Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Karola Nunes
Botânica
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
Here in Brazil, we have a tradition of throwing a big party when a girl turns 15, similar to a “sweet sixteen.” My earliest memory is being at one of these parties, standing on a table in the hall and singing to the guests. I was 4 years old.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
As soon as I started playing the guitar at the age of 12, I was already composing little songs, childhood things. I was fascinated by the possibility of inventing music.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
Botânica talks about the connection between living beings, the universe, the galaxy. We are all beginning and end, part of a natural cycle that completes itself. Stardust.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
It’s reggae. You can’t describe it, you just feel it.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
In the late 2000s, I discovered a generation of artists, especially women, who were singing and composing in a very different way from what I was used to seeing and hearing: Céu, Anelis Assumpção, and Tulipa Ruiz. They completely revolutionized my mind as a composer, singer, and instrumentalist.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
A guitar and a pencil. As simple as that.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
Melly, an artist from Bahia, Brazil. Spectacular.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
I often say that I’m an autobiographical artist. Everything I sing about comes from what I see, feel, and think. Perhaps as an attempt to find peers and partners on this journey.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
We are not alone! Everything begins at the same point of origin and returns to the same end.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
That it’s possible to communicate beyond linguistic limits. When sound speaks for itself, you can even give an interview in another language!
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
In Brazil, we have a major music industry event in São Paulo called SIM – International Music Week. Performing on its stage had been my goal since 2019 — and last year, in 2025, we achieved it. My new dream is to perform at SXSW Music Festival & Conference.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Ney Matogrosso is my ultimate dream collaboration. He is an immensely sensitive artist, with a unique voice and an extraordinary stage presence.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
On Instagram: @karola_nunes
On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/intl-pt/artist/7sCkHBx1pgcYujyUL6FGDl
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
I want to perform on different stages, meet new people and cities. To play for Brazil and for the world.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
That there is a human being here who is deeply connected to the idea of collectivity.
