Introducing: Non Talkers

While Non Talkers is led by us as a duo, we consider ourselves a band with a core group complemented by talented musicians who've been part of our musical journey for years. Core Members: Evita Brantner – Lead Singer, Marco Brantner – Singer, Songwriter

Producer Live and Studio Musicians: Melanie Curto – Violin, Mariana Antunes – Cello, Ricardo Pereira – Drummer, Alex Carvalho – Piano/Keyboard, João Rangel – Bass, Joaquim Ribeiro – Guitar

Non Talkers

Where are you based?

We are based in Caminha, Viana do Castelo, Portugal

What genre would you describe yourself as?

Pop folk, Folk Rock

Who is your main inspiration?

Our main inspiration comes from life itself — its myriad of experiences, the people we encounter, and the emotions we navigate. Musically, we're drawn to the rich storytelling of artists like Bob Dylan, the melodic intricacies of Fleet Foxes, and the raw authenticity of Johnny Cash. However, our everyday interactions, relationships, and the universal human experience are the true wellspring of inspiration for our music.

What is your songwriting process (which bits come first?)

Our songwriting process is quite dynamic. More often than not, it starts with the music and melody— a chord progression or a guitar riff that sets the tone. This lays the foundation for the emotional atmosphere of the song. Once we have the musical framework, we delve into the lyrics. The theme and mood of the music guide the lyrical content, and it becomes a symbiotic process where each element complements the other. However, there are instances where the lyrics take the lead, expressing a specific emotion or story that we then build the music around. It's a fluid and collaborative approach that allows us to explore the full spectrum of our creative expression.

What made you want to start in music?

Our journey into music began a bit later in life. Unlike some musicians who come from musical families, we didn't have that influence around us.

Marco: My entry into music was a series of small steps. While I always enjoyed listening to music, I wasn't a music geek exploring various genres. The turning point for me was witnessing a singer/guitarist busking in Barcelona. I was struck by the idea that someone with immense talent wasn't widely known. That moment sparked the desire in me to be able to connect with people through music, even in unexpected settings. The real shift happened in my mid-twenties when I felt I had something to express through this art. I formed my first original music band, and that's when my passion for a musical life took root.

Evita: Singing was always a personal joy for me, but I never performed in public until I met Marco when I was 27. His influence and musical journey guided me to become a professional singer. What is on the horizon for you? Looking ahead, we're excited about the new directions our music is taking. We're constantly inspired by our experiences and the world around us, and this is reflected in our songwriting. We're planning to experiment with new themes and sounds, while staying true to the emotional depth and authenticity that our fans love. We hope to connect even more with our audience through our upcoming projects.

Who would you most like to collaborate with (alive or dead)

Marco: Choosing a potential collaborator is always a challenge given the many artists we admire. Recently, I've been drawn to The Banners. Their music and style really stand out to me, and I think a collaboration with them would be fascinating. Their approach to music aligns well with our own, and the fusion of our sounds could lead to something really special.

Evita: It's indeed hard to pick just one, but at the moment, I'm leaning towards Lewis Capaldi. His songs and lyrics have a profound connection with my own experiences, and his voice is absolutely captivating. Collaborating with him would be an incredible opportunity to blend our emotional storytelling in a way that I believe would resonate strongly with our fans.

What is your ultimate goal?

Our ultimate goal is to connect with people through our music on a deeper level. We want to create songs that not only entertain but also offer comfort, understanding, and a sense of companionship to our listeners. We hope to continue growing as artists, exploring new themes and sounds, and reaching a wider audience. Above all, we strive to remain true to ourselves and our artistic vision, making music that is not just heard, but felt.

If you could cover any song, what would it be?

Marco: I really enjoy covering "Gloria" by The Lumineers in our live shows. It's one of my favourite songs to perform. The energy and emotion in that song resonate with me, and it's always a joy to share our interpretation of it with our audience.

Evita: Adding covers to our performances is something we both love. "To Love Somebody" by the Bee Gees is a particular favourite of mine. It's a classic that holds a special place in my heart, and I relish the opportunity to bring our own flavour to such an iconic song.

Tea making: milk first or last?

Evita: For me, the milk goes in last when making tea. It's the classic way to perfect the taste and temperature.

Marco: I'm a bit unusual in this regard - I don't actually drink coffee or tea. My beverage preferences are a bit different from the norm.

Tell us your funniest joke!

Evita: I'm not really into telling jokes, but I have a sense of humour that finds amusement in life's clumsy moments, like when people trip or fall. It's those unexpected, light-hearted situations that often bring a smile to my face.

Marco: I used to enjoy telling jokes and knew a lot of them when I was younger, but it's amazing how quickly memories fade. Nowadays, I rarely tell jokes, and because I am Portuguese, some of the good ones I know may not translate well into English. I can drop a quick one, though: I recently advised my wife, Evita, to embrace her mistakes. She hugged me.