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Next Generation Radio @ SXSW

From: Next Generation Radio
Series: NPR's Next Generation Radio
Length: 05:15

Piece Audio

Playing: Next Generation Radio @ SXSW
From: Next Generation Radio

Default-piece-image-1 NPR's "next generation radio" and member station KUT in Austin Texas, produced a one week "next gen" project during the South-By-Southwest (SXSW) Festivals. This piece focuses on the transformation of Gilberto Gil from a counter-cultural icon of the 1960s to the Brazilian government?s Minister of Culture and what influence he has on the current generation.

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Piece Description

NPR's "next generation radio" and member station KUT in Austin Texas, produced a one week "next gen" project during the South-By-Southwest (SXSW) Festivals. This piece focuses on the transformation of Gilberto Gil from a counter-cultural icon of the 1960s to the Brazilian government?s Minister of Culture and what influence he has on the current generation.

Transcript

When Gilberto Gil burst on the scene in the 60s, the sweet sounds of bossa nova ruled Brazilian airwaves. Gil infused the music with psychedelic guitar riffs and surreal lyrics.

[bring in instrumental intro section of ?Domingo no Parque? under reporter track]

Gil and his lifelong friend Caetano Veloso mixed rock, Brazilian folk, and bossa to create a cultural and political movement they called Tropicalia. They parodied the country?s military dictators on a TV show that was supposed to showcase mainstream pop.

[tape of ?Bat Macumba? with scratchy guitars, loud percussion. Gil screaming over music. Fade out.]

The two paid a price for their antics. They were jailed and exiled to London. When they returned, Brazil was going through the worst period of the dictatorship, and leftist rebels didn?t like their ironic attitude either. In 1971, Gil and singer Chico Buarque tried to si...
Read the full transcript

Timing and Cues

As Brazil?s Minister of Culture, Gilberto Gil crafts public policy. But he?s also a counter-cultural icon who helped launch a movement that shocked the country?s dictators and created a worldwide fan base for Brazilian music. Gil came to Austin during SXSW to talk about the future of music in a digital world and his legacy. Next Generation Radio's Russell Cobb has more..