Brazilian musical cannibalism and songwriting : Brazilian popular music and its impact on a Swedish songwriter

It is said that one thing that lay behind Brazilian music and its development is a form of cannibalism inherited from the Indians. This kind of "musical consumption" seems to continue with a growing amount of musical expressions. How does the experience of Brazilian popular music affect me as a Swedish songwriter? Can I create something new by "consuming" this music with my background? This study has been made through recordings, observations, instrumental lessons, literature studies, interviews and fieldworks in Brazil, Sweden and the United Kingdom from September 2004 to May 2005. An introduction to specific music styles as Samba, Choro and Maracatú is given and the impact of Brazilian popular music, on me as a songwriter, is presented in sections focusing on aspects as rhythm, dance, melody, harmony and lyrics. The results show a rhythmical and lingual affection as well as a growing interest of mixing Brazilian elements with the European tradition in new modern forms. The Swedish songwriter turns out to be a musical cannibal himself!Validerat; 20101217 (root