Bezzi

Bezzi formed in São Paulo around 2012, led by singer-songwriter Rodrigo Lima. Their music pulled from the city's own mix of sounds, touching on bossa nova, samba, rock, and punk without settling neatly into any one of them.

In 2014, they put out 'A Cidade É Suja e Só,' a single that caught on locally. The song's direct lyrics and spare arrangement gave voice to a certain urban weariness, framing São Paulo's grit and isolation in plain terms. It became something of an anthem for listeners who recognized that view of the city.

Lima's writing often dealt with social friction and inequality, which sometimes drew criticism from more conservative corners. The band's lineup shifted over time, with Lima remaining the constant voice at the center. Their recordings have a rough, unvarnished quality that feels closer to the street than the studio.