Sertanejo

Sertanejo is a type of traditionally acoustic Brazilian country music, with a rich history and its own unique sound. It began in the late nineteenth century in rural regions of Brazil between the states Minas Gerais and Goiás, gradually spreading throughout São Paulo and into other parts of the country. As it moved, the style evolved to incorporate elements of traditional folk music combined with bolero, or música romântica influences. The core melodic compositions were adapted over time to include guitar riffs and harmonic elements often compiled by guitarists, vocal pairs and composers among ranchhands. Famous sertanejo artists such as Zé Ramalho continue to compose complex refrains that commentators have described as playful yet powerful. Today’s artists are influenced not just by their musical predecessors but also from experimental musical branches that promote new sounds like bossa nova, MPB (musica popolare brasileira), pop formats, cabaret funk crossovers. While sertanejo can refer to all Brazilian rural genres, such as northern Brazilian forro-esque simpler “hick hootenannies” you would find around campfires in otherwise remote areas today; ultimately at its essence, yearning heartache reinforces individual stories presented strong through collaborative vocals coalesced into what has become the backbone genre on popular mainstream airwaves across the country; known affectionately by many simply as Sertanejo Music.