A flood of “Come to Brazil” comments might have lured British pop star Rose Gray across the Atlantic last November – but it was the country’s magic that made her stay, at least in spirit. As she poses for photographer Gabriel Marques, she tells Wonderland exactly why.
The music industry runs on a few widely accepted truths: the make-or-break power of a festival slot, the anxiety of a second album, the lasting grip of radio in a TikTok-filled world. But there’s one that feels almost beyond debate – nothing rivals a Brazilian crowd. Ask any artist and watch their eyes light up at the mere mention: the volume, the devotion, the love. After all, who else is campaigning daily in Instagram comment sections, summoning their favourite acts to their shores? Rose Gray gets it now.
After two weeks in Brazil last November – her first time in the country, complete with the biggest headline show of the BRIT Rising Star Award nominee’s career – she returned with more than just party and salt-water-filled memories. There was a renewed appreciation for the culture, early whispers of collaboration with local artists, and an immediate urge to come back, obviously. It also opened the door to working with Brazilian creatives, including photographer Gabriel Marques.
On a sun-soaked afternoon in Rio, the pair took over the sands of Ipanema Beach for a shoot that doubles as a postcard from her time there. What lingers is something Brazilians call “saudade” – the untranslatable ache for a person, a moment, a place. Speaking to Wonderland, Rose Gray talks beaches, inspirations, and a Rock in Rio manifestation. Scroll on…
Why is Brazil such a special place for you? What do you love most about spending time there?
I love Brazil. It was the biggest headline show I’ve ever played, and it still is to this day. The energy, the people, the love for pop music. It was unlike anything I’ve experienced. I spent two weeks there last November, and I felt so free. Honestly, I could have stayed for weeks longer.
It was crazy seeing how my music connected out there… kind of wild, to be honest. Hearing thousands of people sing every word of [her sophomore album] Louder, Please back to me made me realise something was really happening. It’s a moment I’ll never forget, and I can’t wait to come back.
What’s the best meal you’ve ever had in Rio, and where was it? What made it so special?
Every BBQ and açai bowl. But also the cheesy corn from Ipanema Beach served to me under my umbrella.
What’s your favourite thing to do when you’re in the city?
Ipanema beach. Just wow. We shot these images there and I was so in love. What a beautiful beach with the most beautiful people I’ve ever seen in my life lol.
Has Brazil influenced your music or creativity in any way?
My trip really inspired me. I came back and finished “Club To Your Arms”. I distinctly remember coming home and feeling very full and ready to create. Playing such huge crowds also just made everything feel very real.
Are you listening to any Brazilian artists at the moment? Who’s on your radar right now? Any dream collaborations you’d love to make happen?
Working with Clementaum again – she was a dream.
If Rio were a Rose Gray song, which one would it be and why?
“Wet & Wild”. No questions asked.
Do you have a favourite memory from the city?
After my show at Zig in Rio, I couldn’t sleep so I brought my duvet to the balcony and watched the sun come up on Copacabana beach. I listened to new demos (unreleased) and had a little cry. Life felt like a movie. The beach was full of people dancing after leaving clubs or parties.
Talk to me about Brazilian club culture. Have you had any particularly memorable nights out in Rio? Where did you go, and what do you love most about partying with Brazilians?
After I came off stage in São Paulo at Zig Fabriketa. I had one of the best nights ever. It was insane. The venue completely blew my mind, an abandoned factory transformed into a space with both indoor and outdoor areas. I pulled my hood up and partied until the sun came up so the fans wouldn’t recognise me. It ended up being one of my favourite nights of the whole trip.
Have you picked up any Portuguese while spending time there? Any favourite words or phrases?
Mais alto, por favor! [Louder, please, in Portuguese].
Is there anything you think Brazilians do better? Why?
A lot to be honest. Beaches. Summers. Outdoor dancing. Overall vibes to be honest, the people are extra beautiful inside and out
Can fans expect to see you back in Brazil anytime soon?
I will be back; I don’t know when, but soon. I want to get booked for Rock in Rio next year.
Rose Gray’s, Rose Gray’s, Rose Gray’s
Photography & CD — @antropofagia
Words – @sofiacsf
Video — @jaderchahine
Retouch — @claraboia.lab
Video FX — @pedrosari
Camera Assistant — @felipesaraiva12
Styling — @guilhermo_lima
Fashion Producer — @gabbotasso
