Paulo Lara

FACT SHEET

PAULO LARA
SINGER & SONGWRITER
World Fusion & Pop Rock artist based in Orlando, Florida
www.paulolara.com

T V:
WFTV 9 ABC
Trinity Broadcast
Bright House
45 WTEL
Rede Vida (Brazil)
Globo (Brazil)

R A D I O:
Jango Airplay, worldwide
Radio Espírita – Brazil
Rádio Eldorado – Brazil

V E N U E S:
The Abbey – FL
11-12 Lounge – FL
Blue Martini – FL
LUX – FL
Rosen Centre – FL
Crowne Plaza – FL
& Hundreds of venues in Brazil

P R E S S:

"The CD Star of a Thousand Points is a top notch production with a soothing, relaxing feel. Lara is proof that good music is understood no matter what language used." Muzikreviews.com

“Lara’s keen understanding of the environmental plight facing our planet was an inspiration to judges” SonicBids Blog

“Lara’s music is ripe and shows a deeper understanding of life through sensitive lyrics, smooth melodies and rich musical textures” Pop Culture Madness

"Paulo Lara has had a career that spans the musical galaxy - from garnering 4-star reviews from Brazilian, American and European magazines in the late 90's to a nomination in 2005 at the 8th Brazilian Music Visa Awards, singing edition" - PensEyeView.com

“Outstanding interpretation and amazing repertoire.” - City Arts & Culture Office RP – Brazil

“His voice brings feeling to the spirit, intensity to bel canto, pleasure to the ears, and fills the atmosphere with a je ne sais quoi of paradise” - The Journal – Brazil

“Paulo Lara’s musical background has assured the quality of his insertion among the cultural assets of Brazil. His music is highlighted by a great and inspiring vocal range.” – Folha de Rio Preto - Brazil


H I G H L I G H T S:
- Album “Eco The Butterfly” (w/ Team Green Songwriters) – Jan 2012
- Top 5 Best Vocalist of the Month (Singer Universe Magazine) – Nov 2011
- Winner of the contest “Music for the Earth” (Earth Day Network) - 2011
- Music for the cartoon "Phineas & Ferb " (Disney Channel BR) - 2008
- Music for the animated film “Meet the Robinsons” (Disney BR) - 2007
- 8th Visa Brazilian Music Award – Vocal Edition (Brazil) – 2005
- Christmas Concert – (Rede Vida TV BR & South America) - 2003
- TV Music Show “FAMA” (Globo TV BR) - 2002

I N T E R N E T:
Official Web Site – active since 2003
MySpace: 350+
Facebook / Facebook Page: 1250+ / 170+
Twitter: 35+ following
Jango Airplay: 12076+ plays, 315+ likes and 247+ fans (since May 2011)
YouTube: 45,000+ views
- Paulo Lara

Sustainability. Social responsibility. Going “green”. These are all concepts that are thrown around lightly in our society, but what do they actually mean? This year the Earth Day Network asked just that to Sonicbids artists as part of the Music for the Earth competition. In a quest for increased awareness about environmental issues what better place to turn than the power of music?

As part of the competition Sonicbids artists were asked to submit songs that promoted environmental awareness. After a round of voting, the top 20 artists were narrowed to an overall winner by a panel of judges. When all was said and done Brazilian singer-songwriter Paulo Lara came out on top.

Lara’s song “Better World” took home the top prize, a Gibson Jackson Browne acoustic guitar, which was the first of its kind made for a left-handed player. When asked about the winning song Lara replied, “I always felt like writing a song about the planet, the issues we are facing; but at the same time something that people could relate to – both through their hearts and minds. “Better World” was one of them – it expresses my true feelings about life and our place in the world.”

Lara’s keen understanding of the environmental plight facing our planet was an inspiration to judges. When we caught up with Lara he explained that, “We need to understand that our passage through this world is temporary. We are all connected somehow and we must do our part to make the world better. Sometimes we might feel overwhelmed when we think about helping the world, mostly because we don’t know how or where to start.”

The logical place to start for Lara was his music and he set out to create a song that would motivate listeners worldwide to take action against environmental issues. For Lara, “Music has the power to cross many barriers and reach people, no matter their age, culture or background. Words and music can change the world, but it’s up to each and all of us to do our part.”

And further proof that giving back is good for the soul – Lara won the first-ever-created left-handed Gibson Jackson Browne acoustic guitar thanks to our friends from Gibson and Musician’s Friend. To find out how you can do your part visit the Earth Day website and take your inspiration from Paulo as he plays a version of “Better World” on his new Gibson Jackson Browne guitar. - SonicBids

WASHINGTON, DC, June 20, 2011 (ENS) - Brazilian singer-songwriter Paulo Lara has been awarded first place in the 2011 Music for the Earth talent competition held by Earth Day Network and Sonicbids. Lara won for his song "Better World."

His prize is a Gibson Jackson Browne Model 1 acoustic guitar crafted from renewable English walnut and red spruce woods. Valued at nearly six thousand dollars, the guitar was donated by Gibson Guitars and Musician's Friend.

Hundreds of artists entered for a chance to inspire millions of listeners worldwide.

(...) "Music has the power to educate and change society for the better," said Kathleen Rogers, president of Earth Day Network. "'We're delighted so many talented songwriters are inspired by Earth Day and we hope their music will help us address the urgent environmental challenges our planet faces today."

Earth Day Network partnered with Sonicbids, the matchmaking site for emerging bands and music promoters, to produce the Music for the Earth contest.

Bands submitted their songs using the Sonicbids platform and were included in the "Earth Day: Music for the Earth" microsite, which featured downloads from the artists who participated.

Artists were judged by the number of fan downloads and the top 20 most downloaded artists were then reviewed by a panel of judges to determine the winner.

(...) Lara started by playing in rock bands in 1992 and developed as an interpreter and solo singer. He went to college at the Universidade Livre de Musica - Centro Tom Jobim to study vocal theory and singing.

In 2002 he took part of the Brazilian TV music show FAMA, on Globo TV channel - a show similar in format to American Idol. For Christmas that year, he recorded a Christmas Concert for Rede Vida TV Channel that was shown across South America.

In 2005 he was nominated for the 8th Brazilian Music Visa Awards, singing edition, considered to be one of the most important music prizes in Brazil. His work began receiving media attention in newspapers and on radio stations.

In 2007, Lara recorded lead and backing vocals for the Brazilian version of the animated Disney film "Meet the Robinsons." In the following year he recorded a song for an episode of the cartoon Phineas & Ferb for the Disney Channel in Brazil.

From August 2009 to August 2010 the singer produced and recorded his first solo album called "Estrela de Mil Pontas" or "Star of a Thousand Points," on the themes of spirituality and life, blending influences from pop music to progressive rock and world music.

Earth Day Network 's mission is to broaden, diversify and mobilize the environmental movement, driving action year-round through advocacy, education, public policy, and consumer campaigns.

Music for the Earth is part of Earth Day Network's Arts for the Earth program, an education program to teach sustainability and environmental education through museum and arts community networks and to feature artists who have incorporated environmental themes into their works.

Sonicbids matches emerging bands and music promoters online. Since its launch in 2001, Sonicbids has become the standard for submitting music to events and opportunities around the globe, counting as partners thousands of events and festivals in North America, Europe, and Australia. (...) - Environment News Service

Sao Paulo, Brazil native Paulo Lara has had a career that spans the musical galaxy - from garnering 4-star reviews from Brazilian, American and European magazines in the late 90's for his work work in the metal band "Kroumlesh" to a nomination in 2005 at the 8th Brazilian Music Visa Awards, singing edition. He's developed five records leading up to today (La Folia, Left to Drift, Paulo Lara ao Vivo, Polaris and Bourbons), and now brings us "Estrela de Mil Pontas", a collection that Lara has been working on for many, many years. He says "I hope my listeners can enjoy it just as much as I did when writing it and recording. They will find several different styles and influences there. I decided to write some songs in Portuguese, others in English, and some using both languages. It’s a CD that basically talks about love and our responsibility in making things right."

As you might imagine, Paulo's musical style is difficult describe, having worked in genres from metal to world music. He does the best job laying it out however: "My music is a mixture of different influences, ranging from pop music, to world fusion and a bit of progressive rock as well. And I like experimenting with sounds, styles and textures. I know that everyone is out there working hard because they believe in something – a dream, a purpose, a greater cause, or just for the sake of having fun. As for me, I want to write something that is meaningful, clean and positive. I believe Music has the power to touch people’s hearts, and somehow make a difference." Excellent stuff. You'll be hearing more about Lara, as he has just won the "Music for the Earth" contest, with his tune "Better World". Check that out, and "Estrela de Mil Pontas", as well as his schedule as he supports this work. There's much, much more to get into, so keep reading for all the answers to the XXQ's.

XXQs: Paulo Lara

PensEyeView.com (PEV): How would you describe your sound and what do you feel makes you stand out over the others in your genre?

Paulo Lara (PL): My music is a mixture of different influences, ranging from pop music, to world fusion and a bit of progressive rock as well. And I like experimenting with sounds, styles and textures. I know that everyone is out there working hard because they believe in something – a dream, a purpose, a greater cause, or just for the sake of having fun. As for me, I want to write something that is meaningful, clean and positive. I believe Music has the power to touch people’s hearts, and somehow make a difference. In a world that talks too much about pleasure and a hedonistic lifestyle, I believe that talking about having a purpose in Life doesn’t sound exactly mainstream, if you know what I mean.

PEV: Born in a small town inland of Sao Paulo, Brazil, what kind of music where you into growing up? Was anyone your main influence?

PL: I didn’t listen to many Brazilian artists when I was a kid. My parents would listen to singers like Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Johnny Mathis, or bands from the seventies, like The Carpenters, etc. But I grew up listening to Michael Jackson, Phil Collins, David Bowie and other pop artists from the 70s and 80s. Later on, I was really into progressive rock music - Yes, Rush, Renaissance, Genesis, PFM, Gentle Giant, Jefferson Airplane, Jethro Tull, etc. If I had to name a few artists that hugely influenced me, they would be: Michael Jackson, Kate Bush, Peter Gabriel and Portuguese group Madredeus.

PEV: Tell us about your first ever live performance.

PL: Well, it happened when I was around 12 years old. I had a rock band called Strangers, and we made a short participation in an event. The band that was playing there that night let us play a couple of songs. I remember feeling anxious and also excited. Of course we were very raw then (laughs).

PEV: What was it like for you when you first started out and making the transition to professional musician?

PL: It was more or less when I was 15. I started working for a Music school called Amadeus Mozart, in my hometown. I remember we used to play at weddings, parties, several different types of ceremonies, concerts, etc. Not only did I see Music as a passion and a calling, but I was also taking things very seriously at that point, studying Music almost 24/7 and seeing it as a paid job too.

PEV: Do you remember the first time you thought to yourself – “I am really onto something!”?

PL: I am grateful for having many important milestones over the years. Maybe the first one was when I had a heavy metal band called Kroumlesh, back in 1997, and we started getting a lot of attention and great reviews all over the world (from Brazilian, American and European magazines). We had the opportunity to be the opening act for some established bands, such as German heavy metal band Gamma Ray, and others.

PEV: What can fans expect from a live Paulo Lara show?

PL: A lot of energy, excitement and songs carefully chosen. I want to give people more than what they are expecting. So, for example, I’ll always come up with a different arrangement for a song, or special instruments, lyrics - trying to involve people in an atmosphere that is at the same time energetic and intimate.

PEV: What is the first thing that comes to mind when you step on stage?

PL: When I step on stage I want to give people my best, and I pray that my music may touch their hearts and somehow encourage them to make a difference in the way they live and love. I want to have a good time and want them to enjoy it just as much.

PEV: What was the underlining inspiration for your music? Where do get your best ideas for songs?

PL: I believe inspiration is something that ultimately comes from God. The artist is just a vessel that shapes it into words, sounds and music. Personally, it may be things or situations that I go through, people I know or my point of view about the world, about Life. Also, very often my best ideas for music and lyrics come to me through dreams. I actually dream of songs all the time; I wish I had a “dream-recorder” planted in my brain to help me remember them more easily when I wake up.

PEV: Tell us about your latest release. What can fans expect from this work?

PL: “Estrela de Mil Pontas” is a CD I had been working on for many years. I hope my listeners can enjoy it just as much as I did when writing it and recording. They will find several different styles and influences there. I decided to write some songs in Portuguese, others in English, and some using both languages. (You can find the lyrics and translations on www.myspace.com/paulolara.) It’s a CD that basically talks about love and our responsibility in making things right.

PEV: Recently you won the contest Music For The Earth with your song, “Better World”. How did this all come about and tell us about the response so far.

PL: I was very excited to hear the news! It’s such a great honor and pleasure. When I wrote “Better World”, I always had this idea, that I wanted to write a song about the planet, environmental issues and stuff like that, but not from a political point of view. My idea was to write something that could express an internal commitment to Life. So far, the feedback I’ve been getting is amazing – people write to me making very nice comments, I’ve got some great reviews and incredible things are still about to happen.

PEV: What’s one thing we’d be surprised to hear about Paulo Lara?

PL: Well, I don’t know, from a professional perspective that I started out singing as a lyric tenor and that I sang heavy metal for several years. From my personal life, that I am a single parent of an 11 year old boy; and that I also graduated in Languages and had a Masters degree in Literature.

PEV: Was there a certain point in your life when you knew you wanted music to be a large part of your life, if not the biggest part?

PL: I guess I’ve always felt that way about Music, from the very beginning. In my heart I’ve always known that Music was my calling. Of course, making things happen, professionally-wise, juggling with time to balance personal life, work, and music projects is totally different story. It takes not only your heart and soul, but also lots of time and hard work.

PEV: What one word best describes Paulo Lara?

PL: Commitment.

PEV: How is life on the road for you in the music world? Best and worst parts?

PL: Being on the road is challenging, as you spend so much time away from home and from your loved ones. And it can also be physically and emotionally exhausting. But of course it’s a totally rewarding experience to be out there, sharing your music, knowing different people and their culture, relating to them through music.

PEV: Is there one area you wish you could travel around and play that you have not yet?

PL: I have just recently released my new album, so I’ll start traveling and playing with this new album soon. I don’t have a specific place I’d like to visit, but I’m always interested in visiting new places and learning about them.

PEV: How have all your friends and family reacted to your career? What’s it like when you get to play at your hometown?

PL: My family and friends have been very supportive and understanding. Last time I played in my hometown was in 2009, with a pop blues project I had at the time, and it was fantastic! It was great to see many old faces and to play for them again after many years. I was excited to be there, and they were very happy to check out the music I was up to back then.

PEV: What can we find you doing in your spare time, aside from playing/writing music?

PL: I am a person with simple habits. In my spare time, you can probably find me riding my bike, having coffee with friends, listening to music, reading, going to the movies, spending time outside with my son, or just relaxing at home.

PEV: Is there an up and coming band or artist you think we should all be looking out for now?

PL: Well, I am sure the artists I am going to mention have been out there for a while, but I think they are doing an extraordinary job, and deserve even greater attention: Mew, Muse, The Swell Season, Madredeus & a Banda Cósmica; Brazilian singers: Ceumar, Céu, and Roberta Sá; and pop rock band Megarex, etc.

PEV: If you were not playing music now what do you think you would be doing as your career?

PL: Well, the idea of not playing music has NEVER crossed my mind; but if I had to do so, I would be probably writing, translating, or teaching Literature - pursuing an academic career.

PEV: So, what is next for Paulo Lara?

PL: Really soon I’ll be getting ready to go on tour to promote my album “Estrela de Mil Pontas”. And I have been already working on several new songs for my following album - which will be a mix of worship and positive Christian-friendly songs, with a heavier sound.

For more information, check out www.paulolara.com and on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Paulo-Lara/141480412580068?sk=app_2405167945 - PensEyeView

Recently awarded an international prize on the contest Music for the Earth (organized by SonicBids, Earth Day Network, Gibson and Musician’s Friend), for his song “Better World”, Brazilian singer/songwriter Paulo Lara has been diligently crafting his music since the early 90’s – when he started his career in Brazil singing in rock bands, and gradually developed his work as an interpreter and solo artist. For almost 20 years, Lara has been interpreting different styles and repertoires, acquiring a vast musical experience and a solid vocal formation.

We can clearly see the results of his diligent work and talents in his latest release “Estrela de Mil Pontas” (Star of a Thousand Points) (2011) – a top notch production written both in Portuguese and English, that brings to the listener a neat blend of world music, pop rock and beautifully arranged vocals. In Lara’s own words: “This album basically talks about opening our hearts and doing whatever we can to love and to reach out to others”. Some highlights in the album go to “Better World” – that brings a message of hope, calling people to do their part in the world; “Overflow” – a strong power ballad about love and loss; “When You Look Around”, and many others. Lara’s music is ripe and shows a deeper understanding of life through sensitive lyrics, smooth melodies and rich musical textures. We can feel the beat of pop music, the intensity of progressive rock, the nostalgia atmosphere of Portuguese traditional music, and also the spirituality of New Age music.

www.paulolara.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Paulo-Lara/141480412580068?sk=app_2405167945
http://twitter.com/#!/paulolara_
To buy the cd “Estrela de Mil Pontas” (Star of a thousand points): www.cdbaby.com/cd/paulolara
*Also available on iTunes, Amazon, etc. - Pop Culture Madness

There is no doubt that these are tough times. I could run a whole column just on the problems of today. But when I get down I always get so excited to work for Skope where I can use music as my escape. Music is the safest anti-depressant out there, you just need the right kind. This week I am really excited to interview Paulo Lara a singer/songwriter from Brazil who currently lives in Florida. Paulo recently released his new album ‘Estrela De Mil Pontas’ which has the hit single “Better World.” Join us today as we offer a FREE MP3 of “Better World” and Paulo talks about the new album, Brazil, his family, and so much more!


Stoli: Where are we talking from today and how was your summer?
Paulo Lara: I’m speaking from Orlando, sunny (or maybe we should say rainy) Florida. Summer here feels a lot like hell, but it’s all good. I guess I totally got used to warm weather back in my hometown in Brazil, lol. Summer was busy and fun, thanks. I’ve been promoting my CD, and trying to start touring quite soon.

Stoli: Growing up in San Paulo, Brazil, at what point on your life where you exposed to music?
Paulo Lara: I was exposed to music since I was a little kid, but I only figured out I wanted to be a singer when I was 12. At that time, I started to sing in rock bands with friends – and from that moment on, I never stopped, and it only got more and more interesting. When I was 15 I began attending Music school, and later on I went to college to study Vocal Theory and Popular Style Singing.
BUY THE CD ON: www.cdbaby.com/cd/paulolara

Stoli: Were your parents or close relatives into music and was music played in your home?
Paulo Lara: Not really. My parents enjoyed music but never played any instruments or were ever seriously into music. My close friends and my older brother played an important role in introducing me to different styles of music, artists and bands. Let me put it this way, at home I would listen to lots of pop music from the 80’s, and when I was a young teenager my friends introduced to progressive rock and heavy metal. My brother, on the other hand, at the same time showed me a much wider range of music styles, such as world music, classical, jazz, blues, and Brazilian Popular Music (MPB).

Stoli: You recently released your album, ‘Estrela De Mil Pontas’ which means a star of a thousand points. How did you choose that song as the album title?
Paulo Lara: Actually, the whole album only became alive after I wrote “Estrela de Mil Pontas” in 2008, so I see it like a guiding light for the CD. It felt like after that song was ready, everything else fell into place. I knew what the other songs should be, and how the CD should sound like. “Estrela de Mil Pontas” paved the way for this album to happen. Also, the message it conveys is important – it basically talks about opening our hearts and doing whatever we can to love and to reach out to others.
Paulo Lara “Better World” MP3:
SKOPE IT HERE!

Stoli: The songs on the album were written over a decade in your life. How long did you know that you were going to put this album out and how many songs did you have to choose from?
Paulo Lara: I had been working on this album, or at least its conception, since 2003, when I released a single called “Dos Encontros/Left to Drift”. Of course, there were many adjustments along the way. I would say that what really took me a long time was to find the right producer for the album – someone who would understand the music I was writing. I spent a long time researching on producers from different styles, until I met Flavio Marchesin, from pop rock band Megarex. Besides being a top notch musician/producer, Flavio was very important in the process of helping me choose the song list and prepare the arrangements, etc. We chose from something around 30 pieces, including both my own songs, and from other writers as well.

Stoli: You never stray away from your Brazilian roots. What does Brazil mean to you as a musician and as a man?

Paulo Lara: I think I have a somehow ambiguous relationship with Brazil. I’ll explain it: in a way, I don’t see my music as a typical Brazilian product, with Brazilian sounds, rhythms, themes or all that kind of stuff. So, it’s not Brazilian in that sense. However, I do sing in Portuguese, and I think the multiplicity of music styles, influences and languages accounts for my Brazilian roots. Brazil is a huge melting pot of races and cultures, and it’s in the core of us Brazilians to mix things up one way or another – as well as to accept and understand differences in a very positive way. So, as a musician and as a man, to me Brazil means absorbing different elements, influences and circumstances and creating something new. Be it a new song or a new way to look at things. It also means resilience to me – Brazilians are very strong and passionate. J

Stoli: If I were to visit you in Brazil where would we go to see live music?
Paulo Lara: I would say Sao Paulo. There are lots of great venues, such as Bourbon Street Music Club, Ao Vivo, Na Mata, Tom Jazz, Credicard Hall, Teatro Municipal, Via Funchal, etc. Nightlife in Sao Paulo is absolutely exciting and there are always cool concerts in town, with artists from all over the world. Also, there are several SESC units bringing great gigs (SESC is a cultural venue with many units in Sao Paulo and all over the state, to promote culture, arts and sports).

Stoli: Being in the digital age of music, do you expect to sell more physical or downloads of your album?
Paulo Lara: Lots of things are changing in the music market, so it’s really hard to tell. I expect to sell a lot of physical copies during concerts, but I also expect people to go online, and support my music by purchasing digital downloads. I do both, whenever I like an artist or band. I think it’s important to support independent music. I know that many people, like me, are old-fashioned, and would enjoy the physical CDS even better. There’s something special about them, it’s like the pleasure you get from actually seeing it, touching it, enjoying the artwork and stuff like that – it may be a bit old school, but I love it, lol. However, I always buy both the physical CDs and the mp3s. As long as people enjoy and buy the music, everyone gets happy. J

Stoli: Your song “Better World” gives me hope. In the current state of the world with the economy, debt, crime, nuclear radiation, how do you keep your faith and know better days are ahead?
Paulo Lara: That’s a tough question, because I don’t exactly consider myself an optimistic person, I’m just concerned about the way things have been happening in the world. I would say that “Better World” is more like a message of hope, calling people to go out there and do their part, and to listen, to open their eyes and really see with their hearts and souls all the consequences of our actions and lack of responsibility, selfishness. Another song that talks about this on the CD is “When You Look Around”, which is by the way my favorite for many reasons. I know that it all feels overwhelming when we think about the problems our world faces, but it always starts within yourself, and you can’t control what other people think or do, but you can definitely do your part. In the end, if you really give it some thought, it shouldn’t be about “me, me, me”, but about what you are doing to the world and to others, what footprints are you leaving in the world? So, I don’t know what the future holds, but one thing I know for sure, I will do my best to make things right. Are you with me on that? ;)

Stoli: On your album some songs are English & some in Spanish. Do you feel that music fans can enjoy your album no matter what language they speak?
Paulo Lara: Oops, I’m sorry; it’s Portuguese (not Spanish). But that’s ok. I guess in the end we’re almost neighbor cultures and languages. Still pretty different though. J Nonetheless, I do like your question, and I thought a lot about it when choosing the songs for the CD. I realized that this bilingual thing not only is a huge part of my music and myself as a person, but it could build bridges and people could enjoy the music anyway. And just to be on the safe side, I included the translation for both English and Portuguese lyrics onwww.myspace.com/paulolara.

Stoli: What’s coming up for Paulo Lara and where you online?
Paulo Lara: I already have some new songs coming up, but right now I’m focusing on putting my concert together to start touring really soon. I am preparing lots of cool surprises. J So, if you like my music, stay tuned! I promise to bring you some great stuff! J Chances are I’ll also play a couple of new tunes on the shows, along with the songs from the CD, and much more! You can find me online on www.paulolara.com, or buy my music on www.cdbaby.com/cd/paulolara (You can also find the CD on Amazon, ITunes, etc). Also, take a minute to like my Facebook Page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Paulo-Lara/141480412580068?sk=app_2405167945.
Thanks, Stoli, Skope Magazine, and everyone who’s reading this. A better world for all of us!

Paulo Lara
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Posted by Skope • Filed Under SKOPED OUT
- Skope Magazine

Paulo Lara is an artist from Brazil that has been creating music since 1992. The CD Estrela De Mil Pontas (Star of a Thousand Points) is a top notch production with a soothing, relaxing feel. There are a few songs sung in English but the majority of it is in Portuguese. Lara is proof that good music is understood no matter what language used.

The first track “Better World” wakes you up right away with some toe tapping percussions and melodic vocals. He is sneaky with his vibrant beats surrounding some intense lyrics, but it worked-it got my attention. I’m sold and willing to look in the mirror and start making a better world as he suggests. It was a good choice to put this song as his first track. It grabs you and makes you want to hear more. The song “Pés” is in Portuguese so I’m not quite sure what it is about. However, this fact means little or nothing to me as it compels me to sway back and forth to its vibe.

The title track sounds like something out of a dream. It starts with a tranquil chant and transitions into an emotional statement. The song commands your full attention forcing you to listen to it over and over. Each time you hear it, the meaning seems to unfold and reveal itself.

I am a huge fan of Latin music and can get the gist as some words are similar to Spanish. Regardless, if you appreciate good music, then this CD should be in your collection whether you understand the words or not.

I can see a huge future for Paulo Lara and encourage him to continue building on his strengths.

- MuzikReviews