Mio Matsuda began her singing career when she discovered fado, the magical traditional music of Portugal. Living in Lisbon and learning the culture, she developed fado as a form of her own self-expression. While studying fado in traditional Casa de fado (fado houses) in Lisbon, she became familiar with the music from the diasporas of Portuguese influenced countries.

In 2004, she traveled to Minas Gerais, Brazil, representing Portugal, to sing in the event called "Na Ponta da Língua," as a representative vocalist. In the same year, she was invited to sing for a month in the Cape Verde islands where she discovered the beauty of Creole music. Her trans-Atlantic musical experience led her to record her first album "Atlântica" (2005 JVC) in Rio de Janeiro. "Atlantica" united songs from the many Atlantic Ocean ports of Portugal, Cape Verde and Brazil, mixing the lovely sounds of these three highly musical countries.

In the following year, Mio recorded her second album “Pitanga!”(2006 JVC) in Rio de Janeiro. On "Pitanga," she recorded her own compositions inspired by the northeast Brazilian rhythms and rituals. Her voice mixed with the many instruments and musical styles of that highly musical area.

In 2007 she recorded her third album "Asas"(2007 Omagatoki) in Rio de Janeiro. On this brand new album,Cristovao Bastos(piano)and Joao Lyra(guitar), the two masters of Brazilian music have accompanied her Japanese and Brazilian songs of "Saudade",In October, she toured all over Japan with Joao Lyra.

While becoming an important figure in interpreting the music of Portuguese culture in Japan, Mio has collaborated with artists from all over the world, such as the already legendary Yamandú Costa (Brazil) and the inspired Jadranka Stojakovic (Sarajevo).Also in August, 2007, she was invited to Kodo's 20th Earth Celebration to sing among Giovanni Hidalgo,Zakir Hussein,Yosuke Yamashita,Tamango and Kodo.

Mio's unique singing style and sensibility reflects her colorful background and inspiring journeys.

Visit Mio Matsuda's Myspace

Photo by Eduardo Torres