Rafael Alves is one soulful dude. Whether he’s showcasing his special touch on guitar, blowing some gritty blues on harmonica, blessing the crowd with his ill voice, or introducing us to “electronicbluesbossafunk,” Rafa fills space with dope music. Coming at us from Madrid via Curitibia, Brazil by way of New Zealand, this Artist discusses the role of his craft, new projects, shares some truth about music in Madrid, and much more. Peep the dialogue below and vibe to tracks “Use Me,” “Will Be Mine,” and if you’re in Madrid catch Rafa at one of his many upcoming performances!
What I do is mostly based on the sound and the way I feel playing. I always try to enjoy myself, playing on my own or jamming with other people. It normally works and that’s how I communicate with other people.
Leading off with some basics, where are you from? And where are you at?
RA: I’m from Curitiba, south Brazil. I live in Madrid, Spain.
What does Reflection and Response mean to you?
RA: There isn’t much reflection in what I’m doing now; I don’t try to give people any good message, or advice through the songs I play.
What I do is mostly based on the sound and the way I feel playing. I always try to enjoy myself, playing on my own or jamming with other people. It normally works and that’s how I communicate with other people.
How does your project Pure Acoustic Soul fit in with that definition?
RA: Everywhere I live I often jam with friends in my house, playing acoustic. So with Pure Acoustic Soul I try to bring this cozy atmosphere of acoustic music and friends to other people.
What else have you been working on recently? What are you looking to work on next?
RA: I’ve been working with some electronic Brazilian music, it’s difficult to label the style – it’s kind of a mix of “electronicbluesbossafunk” – it’s pretty fun making it. Trying to mix different sounds without knowing how it’s gonna end up. Traveling, I had the privilege of jamming with musicians from everywhere so what I do is send them the tracks and they record their part wherever they are (New Zealand, Brazil, Spain, …)
Who or what inspires you?
RA: The main inspiration is the joy I have playing music, if I do not play I feel like I’m wasting time. There are [also] many other inspirations like other music, family and friends.
Is there anything else you would like the Collective to know?
RA: Would be nice if people could support the local musicians here in Madrid. It isn’t easy for the musicians over here and it’s getting harder with some new prohibitions and the “crisis”, lots of musical venues are closing and the live music is disappearing day by day.
So, support local musicians!
Shout out to…?
RA: Word up, all the jam crew in Madrid and Queenstown.
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Check out more of Rafa’s work at the following links:
Acoustic Stuff: https://soundcloud.com/rafael-alves-acoustic/sets/pure-acoustic-versions
Original (electronicbluesbossafunk): https://soundcloud.com/rafael-alves-acoustic/sets/original-work-in-progress
Upcoming gigs in Madrid (more info on our Events calendar):
Feb. 6 @ The Irish Rover
Feb. 8 @ La Trola (Madrid Rio)
Feb. 16 @ Moe Club
Feb. 27 @ Taberna Alabanda
March 2 @ La Caracola
March 6 @ Contraclub
Reflection and Response.
the LIFESTYLE 
Yeah… he plays really well… I’be been to a couple of his gigs… trully recommendable… Moreover, when he jams together with other musicians such an italian saxophonist… that mixture fits in perfectly… I’ll be at Caracola’s with more friends, to whom I’ve recommended his songs uplouded in soudcloud!!
This guy has music in his soul. I love it, makes me feel good when I listen!
Cheers mate!