of self-discovery. It was the first project produced by me, allowing me to deepen my knowledge of music production, recording, and orchestration. The album also features the participation of more than 20 musicians, co-production by João Borsch, and the support of the Portuguese Society of Authors. Above all, it proved to me that I can achieve what I set out to do — that I am fully capable of producing a mature and serious body of work.
This album, like all my music, is about feelings — raw, unfiltered, and deeply introspective. While many artists rely on metaphors and structured narratives, I approach composition as a direct translation of emotions. There is no central message or overarching storyline; instead, it is an attempt to capture the intensity of what I feel in the moment. The lyrics do not seek coherence or factual truth, but rather express a self-centered version of reality, a reality shaped by emotions that connect my present to reflections on my past.
I have always felt the urge to create music. Ever since I first picked up a guitar at the age of 12, I have been fascinated by sound — exploring it, understanding it, and shaping it to create something that moved me. The process of creating, refining, and ultimately recording my music is where I feel most fulfilled. It is not on stage that I find the greatest artistic satisfaction. For me, the magic lies in creating an album — building something tangible that encapsulates my artistic expression in a lasting way. I grew up in an era when people still bought and collected albums, and that experience shaped my love for the format. Creating an album was simply the most natural path for me.
I chose the title “Olheiras” primarily for three reasons: because they are a physical feature of mine that has become more pronounced in recent years, because they are a symbol of maturity, and because they represent the sum not only of all the work required to make this record, but also of all the feelings brought together within it.
My influences are diverse, spanning three broad categories: classical music and film scores, mainstream pop, and MPB (Brazilian Popular Music). From Wagner, Bernard Herrmann, and Angelo Badalamenti to Arctic Monkeys, Olivia Rodrigo, Dua Lipa, The Weeknd, Chappell Roan, Earth, Wind & Fire, Da Weasel, Japanese Breakfast, João Borsch, Zé Ibarra, Bala Desejo, and João Bosco, each of these artists has, in some way, influenced my sonic universe.
At its core, this is a rock album. I aimed to make it as engaging as possible — immersive and immediate — without sacrificing the sophistication and nuance that bring me artistic satisfaction. The overall tone is darker, but I sought moments of lightness and warmth that would naturally balance that tension.
I want listeners to feel vulnerable, but also hopeful, when listening to this work. My songs express emotions such as loneliness, longing, anger, and jealousy, but also ecstasy, friendship, and joy.
Instrumentally, the album is built around the classic formation of guitars, keyboards, bass, drums, and vocals. Some tracks include orchestral instruments, while others feature only a brass or string section. As I progressed, I began to increasingly appreciate synthesizers, which took on a more prominent role in the later tracks.
The creation of this album was a journey of self-discovery. It was the first project produced by me, allowing me to deepen my knowledge of music production, recording, and orchestration. The album also features the participation of more than 20 musicians, co-production by João Borsch, and the support of the Portuguese Society of Authors. Above all, it proved to me that I can achieve what I set out to do — that I am fully capable of producing a mature and serious body of work.