May 16 Interview with Millions of Brazilians

During this year’s Hamtramck Blowout, a new band on the local scene with a crazy name caught my attention. Millions of Brazilians produce a form of assertive, guitar-driving rock with equal parts Fugazi, Prince, Johnny Greenwood and Bloc Party, incorporating infectious harmonies that maintain their retro appeal while staying brilliantly modern.

After habitually listening to Millions of Brazilians demos on Myspace and noticing the trio open up for everyone from The Meatmen to The Prime Ministers, it was only a matter of time before these guys started turn some heads.

This Saturday night, Millions of Brazilians will embark on their very first headlining gig at The Old Miami (trust me you will want to say you were there). In anticipation of the show, this past weekend I correspond with the Millions of Brazilians which consists Derek Dorey (guitar), Nicky Cicchetti (vocals, guitar) and ZOZ (drums).

How long have you guys been together?
Since October of 2007 – 8 months. Nick was sonically courting Derek and I (zoz) for 13 months.

What other bands have you guys been in?
We’ve all been in other bands: The Whiggers, dElmonic, Bill Verity, Tough Call

What has been you best live experience thus far?
Opening for the Meatmen, Foals and the 2008 Blowout.

Who are some of your favorite local bands to play with and watch?
To play with it’s The Hadits, LT!, Manna Quail and the (sexy) Dead Bodies. To watch it’s Johnny Headband, Zoos Of Berlin, Eons and the Terrible Twos

You have a very distinct guitar sound, how did you come about that?

How do you go about writing your music?
Derek brings in parts, we digest and manipulate. We arrange most of the parts after there is a general idea/consensus of what we want the track to sound like. We all contribute to lyrics but nick writes the majority off the lyrics, hooks and melodies. It takes us a lot longer to writes songs than most bands. we currently have 3 songs that we’ve been working on for over 3 months.

You’re currently recording your first record Half Horse/Half Horse, how is it coming along?
We did 5 tracks at Rustbelt with Eric Hoegemeyer, and we’re doing 2-3 new tracks with Daniel Johnson this month then releasing our EP in the summer.

How has the recent tragedy of Eight Belles at this years Kentucky Derby affected your band or the name of the album?
The name will still be Half Horse/Half Horse, but we’re considering “Dead Second”.

Derek has still not recovered. we have a Kentucky Derby party ever year where everyone puts money in and horses are picked. unfortunately Derek’s pick was 8 belles. needless to say, Derek is still in the grieving process. eight belles left it all on the track

My girlfriend loves your band, when are you going to have t-shirts available?
We are operating in the red but we should have merch ready by Cityfest.

What does Brazilian President Luiz Inacio think of you band?
Oh Lou?!?! He’s coming to our Old Miami show on Saturday night with the whole Brazilian Cabinet.

Related posts:

1. Concert Review: Butch Walker, The Fags, Low Millions @ Magic Bag
2. Interview with Audra Kubat