By Michela DellaMonica, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL — A crowd of a thousand screaming fans, mostly teenage girls, anxiously waited in line outside of the Gringo Café in Ipanema yesterday for a chance to meet the sensational Brazilian pop band, P9. The free event was held for the P9 VIP Fan Club members who were able to snap a photo with the band members and receive a signed poster of the group just in time for Christmas.
Julia Soares, a 13-year old fan from Gavea, lined up to catch all of the action at 10AM yesterday morning. “I’ve seen them about five times in various places in Rio, I couldn’t miss this opportunity,” she exclaims.
The first “boy band” of Brazil, P9, is made up of four teenage vocalists, Guilherme, Igor, Michael and Jonathan. Named after their favorite hangout spot in Ipanema beach, “Posto 9,” the P9 combines the easiness of the Carioca lifestyle, surfing and the passion of four boys and their love of music.
“This name is significant to us because it represents our lifestyle here in Rio where we’re from; going to the beach, surfing and playing soccer,” says Michael.
They explore their vocal capacities with instruments like piano, acoustic guitar, drums, bass guitar and ukulele, creating a lively and light sound. P9 has had much success this year with their self-titled debut album, “P9,” and two hit singles, “Love You in Those Jeans,” and “My Favorite Girl,” totaling over five million hits on their Vevo page.
Winners of this year’s Nickleodeon Kid’s Choice Award for “Best Group” and ready to go on tour this January and February; P9 is excited to keep the momentum going.
“Our goals for this new year ahead are to stay together, sell music and tour throughout Brazil. We love our fans and it’s an honor to have them,” explains Michael.
P9 is signed to Sony Music Brasil and JV Rio, a record label owned by Jason Herbert and Venus Brown and made up of carioca artists who record music in English.
“JV Rio aims to show the world what Carioca music is all about,” says Jason Herbert, P9’s manager and CEO of JV Rio.
The album “P9” is available on iTunes now and dates for their upcoming tour can be found on their official site in the coming weeks.
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