Carminho says she feels very blessed and proud of the work she’s doing in the U.S
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Loading... - Teresa Butler
- 04 Mar 2025
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Carminho, the renowned Portuguese fado singer and 2023 Latin Grammy nominee, has been making waves in the U.S. music scene, expressing her pride and gratitude for the work she’s doing to promote Portugal’s national song. Recently featured in Yorgos Lanthimos’s Oscar-winning film Poor Things, Carminho’s limited U.S. tour has been a remarkable experience, allowing her to introduce fado to new audiences and venues.
“This is the fifth tour in the United States, and we have an ever-growing audience,” Carminho shared in an interview with O Jornal. “I feel that there is now much more interest in the Portuguese language, for Portugal, for fado culture, and my work in particular. I am feeling very blessed with the work we are doing in the U.S.”
The tour kicked off with a performance for NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert, a platform known for showcasing diverse musical talents. Carminho described the experience as incredible, noting the significance of being part of a legendary show that introduces various genres to a wider audience. The tour concluded with a performance at New York City’s iconic The Town Hall, further solidifying her presence in the American music landscape.
Carminho’s U.S. tour coincided with the release of her EP, Carminho at Electrical Audio, recorded in a single day with the late legendary producer Steve Albini. Known for his work with iconic bands like Nirvana and the Pixies, Albini’s influence is evident in the EP, which showcases a blend of traditional Portuguese music with innovative sounds.
“Working with Steve Albini was incredible,” Carminho reflected. “We felt so inspired. The way he recorded all the instruments; the way he gave us space… the sound almost looks like a translation of a fado house.”
The EP features four tracks, including “Os Argonautus” with Brazilian singer Caetano Veloso, and highlights the unique combination of traditional and non-traditional instruments. Carminho expressed her desire to return to the studio for a full album with Albini, a plan that was tragically cut short by his passing in May 2024. Despite this loss, she cherishes the session they recorded together, viewing it as a beautiful tribute to his artistry.
“Our creative process on this EP was one of true collaboration. Albini’s genius influence is inescapable,” she said. “While the music industry has lost an incredible talent; in a way, he lives on in our songs.”
The past two years have been a whirlwind for Carminho, marked by significant milestones. She performed alongside Coldplay in Lisbon, sang for Pope Francis at World Youth Day, and received a Latin Grammy nomination for her album Portuguesa. Reflecting on her experience singing for the pope, she described it as deeply touching, emphasizing the spiritual connection she felt during the ceremony.
Carminho also made her mark in the film industry with her appearance in Poor Things, where she performed her song “O Quarto.” The premiere in New York was a memorable event, where she surprised the cast, including Emma Stone and Taylor Swift, with a reenactment of her scene.
Born in Lisbon to a successful fado singer, Carminho has been immersed in music from a young age. She views fado as a means of expressing her thoughts and experiences, allowing her to communicate her emotions through this traditional genre. Her work reflects a blend of both traditional and contemporary fado, as she experiments with different sounds and instruments.
“I am doing a lot of work in traditional fado, and the deconstructing of elements and putting each element serving the song,” she explained. “We are always talking about fado and the way we get to the emotion.”
As she prepares for the future, Carminho is already working on new songs and plans to release a new album in 2025. “I’m already recording at the studio,” she revealed, hinting at exciting developments on the horizon.
Carminho’s journey as a fado artist is a testament to her dedication and passion for her craft. With her recent successes in the U.S. and her innovative approach to traditional music, she continues to elevate the profile of fado on the global stage. As she embraces new opportunities and collaborations, Carminho remains committed to her roots, ensuring that the rich heritage of Portuguese music resonates with audiences around the world.
