Manuel Mota

Manuel Mota is a Lisbon-based guitarist and experimental musician who’s been a key figure in Portugal’s avant-garde and improvisational music scenes since the late ’90s. Known for his abstract, textural approach to the guitar, Mota transforms the instrument into a vehicle for droning atmospheres, fractured melodies, and immersive noise. His work often blurs the line between composition and spontaneity, drawing influence from free jazz, minimalism, and ambient music. Recent releases like *XIX* and *na margem sul* showcase his knack for moody, introspective soundscapes, while collaborative projects like *ZDB-Trio & Solo* highlight his dynamic interplay with fellow improvisers.

A low-key innovator, Mota’s discography—including raw, emotive albums like *Afurada no Coração* and *Emigrante D’ Afurada*—reflects his deep connection to Lisbon’s underground art communities. Whether solo or in groups, his music feels both intimate and untethered, like a late-night conversation between chaos and calm. Tracks from *Lacrau* and others further cement his reputation as a musician who thrives in the margins, where experimentation and emotion collide.