Harmonize your soul with simplicity: “Simplicidade” by julakim, julakim Trio, Chris Cacavas

“Simplicidade” by julakim

In the quietude, when the world sheds its frenzy, time slows, and the final strains of ‘Credo’ resonate, we sense the subtle vibrations enveloping us. Structures emerge, like an unseen web connecting us to the cosmos, a dance of energy and information. We close our eyes and listen. The vibrations flow through us, reminding us that we’re part of something greater. 

‘Simplicidade,’ julakim’s latest release, born from the chaos of its predecessor and infused with the simplicity of the moment, arrives at our doorstep. We needn’t control everything or dissect every thought. Instead, we can be guided by our emotions and sensations. 

‘Simplicidade’ invites us to view the world with open hearts and dance between life’s notes. The space exists, we need only discover it and harmonize our souls with simplicity. Relax and immerse yourself in the essence of ‘Simplicidade.’ Its beauty, fleeting moments, joy, and bittersweet melancholy sweep you away, inviting you to pause, dream, and connect with your inner world.

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julakim is back with a release that has pleasantly surprised me in its simplicity. The lyrics and the mood it creates differ significantly from their predecessors. This observation raises the question: Is the human being fundamentally straightforward, and is it only the environment and interactions with others that complicate life?

As I navigate through life and music, embracing simplicity is crucial. It's about finding clarity in moments of quiet reflection rather than rushing into decisions impulsively. Our existence seems intertwined with the feedback we receive—without this reciprocity, do we truly connect with ourselves and others? Without this reciprocity, do we truly exist? 'Simplicity' isn't just a theme in my music; it's a guiding principle that shapes the lyrics and mood, inviting listeners to pause and reflect on life's essential truths.

When we talk about 'environment,' it's not just about nature but also societal structures like capitalism or religions, which sometimes Shield us imperfectly. Our current systems often lack balance, driven by competition rather than empathy and understanding, leading to rushed decisions lacking depth. Reflecting on this, I'm drawn to philosophies that promote natural simplicity and rationality. Prioritizing interconnectedness and ethical relationships feels relevant, given today's power dynamics and inequalities. 

In the end, societies Need mindfulness, compassion, and adaptability to thrive in complex environments. Cultivating these traits can lead to more harmonious and responsive communities. Personally, like many others, I find embracing simplicity challenging amidst life's complexities. Perhaps my song 'Simplicidade' captures this sentiment more eloquently, resonating with us in a unique way.

What is the backstory behind ‘Simplicidade,’ and how did the collaboration with Chris Cacavas and Paula Toschi come about?

It’s quite a journey. It all started with my curiosity about Paula's talent for weaving intricate narratives and bringing out multifaceted perspectives through her lyrics. I asked her to explore themes like Light (Luz), Butterfly (Borboleta), and Simplicity (Simplicidade), hoping to dive deep into her storytelling that would inspire my compositions.

Paula's lyrics aren't just beautiful because of their Brazilian Portuguese—they're rhythmically nuanced, which sparked my creativity to capture the essence and depth of each moment through music. Originally, my Rio de Janeiro band brought a funky saxophone vibe to the mix. But collaborating with Chris Cacavas in Germany, with his mastery of instruments like Wurlitzer, Clavinet, and Organ, added a raw, gritty dimension that perfectly complemented the song's vibrancy.

His evocative soundscapes truly brought Paula's reflections to life in an auditory experience that resonates deeply. When you close your eyes and listen, you can feel the vibrations—a reminder that even amidst chaos, there's a cosmic order. This echoes the core theme of 'Simplicidade,' where we embrace life's simplicity and let emotions and sensations guide us, rather than trying to control everything ourselves.

‘Simplicidade’ describes that it’s the simple things that make up life. What are the simple things in your life that you wouldn’t want to miss?

Swimming! For me, swimming is at the heart of simplicity. Whether it's floating in a serene lake, diving into the deep blue from a sailboat in the open sea, or catching the black midnight waves at Copacabana, These moments ground me in 'Simplicidade.' Each time I'm in the water, I learn to surrender to its flow, conserve energy, and patiently wait for the right moment.

My father, who was a lifeguard during his student days, taught me invaluable lessons about navigating water—how to move with its currents, stay buoyant, and conserve strength until it's time to resurface. These teachings remind me that amidst life's complexities, there's wisdom in embracing the natural rhythms and simplicity of water.

Let me share a little anecdote that speaks to what resonates with me: During our bLuzIsLand /biɫusˈaɪɫənd/ trips, where I invited serendipity seekers on a sailboat concert cruise in Croatia as a precursor to my album 'bLuzLand,' —I often seized the chance to leap into the open sea while the boat sailed on. Swimming to the bay, arriving an hour after the crew, symbolized my approach to life and music—immersing myself in the water as a sanctuary, cherishing the connection with the sea, water, and universe.

These leisurely swims became a metaphor for the journey to 'bLuzLand,' each wave and moment of immersion mirroring the creative process, much like Odysseus seeking Ithaca. Despite appearing risky from the outside, 'bLuzLand' invites everyone to join, trusting the environment and integrating within it. Now, you might also read "bLuzIsLand" as "be loose is land."

For me, the song also serves as a brief pause to look back, realize what has happened so far (on (y)our musical journey) and providing strength for what lies ahead. Is this coincidence or intentional?

I intentionally crafted 'SIMPLICIDADE' as a pivotal moment in our journey to bLuzLand, a cathartic reflection following 'CREDO,' the punk song. It's incredible to see how listeners connect with each song, peeling back layers to reveal both light and shadow within this Musical universe. 

The philosophy of 'bLuz.' and the resonance with artifacts like the 'bLuz!-Antena' truly warms my heart—it shows a growing curiosity and connection that I hoped to foster. This Musical connectivity gives me confidence in the path ahead and reaffirms art's power to forge meaningful bonds. If you've missed any of our previous stops, I invite you to revisit, immerse yourself, and explore.

Discover your own reflections and illuminations—all stations are gathered on my website here:

https://julakim.de/category/bLuzLand/

Musically, ‘Simplicidade’ opens another window and showcases your immense versatility and openness across genres. Personally, I believe that we’ve categorized music too rigidly, missing out on surprises because we preselect and no longer allow ourselves to be amazed. How do you see it?

For me, sticking to music categories feels like playing it safe and missing out on the thrill of discovery. I'm all about mixing things up and letting each song find its own groove. Following conventions just ends up sounding too ordinary, you know?

And finally, julakim and the Summer, how will you spend it?

As for my plans this summer, alongside enjoying swimming and touring, I'm eagerly anticipating discovering more moments of simplicity—those cherished times to savour and extend. During quieter periods, I'm also engrossed in crafting my bLuz?-Map, serving as both liner notes for my LP and a playful social experiment inspired by Dadaism. Perhaps it will even evolve into your very own treasure map! Allow me to artistically cartograph for you the light universe known as bLuzLand.

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