“Distante” is the latest single by rising Brazilian artist Damacena, known for his soft vocals and introspective songwriting. This agitated track blends elements of alternative rock, MPB, and indie pop, all while maintaining a dreamy atmosphere. As the title suggests, “Distante,” which means “far away”, the song deals with emotional distance and the fragility of trust in troubled relationships. As Damacena himself explains:
“Distante” is a song that touches on themes that often surround troubled relationships, but mainly trust (or the lack of it). Although it carries a somewhat melancholic energy, it moves at a different pace compared to my last release. Distante follows a slightly more upbeat and energetic rhythm but approaches the idea with the same care as the previous work.”
The first time I heard it, I was immediately drawn in by his vocals: warm, sweet, and slightly crispy. It was like a mixing of Thom Yorke and Tim Bernardes, two artists I deeply admire, so it was love at first listen. Damacena builds a powerful emotional connection with the listener through his lyrics, which feel intimate and confessional, like you’re not just hearing a story, you’re inside it.
The instrumental is lush yet restrained as reverberated guitars, soft keys, and ambient textures work together to create a minimalistic but detailed soundscape, not overly layered, but every sound has a purpose, there’s a strong sense of intention and space in the arrangements. There’s a subtle tension that builds as the track progresses, finally resolving in a satisfying, spine-tingling release at the end. It’s beautifully crafted.
Overall, “Distante” is a standout release, a track that shows not only technical maturity but emotional depth. If you’re looking to dive into Brazil’s new wave of alternative artists, Damacena should be at the top of your list. His discography is heavily influenced by artists like Rubel, Los Hermanos, Zimbra, and Phill Veras while also nodding to international icons like Radiohead and The Strokes. You can check him out here:
Written by Joshua Cotrim
