Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Ramanefer
Ramanefer Rodrigues By day, I design buildings, but my heart beats for melodies. Music’s been my passion since I first strummed a guitar at 16, and penned my debut song at 19. From smoky bar gigs to self-made productions, I’ve built my sound brick by sonic brick. Guitars are my foundation, but I love weaving in piano and other stringed textures. A dusty saxophone, a gift from a talented friend, adds a touch of soulful swagger. Hit play, and let’s build something together
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
One of my earliest musical memories is from when I was just three years old. I remember “Balada Para Adeline” being played on the piano by a guest at my parents’ dinner gatherings. My parents still recall how I would put on classical music by myself and fall asleep to it on the living room carpet. A few years later, at eight, I’d listen endlessly to a Simon & Garfunkel cassette, trying to write down the lyrics to “Sounds of Silence”—even though I didn’t know any English, I was determined to capture the music however I could. At fifteen, I bought an old guitar from a Spanish friend and spent a month learning “Stairway to Heaven” by ear. I couldn’t read tab and had never played before, so it was all intuition and persistence.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
I began writing songs at fifteen, though I was shy and kept most of them to myself. It wasn’t until I was nineteen, when I received a bossa nova songbook, that I really dove into songwriting. That year, I wrote my first three complete songs, each in a different style, and discovered how fulfilling it is to create something so personal and unique.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
The project really started taking shape thanks to the encouragement of friends and my girlfriend, who both pushed me to share my voice and passion more openly. A couple of years later, I discovered Suno, and it struck me—if I ever wanted to release my music to the world, the moment was now. With more than 200 original songs ready, I threw myself into learning music production and distribution from scratch, determined to bring my creations to a wider audience.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
I’d say my sound is eclectic and deeply personal. It’s rooted in genres like folk, jazz, neo-soul, bossa nova, and African rhythms, but each song is shaped by the time and people in my life when it was written. While I aim for universality in my sound, every track carries something intimate and authentic.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
Learning to value simplicity and emotional directness in both lyrics and arrangements was a game-changer for me. Embracing new production techniques and tools also gave me more freedom to experiment and shape my sound.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
The guitar and my voice are indispensable. I also rely on various digital audio workstations and VST plugins for mixing and sound design—especially those that help me sculpt and clean up audio in fine detail.It was a learning curve, and i think i still have a lot to learn.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
Lately, I’ve been really inspired by the neo-soul and indie scene in Brazil—artists like Jovem Dionísio captivate me with their storytelling and fresh perspective. I always find myself returning to the classics, especially Baden Powell, and now Yamandu Costa, who amazes me with his virtuosity on the guitar. I also love dancing kizomba, so I’m always tuned into what’s playing on the dance floor. My influences end up being a mix of new voices and timeless traditions.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
My music is a direct reflection of my life—my feelings, relationships, and everyday experiences are what fuel my songwriting. I try to pour genuine emotion and honesty into every project.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
I hope my music inspires both joy and introspection. Above all, I want listeners to feel connected, finding echoes of their own stories and emotions in my songs.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
Music has taught me to be resilient and open-minded—to keep learning, to stay true to myself, and to embrace vulnerability as part of the creative process.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
I dream of performing at multicultural festivals and venues known for their eclectic spirit and celebration of musical diversity.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
If I could, I’d love to work with Leonard Cohen for his poetic depth, or with contemporary neo-soul and jazz innovators for their boundary-pushing creativity.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music?
You can find me on all major platforms:
- Spotify: Ramanefer
- Instagram: @ramanefer
- YouTube: Ramanefer
- TikTok: @ramanefer
- Facebook: Ramanefer Rodrigues
- Linktree: linktr.ee/Ramanefer
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
My dream is to connect with listeners worldwide, collaborate across cultures, and keep evolving as an artist—always staying true to the poetic and intimate spirit at the core of my music.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
I hope they find in my work a storyteller and a bridge—someone who blends influences, expresses real emotion, and strives to create music that resonates on a personal level.
If you’d like to hear more, you can check out a representative video on my
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