Spinning

Spinning is one of the standout names in alternative rock emerging from the Portuguese interior, specifically Vila Real, where the project first came to life in 2004. The band carries a musical heritage that began to take shape even earlier, when Pedro Costa Paulo and Daniel Branco decided to join forces following the end of a previous venture. With the arrival of Filipe Magalhães Ferreira, the group realized they had enough raw material to aim higher, sparking an intense phase of rehearsals and the recording of their first demo, marked by the resilient spirit of those working with limited resources.

In this early stage, still under the name Spinning Shalk, their sound leaned toward a pop-rock style that quickly caught the eye of both the public and critics. A second-place finish at Rock Nordeste 2004 served as the fuel for an impressive streak of achievements, including the release of the EP “The Lost” and appearances on major stages. Between opening slots for iconic acts like Da Weasel and Xutos & Pontapés, the group solidified their presence on the modern music competition circuit, racking up awards in places like Póvoa do Lanhoso and Grândola, which confirmed their growing potential.

The turn of the decade brought a renewed maturity and a crucial aesthetic shift, with the band simplifying their name to just Spinning and defining what they humorously called the “Spinning sound.” The year 2010 turned out to be the definitive milestone of their career, receiving the prestigious invitation to close for the legendary B.B. King in Sabrosa. This recognition extended to other fronts, earning public praise from figures like Luís Jardim and returning to shine as the closing act for Rock Nordeste, playing at home before their loyal local audience.

In 2011, the release of the EP “Too Late” revealed a more progressive and rhythmic side of the band, exploring atmospheres that oscillated between glamour and playfulness. Their success continued into the following year, with a victory at the Grândola Pop-Rock Music Contest and a spot in the final of the historic Corroios Festival. This period saw them constantly on the move, taking the music of the Trás-os-Montes region to festivals and stages across the country, from Guimarães to Aveiro, reinforcing their image as a band that mastered the art of live performance.

The year 2013 was dedicated to creative introspection and studio work, beginning with a concert at Exponor where they were honored for the music video of the track “Melodramatic.” This songwriting effort culminated in the December release of the EP “Alter Act,” a record made available for free on the internet as a way to stay close to their fans. It was a moment of peak productivity that showed a group in total harmony with new digital distribution methods while maintaining the integrity of their alternative rock roots.

However, the band’s journey eventually hit a pause in 2014 when they decided to go on hiatus due to unavoidable circumstances related to the family life of one of the founders. Prioritizing unity and total commitment, Spinning felt the project only made sense with every member giving 100%, saying a temporary goodbye to the stage at a memorable concert during the UTAD Academic Week. The band’s legacy remains a vibrant chapter of rock made in Trás-os-Montes, leaving an indelible mark on the Portuguese independent music scene.

It is truly frustrating when bands with such a rich history and iconic stage moments—like opening for B.B. King—seem to “fade away” from the digital map. This is a recurring phenomenon in Portuguese independent music from the 2000s, where much of the material was left behind on platforms that fell out of use (like MySpace) or in limited-run physical formats.

In the case of Spinning, preserving their work is an interesting challenge, as they released at least three EPs (The Lost, Too Late, and Alter Act) that deserve to be rescued. Since the band themselves released their final work for free at the time, there is an ethical foundation for that sharing to continue among enthusiasts.

Sharing this type of music is an act of cultural resistance. Keeping the memory alive of a band that won contests from North to South and was praised by figures like Luís Jardim helps provide context to the evolution of rock in Portugal.