Biography

Zuco 103 is a Dutch-German-Brazilian band formed in 1999, consisting of Dutch drummer Stefan Kruger, German keyboardist Stefan Schmid, and Brazilian singer Lílian Vieira. Together, they're known for their pioneering 'Brazilectro' sound—a vibrant fusion of Brazilian rhythms, jazz, electronic beats, funk, and global influences. Their music seamlessly blends the warmth of traditional Brazilian styles like samba and bossa nova with modern dance grooves, drum 'n' bass, dub, and afrobeat. The result is an energetic, genre-defying sound that feels both organic and electronic, rich in rhythm and melody, and irresistibly danceable.

Bandmembers

Brazilian singer Lílian Vieira moved to the Netherlands in 1989 to study singing at the Rotterdam Conservatory. While immersing herself in Dutch culture, she also deepened her connection to her Brazilian roots, blending traditional rhythms with new influences. With her powerful voice and charismatic stage presence, Vieira became the soulful heart of the band, touring internationally and captivating audiences worldwide. She has collaborated with numerous artists and projects, always staying true to her love for Brazilian music while embracing fresh musical explorations.

Dutch drummer Stefan Kruger built a reputation as a versatile musician, playing with renowned acts such as SfeQ and New Cool Collective. As a sought-after studio drummer, he developed a signature style that effortlessly blends jazz, funk, and electronic music. With his dynamic drumming and open-minded approach to music, Kruger remains a driving force behind the band's ever-evolving sound. Beyond Zuco 103, he continues to collaborate on various musical projects, always pushing boundaries and exploring new sonic landscapes.

German-born Stefan Schmid studied jazz piano and lived in Amsterdam for many years, where he became a key figure in the Dutch jazz and electronic music scene. While rooted in jazz, his curiosity led him to experiment with different genres, shaping his distinctive sound. He stepped beyond his formal musical training to craft the band's unique 'Brazilectro' identity. Outside of Zuco 103, Schmid remains an adventurous musician, constantly exploring new creative directions in composition and production.

LIVE

Known for their dynamic live performances, Zuco 103 has toured worldwide and performed at international festivals including Roskilde, Sziget, Glastonbury, Rock Werchter, Montreux Jazz Festival, San Sebastian Jazz Festival, Fuji Rock Festival and Bumbershoot (Seattle). In the Netherlands, they have played at festivals such as Lowlands, Pinkpop, and several times at the North Sea Jazz Festival

Discography

With their first album Outro Lado (1999), Zuco 103 gained international fame as one of the pioneers of the Brazilectro genre. In 2000, the band won the Heineken Crossover Award, and in 2003, they received an Dutch Edison Audience Award. In 2004, the band was nominated for a BBC Radio 3 Award for World Music in the Club Global category.
With albums like Tales of High Fever (2002), Whaa! (2005), and After the Carnival (2008), the band achieved success in the Dutch Album Top 100. Remix projects and collaborations with international artists such as Joe Jackson and the legendary reggae and dub producer Lee Scratch Perry have further enriched their sound.
After several years of sabbatical, the band returned in 2015 with a new EP, Apocalypso. In 2016, the album Ethno Chic followed, and in 2019, Tripicalismo. In 2023, they released Telenova which earned them an Dutch Edison Award in the Global category in 2024.