OMIRI is a multifaceted music project by Portuguese artist Vasco Ribeiro Casais. As a contemporary take on Portuguese folklore music, OMIRI combines traditional sounds from different regions of Portugal with modern electronic beats and sampling techniques, breathing new life into age-old musical heritages. Each album or volume under the OMIRI name is a deep dive into the soundscape of a specific Portuguese region, as showcased by titles such as "Ribatejo e Estremadura vol.II: Abrantes e Alcobaça" and "Alentejo vol.I: Évora." By recording live musicians, reclaiming archival sound bites, and performing with a host of traditional instruments - which Vasco himself often plays - OMIRI constructs a vibrant collage of the past and present.

With a keen ear for the literal heartbeat within the rural environments he highlights, OMIRI’s work acts as both an aural documentary and an inventive reinterpretation of cultural staples. Songs like "Saias do Pego" and "Sr. Zé da Gaita" resonate with authenticity, while others, such as "Poesia de Ferro," explore the more poetic side of the Portuguese rural experience. Casais' project not only preserves the rich musical traditions of Portugal but also transforms them into dynamic, contemporary expressions that resonate with both local audiences and international listeners. OMIRI’s live performances are particularly noteworthy, as they often feature an immersive experience with projected visuals that complement the sonic journey, exemplified by the live album "Alentejo vol.I: Évora (Live @Praça do Sertório /Évora /Portugal 13/07/2019)."

Genres

Balfolk

Portuguese Folk

Latest Release

Pasodobre de Mangüeiro (Olvídame)

OMIRI

Single - Released April 5, 2024