Swapping out modelling for melodies, Brazilian model and newly minted singer-songwriter, Barbara Fialho, affords us a glimpse into her most ambitious project yet – a new EP called Crazx or Crazy X which hits international airwaves today.
You may recognise Fialho from floating down the Victoria’s Secret catwalk (the 38-year old participated in the lingerie-loaded spectacle for seven years consecutively) but this is where she truly comes into her element. Growing up in Montes Claros, Fialho’s childhood was characterised by the strumming of guitar strings and a deeply entrenched love of music nurtured within her family. Now, she returns to her roots and reclaims her narrative with a liberating and emotionally penetrating series of songs.
With a five song tracklist (charting the singer’s stages of grief), a sound inspired by the engaging world of Brazilian world music and accompanying videos soon to follow, Crazx acts as a cathartic love letter to Maria, her young daughter and “crazy” individuals who break free from the shackles of pain and control and fight for their “freedom, truth and happiness.”
This EP signifies an “end and a beginning,” the reframing of heartbreak as happiness, supported by promotional visuals replete with rich reds, which alludes to blood and the symbolic shedding of the pain of the past. Crazx is, in many ways, her phoenix rising from the ashes.
Here, we chat with Fialho about love, loss and using music as a means of liberation.
1. The EP has very distinct visuals. What inspired these?
When I gave birth to my beautiful daughter, I bled endlessly. Welcoming the love of my life, through an unimaginably painful experience, was, both physically and emotionally, the most unimaginably painful experience ever. My marriage ended 15 days after that. Taking all that into account, the album turned into a narrative that conveys a distressing end and a hopeful new beginning. The paradox of that inspired these visuals and the choice of turning the blood I shed into art is the alchemy of turning my pain into beauty. I wrote on the song Crazy X; “I will be the bright side of pain…” that encapsulates the message of this EP to me.
2. How do you feel your Brazilian heritage has inspired you as an artist?
Brazilian music has given me a home away from home no matter where I went. We are very open, loving, courageous and creative people. I’m beyond proud of my heritage and that inspires not only my music but everything that I do.
3. The EP deals with some really heavy experiences. Did you find writing it therapeutic?
Absolutely. This project brought me back to myself. What heals us isn’t time, is what we do with the time we have. Divorce is difficult for everyone. Instead of holding onto resentment I created music, and music created forgiveness. The process wasn’t easy. When I chose to leave, I was called crazy and my intentions were questioned. As time passed we arrived at a beautiful place.
I wish my ex husband all the most beautiful things in life. We co-parent so peacefully and respectfully and I have taught our daughter nothing but love for him.That is my biggest achievement of all. Love won.
4. What’s your favourite thing about performing live?
The energy I feel before going on stage. It’s like electricity… butterflies in my stomach and the realisation that I will exchange energy with my audience. I love singing. It’s my favorite thing in life. I also really enjoy exchanging stories backstage with my band. There’s always laughter and expression when they’re around.
5. How has your fashion career influenced your music?
My experience as a model taught me understanding and a wider angle view in terms of production. I’ve been so blessed to work all around the world with some of fashion’s most incredible artists. For instance; I watched the great 10 Magazine’s editor, Sophia Neophitou, very closely as I was her fit model, while she directed all fashion choices at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, for seven consecutive years! I couldn’t help but learn from my fashion career. Imagine seeing that entire production come to life, from sketches to runway for seven years? I’m very observant, and I didn’t take it for granted. Now I translate all my experiences into the execution of my songwriting ideas. It’s a blessing. It feels like a river flowing through me, where nothing is wasted. Everything I learnt I can now apply to make my visions come true.
6. Who inspires you the most musically?
I’m obsessed with Brazilian music. The profound beauty of Brazilian music motivates me and feeds significantly into my style of singing.My favorite composer is Chico Buarque. He wrote “Samba E Amor”, the first song I ever released, with the help of my friend, the great Seu Jorge! I also love Milton Nascimento, Elis Regina, Elza Soares, Tom Jobim and Vinicius De Morais to name just a few.
7. What feeling do you hope listeners are left with after listening to the EP?
I hope they will choose to look on the bright side of pain. Life isn’t always fair, sometimes we’re left broken, but it’s what we chose to do with this feeling that truly matters. The driving force behind the EP is to inspire everyone that has been called crazy for standing up for themselves, for fighting for freedom and happiness, and to validate and support them through my music. It’s a process, I’m not saying it’s easy, but I believe that in looking for the bright side of pain, we find a divine strength and beauty unimaginable. Don’t give up on your self!
8. What’s your ideal Saturday night?
The delicious scent of a home cooked meal filling my home. I love spending Saturdays with my daughter and mom. Ideally, Brazilian music will be playing in the background and we’ll all be chatting and laughing together. Dessert always plays an important part – preferably brigadeiro and a little cafezinho. Then to wrap up the evening, I will watch TV with Maria … she has made me a self-professed expert in cartoons…
9. If you could curate your own festival, who would be the top three headliners?
Chico Buarque, Maria Bethânia and Caetano Veloso.
10. What’s coming up for you that you’re most excited about?
I’m excited to release a video for each song to complete the narrative for Crazy X. Each song describes the phases of my own grief – from pain and heartbreak, making the choice to leave negative situations behind, forgiveness and acceptance and most importantly, using my love for Maria to power through the pain. My daughter is the love of my life, her laughter is the last sound you hear on the final song in her name.
Photography courtesy of Barbara Fialho.
