Rec.a., as their band was called in the beginning of the nineties,
combined Brazilian sounds with a jazz attitude and dance and dub influences.
In 1999 the three musicians, from then on Zuco 103, released their first album Outro Lado.
Their glorious mixture of musical styles has seen them hailed as pioneers of brazilectro. A
new style that became an international concept and a scene of kindred artists and deejays.
Also drum‘n’bass was cut up by Zuco 103 with samba, bossa nova and dub in a way that
sounded natural, refreshing and very danceable.
Zuco 103’s radical open attitude pays off. In the past 24 years the band has released nine
critically acclaimed albums, produced several number-one singles and played clubs and
festivals worldwide with great success. Including highlights such as Fuji Rock Japan, Rock
Werchter and North Sea Jazz Festival. There were many cross-pollinations between Zuco 103
and other musicians, such as Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Joe Jackson, Sergio Cavazzioli (Gilberto Gil)
and Marcos Suzano. But while their pioneering career and deep discography marks them out
as veterans of the scene, Zuco 103 are more vital than ever.
In 2023 Telenova was released, a collection of intimate songs, up-tempo funk and Brazilian
and Afro Cuban grooves. This ninth album was produced during the pandemic, the trio spent
lockdown re-sampling some of their choicest musical ideas, reworking melodies and rhythms
– both classic and forward-looking at the same time. A mixture they’ve perfected over all
those years of improvising and playing live together, taking musical risks and wandering off
the beaten track. Resonating with audiences worldwide, bouncing and yelling for more. In
2025 Zuco 103 will be celebrating their 25th anniversary with a new album.
Lilian Vieira – vocals
German Stefan Schmid – keys/producing
Dutchman Stefan Kruger – drums/producing
Alex Oele – bass
Valentijn Bannier – guitar
Yariv Vroom – percussion
