João Mar Essentials

João Mar’s songs are often characterised by a soft, longing lilt, velvety singing and an intimate tone that suggests a blissful time on holiday. That laidback foundation makes the moments when Mar steps up the pace stand out. “Message of Love”, with its horns and house music, is an invitation to pirouette on the dance floor, while “Bonita Demais” takes its cues from hip-hop with clipped beats and autotuned vocals. Ultimately, though, Mar’s music is designed for dreaming—full of traditional Brazilian xote rhythms and spacious calm.