Interview with Alternative Rock artist from Brazil – Fernando Triff

Hailing from São Paulo, Brazil, Fernando Triff is a driven, passionate and charismatic artist with a unique approach to his blend of alternative rock. He has been writing his own songs since he was 16, eventually developing a personal sound that falls somewhere in the lot with inspirational artists such as Nirvana, Linkin Park, Gorillaz, Foster The People, Paramore or Sum 41, just to name a few. His debut single “Blessing like Swagger” was released on 7/29/14 and debuted at number #61 on the international iTunes chart. In a recent exclusive interview Fernando gave us some insight into how he does what he does.

How long have you been in the music business and how did you get started in the first place?

Fernando Triff: In the business for real like a year ago but I already tried before with others guys but it didn’t work out so I decided to go hard by myself. I have been writing songs since I was 16 inspired by grunge bands like Nirvana and Silverchair.

Who were your first musical influences that you can remember?

Fernando Triff: When I was 10 Nirvana, Green Day and Smashing pumpkins definitely.

Which artists are you currently listening to? And is there anyone of these that you’d like to collaborate with?

Fernando Triff: Now I am listening a lot to Royal Blood, LAUREL, Holychid, Lana del Rey and That Poppy. They’re all very talented..

What brand of guitar do you usually play and compose with?

Fernando Triff: I have Schecter Hellraiser C7FR, it’s a great guitar!

fernando-triff-300 — The latest single is – Risk Taker

What are your thoughts on visual media and Youtube? Do think that video is an appropriate marketing tool for your music, and how do you produce your visual media?

Fernando Triff: I am on Vevo, Muzu Tv and Mtv already.I’ll expand as soon as I start to release my videos as they are essential in the music business. I intend to release an animation, I will shoot videos in Los Angeles and New York with the same director who worked with 50 Cents and A$ap Rocky. I am thinking of working with the guys who made Tom Hanks`s video for Carly Rae Jepsen too.

Which do you ultimately prefer? Entertaining a live audience or creating songs in a studio setting?

Fernando Triff: Now I am creating enough songs to perform that`s more cool because the vibe is better.

Songwriting, music production and performance, which of these do you handle on your recordings and which do you outsource?

Fernando Triff: I write my songs with different producers and I am performing with a band. I am not an expert in sound engineering but I was about to do something on my own. I am very open minded to learn more so …

8. What is your latest single or album release and where can fans find it?

Fernando Triff: My last single is Risk Taker which will be out 8/8 but you can check on soundclound.com/eltriff

Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as a performing artist in a business thriving with newcomers and wannabes?

Fernando Triff: Authenticity and originality. Be myself, be true, that’s the key.

If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other drives you to be a part of this tough business. Is it joy, anger, desire, passion or pride and why?

Fernando Triff: Joy for sure I am singing high vibe ideas.

Which aspect of being an independent artist and the music making process excites you most and which aspect discourages you most?

Fernando Triff: As an independent artist you can do whatever you want but to get to the top is very expensive, that is where a label comes in.

How do you market and manage your music career? Do you have a management team or do you control everything by yourself?

Fernando Triff: I got a sponsor from Rude Boys they have a magazine and A&R team. I know majors A&Rs so they do the work right. I handle the business.

How do you achieve your great sound? Do you work exclusively a private home recording environment or do you use a commercial sound studio too?

Fernando Triff: I am working in a commercial sound studio now.

The best piece of advice in this business you actually followed so far, and one you didn’t follow, but now know for sure that you should have?

Fernando Triff: Be updated that`s worked, and promo on Instagram. I am getting ready for that.

What are your thoughts on talent shows like The X-Factor and American Idol? Do you think they are a viable source of real talent and a good career choice?

Fernando Triff: Great opportunity for real talents, you can learn new stuff and develop you music career to the next level in a major way. Worth it when you know who you are.

Do you consider Internet and all the social media websites, as fundamental to your career, and indie music in general, or do you think it has only produced a mass of mediocre “copy-and-paste” artists, who flood the web, making it difficult for real talent to emerge?

Fernando Triff: Really I don`t know yet I am about to experience how it works be on top media now but one thing I know for sure, without promo you won’t go anywhere.

If someone has never heard your music, which keywords would you personally use to describe your overall sound and style?

Fernando Triff: Magic Alternative pop.

What is the independent music scene like in Brazil?

Fernando Triff: I don`t play with those guys for a while I prefer to not say anything.

As you work your way through your career, which more than any other fires-up your imagination – A Grammy award, Platinum music sales or some other tangible milestone?

Fernando Triff: The Grammy is my mean go, but I submitted to Akademia Awards, and Vmas next year is on my sight.