INTERVIEW: Luciano Mendonca discusses his origins and influences alongside debut album ‘Sign In The Stars’

Having already turned out a breadth of riveting releases this past year, Brazilian-American artist Luciano Mendonca recently returned to deliver his eagerly-awaited debut album ‘Sign In The Stars’.

Continuing more of that rich and driven alt-rock aesthetic he has been building for himself, ‘Sign In The Stars’ makes for an incredibly warm and inviting listen. So with the new LP out now, we caught up with him to discuss his origins and influences over the years.

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What was the first rock song or artist that made an impact on you?

Oh my, as easy as this question may sound, it’s actually a tough one. I believe it was when I heard “Rock and Roll All Nite” by Kiss for the very first time (if I recall correctly, it was at my cousin’s house). That song got stuck with me, and oh boy, I loved it.

Who are some of your biggest musical influences within the rock genre?

There are so many that I couldn’t list them all here, and many more that I don’t even know by name. I get influenced not just by well-known musicians or composers but also by those I’ve come across along the way. A few big influences within the rock genre for me are definitely Jimi Hendrix, Rush, Van Halen, Thin Lizzy, The Who, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, The Doobie Brothers, Muse, The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Kiss, Simple Minds, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Queen, Foo Fighters, Scorpions, Marillion, Journey, Genesis, Fleetwood Mac, Frank Zappa, Iggy Pop, Cheap Trick, Linkin Park… If I can also include the more prog part of the rock genre, which has really influenced me and left a huge impact on my musical formation, then my big idols are Jethro Tull, Yes, and Sagrado Coração da Terra (check out their album “Sagrado – Farol Da Liberdade”).

Are there any non-rock musicians or genres that have also influenced your music?

Short answer would be “Yes” (LOL). I truly love rock, but I love music more, so I definitely have great music that influences me and keeps doing so. I listen to Classical music to Folk, and everything else. I also remember listening to a lot of Italian songs in my childhood, especially those songs played in western movies, like DJANGO and others alike. There are so many great pop artists from Madonna to Michael Jackson, and jazz legends from Jaco Pastorius to Herbie Hancock that have had a huge impact not just on my music career but also on me as a person. One in particular that I think I shouldn’t leave behind is Lionel Richie. When I saw Lionel Richie on TV performing “All Night Long” at the 1984 Olympic Games (I believe it was the Closing Ceremony), it was then I said to myself: This is what I want to do for the rest of my life, no matter what! Note: I was pretty much just a baby, but somehow it got me completely. The impact that song and performance had on me was something I can’t even describe – it literally invaded my soul and spirit. One of my dreams is actually to play bass for Lionel Richie, but obviously, that never happened (Lionel, if you’re reading this, please let me play at least one track with you LOL). By the way, that song still shakes me up in a very positive way!

What is your main inspiration when looking to write new music?

I think it’s life. I mean, not just things that I experience myself but also things that happen in the world and to other people. Life is so amazing, and my dream is that all of us can have a beautiful and happy life. So life itself inspires me, and I hope that somehow my music can inspire and impact other people’s lives. Maybe I see it as some sort of medicine that can impact people’s souls. I believe that when our souls receive certain energies, it can help heal things, even physical ones in some cases.

What do you enjoy most about performing live and do you have any memorable live performance experiences you’d like to share?

The energy and the people. I’ve been out of touring for some time now, and I hope I can return to it very soon and hopefully I will. I remember being alone in a hotel room somewhere, waiting for the concert time, and despite some lonely moments when you are away from your loved ones, the magical things it brings to you are enormous. One particular moment that was something else was when I played a concert on a beach in Brazil, and the estimated crowd was a quarter of a million people. You definitely feel the energy and its power. To me, every single live performance is more than just one more performance, and every note I play, as well as the response and collaboration from the audience in that location, creates waves of energy that will contribute to a better world.

What has been a particularly rewarding moment in your musical journey so far?

I probably had a few, but if you allow me to mention two special moments here, I’d say the first one was when I was hired by Volkswagen to create a version of a popular German song for one of their institutional campaigns and make a motivational speech for their supply department. The music I produced for that was great and they loved it, but my speech, which was something I had never done before, was terrible as I was clearly shaking. However, I kept going and then I realized that even when you think it’s your worst day and you want to disappear because of the failure in your head, there are always good things that come out of it. The second moment was when I was invited to attend a recording session at Abbey Road Studios in London (Studio 2). That was probably a moment I will never forget. Just being in that same special and magical environment where some of my favorite songs had been recorded – that’s priceless.

How would you define success as a musician?

I think that a lot of people measure success with fame and fortune, but I think you can say you have success as a musician when you can surpass all the difficulties and prejudices you encounter along the way when you decide to be a musician. It doesn’t matter to me if my music will reach millions of people (I hope it does, as I want my music to help other people’s lives), but as long as my music can have an impact on at least one person somewhere, that’s a success.

What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are just starting out?

Determination and dedication are two things you can never forget. Remove the word “impossible” from your vocabulary. On top of that, I’d say that we all need to make friends and ask people for help. Make connections and build a network (e.g., a music tutor or music school could be a starting point). You may not realize it and sometimes it may take forever, but you may end up in your dream gig referred by someone you never imagined would help you. Honestly, I don’t care who you are or how rich or famous you may be, we’re all the same and we came from the same place – we all go to the bathroom to shit (LOL). The only thing that separates us all is just the status or money you may have in your bank account, but if you think clearly and with an open mind (Always think out of the box), you will realize that we are all the same. Having said that, I don’t have a problem talking or asking something, even if it’s the most powerful person in the entire world. Why? Because the worst that can happen is for you to receive a no as an answer or not even be allowed to get close to that person, but that won’t hurt you. Be kind to others and respectful, but don’t be afraid to approach or try to contact the king. 

Oh my, I almost forgot one important thing: When you practice your instrument, lock yourself in a room with little light and pretend that you’re playing live with your favorite artist or band in a huge music venue. I believe that the power of our mind is so huge that it could trigger that desire into reality. And remember, even if you do not end up playing in your dream gig, that positive energy may end up bringing you something great down the road. I believe that we are what we think, and that when something is persistent (not just for a while, but something that won’t go away and you have that feeling) in our minds, it’s because that belongs to us. Just remember that sometimes these things may come in codes and may not be what we were originally thinking (I think that’s how we find out what career to take), as it’s already inside of us even if you don’t know it yet.

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Listen to Luciano Mendonca’s new album ‘Sign In The Stars’ below.