Pearl

Description

Mr Bongo is proud to present the worldwide first edition on vinyl and CD of Pearl, the debut album by Rubel. Self-produced and released on YouTube in 2013, the album achieved remarkable success in Brazil, particularly thanks to the flagship single "Quando Bate Aquela Saudade" and its music video, which has amassed over 85 million views to date. Pearl laid the foundation for Rubel's exceptional journey, offering a first glimpse of the talent of a modern-day troubadour and an ever-evolving Brazilian artist who skillfully blends classical and contemporary influences. Merging MPB, folk, pop, and indie, this album reveals an authentic and deeply personal Rubel. The story of Pearl begins when Rubel, in his early twenties, studies film in Austin, Texas. Immersed in the city's vibrant DIY music scene and surrounded by many musicians with whom he shares a large house, he sets up a recording studio at home with rented equipment and records the album without any particular expectations. The album was inspired by the youthful environment of music and experimentation in which Rubel thrived. These seven songs are an attempt to capture and take with him a bit of what he experienced and learned during that time. He uploaded the album online on YouTube, without paying much attention to it, and continued to pursue a career in film in Los Angeles. However, in the following years, the album became a viral success in Brazil, leading to an exclusive vinyl and CD release in Brazil, bringing him back to Rio and propelling him to musical fame. The spirit of Pearl is imbued with timeless nostalgia; it feels familiar from the very first notes, and whether one is Portuguese-speaking or not, the songs touch the soul. It is an unpretentious album, where Rubel showcases his talent as a musician and his compositions. Now an international star and a nominee for the Latin Grammy Awards, Rubel is one of those rare artists capable of balancing pop success with the humility of an independent and underground artist. These roots shine through on Pearl, embodying an authenticity and spontaneity that have resonated with an entire generation.