in LA during the pandemic. He says his writing table is separated from the rest of his studio, a sacred space where no machines are allowed, just pen and paper. When he's ready to commit to the words, he records them using a typewriter. Jessica Pons for NPR hide caption

toggle caption Jessica Pons for NPR

Rodrigo Amarante finished writing and recording his latest album, Drama, at his home studio in LA during the pandemic. He says his writing table is separated from the rest of his studio, a sacred space where no machines are allowed, just pen and paper. When he's ready to commit to the words, he records them using a typewriter.

Jessica Pons for NPR

Starting over can be scary. But not for Rodrigo Amarante. After an established musical career in Brazil, he made the jump to the U.S., where his relative anonymity was a source of creative energy — and an opportunity to reinvent himself.

Amarante's second solo album, Drama, is about rejecting traditional forms of masculinity and embracing imperfections — then releasing them as a beautiful symphony of chaos and, well, drama.

Hear Rodrigo Amarante's live performance of the song "Tara" from his new album.

In participating regions, you'll also hear a local news segment that will help you make sense of what's going on in your community.

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This episode was produced by Jonaki Mehta, Brianna Scott and Brent Baughman. It was edited by Cyrena Touros, Lee Hale and Sami Yenigun with help from Brandon Shillingford. Our executive producer is Cara Tallo.

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