Batom Na Cueca

Batom Na Cueca formed in São Paulo with members Marcelo Camelo, Mallu Magalhães, Rodrigo Amarante, and Fred Ferreira. Their name translates to 'Lipstick in Underwear,' which gives you a sense of their playful, slightly provocative approach. They released their debut album in 2007, followed by EPs like 'Cinema' in 2009 and 'Umbigo' in 2011, plus a live album in 2012 and another studio record, 'Essas Coisas,' in 2014.

Their songs often mixed samba, MPB, rock, and folk elements into something that felt both familiar and slightly off-kilter. Tracks like 'Amante Profissional' and 'Gosto do Beijo' became popular, though the former's title and themes drew some criticism from conservative listeners. The band kept writing anyway, working with both acoustic and electric setups to build their arrangements.

They weren't trying to be shocking for its own sake, but their lyrics did touch on love, sex, and everyday social observations in a way that felt candid. That directness, paired with melodies that stuck in your head, gave their music an edge that resonated with a lot of people in Brazil's independent scene.