EP “Gil by Alok & Friends Remixes” revisits Gilberto Gil classics with leading names from Brazil’s electronic scene.
Bridge between generations of Brazilian music
The project “Gil by Alok & Friends Remixes” arrives on streaming platforms on December 19. The EP celebrates the encounter between Gilberto Gil’s repertoire and Alok’s electronic style. In this way, it connects two generations of Brazilian artists with strong global impact.
The release brings new versions of songs that cross generations and helped shape MPB. Moreover, it shows how Gil’s work remains current and open to experimentation. The tracks bring listeners closer to electronic music while preserving the composer’s melodic strength.
Classics reimagined on the dance floor
The EP features six new tracks inspired by four Gilberto Gil classics: “Palco”, “Toda Menina Baiana”, “Tempo Rei” and “Maracatu Atômico”. Produced by ALOK, the project brings together several prominent names in electronic music. Thus, it builds a bridge between tradition and the club universe.
Artists Bhaskar, Maz, Mozambo, unfazed, WatzGood and SOMETHING ELSE join Alok in crafting the remixes. They share the creative process, highlighting the strength of this new generation. In turn, the EP expands the frontiers of the Brazilian electronic scene by engaging with a classic repertoire.
Symbolic onstage and backstage moment
The collaboration between Alok and Gil gained a symbolic chapter in June this year. The composer joined the Keep Art Human show at Arena Mercado Livre Pacaembu, in São Paulo. Behind the scenes, mutual admiration turned into a curious and memorable moment.
Intrigued by the world of electronic music, Gilberto Gil asked Alok to explain how his DJ setup works. The roles reversed, and the teacher became the student. In this context, the Bahia-born artist even tried his hand as a DJ, symbolizing a genuine creative exchange.
Statements from Alok and Gilberto Gil
For Alok, revisiting this repertoire brought both responsibility and joy. He describes Gil as a synthesis of Brazilian culture, blending roots, pop and timeless wisdom. He also says the challenge was to update the songs without losing their original “flavors”.
“Gil is a force of nature. In him, the roots of our culture, pop and a wisdom that transcends times, styles, past and future are completed. Gil is a synthesis! Revisiting this repertoire was a very beautiful challenge. I did everything very carefully because these songs carry the history, memory and affection of the whole of Brazil. I hope these versions season Gil’s work without losing any of its original flavors and with an energy that reaches every audience,” said Alok.
Gilberto Gil welcomed the invitation with enthusiasm and curiosity. He emphasized Alok’s global recognition and the DJ’s dedication to every project. Furthermore, he said he enjoys seeing songs from different phases of his life gain new outfits and reach new audiences.
“I gladly received Alok’s request to work on some songs from my repertoire alongside his friends from the dancefloor. I was happy because I know the recognition he has all over the world, which comes from the excellence with which he dedicates himself to everything he does, and also because I like to see songs from other moments of my life gaining new outfits and allowing themselves to reach universes still unknown and that still do not know them. These are four beloved songs from my repertoire that are in excellent hands. The parties at my house just gained new tracks,” said Gilberto Gil.
Brazilian music in constant dialogue
“Gil by Alok & Friends Remixes” reinforces the strength of Brazilian music in constant dialogue with the present. The EP shows how artists can build connections that cross eras, aesthetics and emotions. Therefore, the project highlights the vitality and versatility of Gilberto Gil’s repertoire.
Check out the tracklist:
1 – Palco (Alok & WatzGood Remix)
2 – Toda Menina Baiana (Alok & unfazed Remix)
3 – Maracatu Atômico (Alok, Maz, Mozambo Remix)
4 – Palco (SOMETHING ELSE Remix)
5 – Tempo Rei (Alok Remix)
6 – Maracatu Atômico (Alok & Bhaskar Remix)
