Josyara

Do you want to dance or do you just want to chill out? You can do either with Josyara, a Brazilian guitarist and singer-songwriter who carries on her country’s tradition of combining infectious rhythms with an indulgent laid-back vibe. Despite her first album coming out over a decade ago, Josyara is relatively young, bringing a unique blend of youthful spirit and professional experience to her well-crafted songs. You don’t have to share a language with her to find meaning in her songs, which tend to lean into the realm of politics and social observation. The lilt and emotiveness of her voice transcend mere words, the percussiveness of her guitar punctuates the lyrics, and the references to Brazilian bossa nova (Josyara hails from Juazeiro, which was also the home of João Gilberto) and Tropicalia lend a warm familiarity. Throw in some electronic influences and a whiff of psychedelia and you’ve got a fresh sound perfect for a relaxed dance party or a day spent in the hammock, sipping on caipirinhas.