Hailing from Arganil, deep in the Portuguese countryside, Tusa Lusa were a curious project that emerged in the early 90s. In 1992, they even released a single titled “Nem à Chapada” through the somewhat shady Ovação label.
The band played rock with highly diverse influences—ranging from Guns N’ Roses to The Pogues, and Tears for Fears to Killing Joke—demonstrating an openness to the many varied trends in alternative rock and pop at the time.
The Lineup
The original project consisted of:
- João Luís Ferreira (aka Jonas): Vocals, keyboards
- Tua: Drums
- Nuno de Santa Maria: Bass
- José Moreira: Guitar
- (Later joined by Caló on guitar)
Discography and Evolution
Before their official record release, they put out a promotional demo tape featuring eight tracks recorded at Exit Studios in Amadora. The group also released a cassette with eight songs, essentially the equivalent of a full-length album.
After the project disbanded, most of its members went on to form Mau Maria in 1994. This new group brought together members from Tusa Lusa and CTN, though in reality, it was almost entirely made up of former Tusa Lusa members: Jonas, Santa Maria, Tua, and José Moreira, joined by Eduardo Elias from CTN.
Não conhecia esse projeto e fiquei viciado logo na primeira audição. O artigo explica muito bem a essência da sonoridade deles. Já foi direto para a minha playlist de favoritos!
Que iniciativa incrível! A fusão entre a batida contemporânea e as raízes lusas é exatamente o que a nossa cena musical precisava para ganhar o mundo. Portugal Music sempre trazendo o que há de mais fresco!
O artigo no Portugal Music faz um excelente trabalho ao resgatar a memória de uma banda que, embora não tenha tido a exposição comercial massiva de uns Xutos ou Ornatos, foi fundamental para a riqueza do tecido musical da época.