The Knocks were formed in 2008 by James "JPatt" Patterson and Ben "DJ B-Roc" Ruttner. Patterson and Ruttner met at New York City's New School and shared an apartment, where they set up small recording studios in their bedrooms. The loud noise coming from their apartment led to neighbors constantly knocking on their door in order to get them to pipe down, hence the duo's name. Early success as remixers, however, enabled them to build their own studio in Manhattan. During 2008 and 2009, Knocks remixes surfaced for Katy Perry ("I Kissed a Girl"), Britney Spears ("3"), and PRGz ("Soul Glo"). B-Roc and Andrew W.K. also released DAMN! The Mixtape Vol. 1 in 2009, featuring several Knocks productions.
In 2010, the Knocks released their first singles, the sunny "Dancing with the DJ" (which later appeared on their 2011 EP Magic) and the whistling "Make It Better." Over the course of the next few years, the duo's profile was magnified by additional remixes for Tegan and Sara ("Closer"), the 1975 ("Girls"), and Dragonette ("Let It Go"), among others, in addition to tours with Ellie Goulding, Dragonette, and Sleigh Bells. They also collaborated with Fred Falke for the Kitsuné Music release "Geronimo" in 2012, as well as Treasure Fingers for "DYWT," released on Fool's Gold Clubhouse in 2014. Also in 2014, the group released an EP, titled Comfortable and released on the Neon Gold label, that included collaborations with X Ambassadors and Ra Ra Riot.
Signed to Big Beat, the Knocks slowed it down a bit for the 2014 single "Classic," one of their funkier and more disco-indebted singles, featuring Powers. An EP titled So Classic appeared in April 2015, followed by a new version of "Classic" featuring a verse by Fetty Wap. The Knocks spent much of the year working on their long-delayed debut album, which was previewed by the singles "I Wish (My Taylor Swift)" (with Matthew Koma) and "New York City" (featuring Cam'ron). Finally, in March 2016, the duo released their first full-length, 55, which included additional guest appearances from Wyclef Jean, Walk the Moon, Carly Rae Jepsen, Alex Newell, and Semi-Precious Weapons' Justin Trantor. That July, the pair remixed selected tracks from the album on the 55.5 EP.
In early 2017, the Knocks released Testify, an EP of new songs featuring collaborations with MNEK, Delacey, and Tayla Parx. Later that year, the duo teamed up with Skylar Spence and released a future funk mixtape as Amelia Airhorn. They also formed the Mary Nixons, a group with Mat Zo, and issued the single "Adrian." They followed with the Captain Cuts collaboration "House Party." July 2018 saw the release of the single "Shades" which appeared later that year on the Knocks' second full-length, New York Narcotic. The album also featured contributions from Method Man, Sofi Tukker, and Foster the People.
2019 brought several singles, including the Kah-Lo collaboration "Awa Ni" and "Lucky Me" (with Great Good Fine Ok). Most of these were collected on the EP Summer Series: 2019. Several more singles arrived in 2020, including "One Fine Day" (with Idris Elba), "Bodies" (with MUNA), and "All About You" (featuring Foster the People). The following year, they released Melody & Silence, an EP with Foster the People that included a remix of the single, as well as covers of hits by Beck, Moby, and the Verve. Also in 2021, the Knocks released "R U High" (featuring Mallrat) and "Sound the Alarm" (featuring Rivers Cuomo and Royal & the Serpent), and were featured on Purple Disco Machine's "Fireworks." The following year saw the release of the full-length effort, HISTORY, which featured collaborations with Foster the People, MUNA, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, Cold War Kids, Parson James, and Yoke Lore, among others.
Biography by Andy Kellman
Brazilian Soul
The Knocks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Garota brasileira dancing into the daylight
Just swinging, rebolado
Don't know how but I try to
Seu jeitinho e o carinho
Something that é fato
Quer saber de onde sou?
Brasil!
(Yeah, São Paulo, Rio, Brooklyn, Rio)
Quer saber de onde sou?
Brasileira, meu amor
Brasil!
(Love that Brazilian soul)
A tambourine in the enredo of samba
In the heat of December
Oh, Brazil is where I go
I think I got a kiss of Brazilian soul
I'll always remember
In the heat of December
When we let our hearts grow close
(Love that Brazilian soul)
A tambourine in the enredo of samba (she's in the enredo of samba)
In the heat of December
Oh, Brazil is where I go
I think I got a kiss of Brazilian soul
I'll always remember (she says she always remember)
In the heat of December
When we let our hearts grow close
(Love that Brazilian soul)
The swing and the samba, uh
Todo mundo bamba, uh
Da alma brasileira
Drinking coffee with the capoeira, uh
From New York to Pará, uh
Atlanta to Paraná, uh
São Paulo, Tocantins
Miami and the in-between
Quer saber de onde sou?
Brasileira, meu amor
Brasil!
(Yeah, São Paulo, Rio, Brooklyn, Rio)
Quer saber de onde sou?
Brasileira, meu amor
Brasil!
(Love that Brazilian soul)
A tambourine in the enredo of samba
In the heat of December
Oh, Brazil is where I go
I think I got a kiss of Brazilian soul
I'll always remember
In the heat of December
When we let our hearts grow close
(Love that Brazilian soul)
A tambourine in the enredo of samba (she's in the enredo of samba)
In the heat of December
Oh, Brazil is where I go
I think I got a kiss of Brazilian soul
I'll always remember (she says she always remember)
In the heat of December
When we let our hearts grow close
(Love that Brazilian soul)
The lyrics of "Brazilian Soul" by The Knocks Sofi Tukker talks about the Brazilian culture, especially the music and dance that are an essential part of it. The song describes the experience of being in Brazil, the beach, the sun, and the night. It mentions the Brazilian girl who is dancing with her rebolado, a flirty hip movement that is famous in Brazilian dance styles such as samba and forró. The lyrics also mention the tambourine, which is a significant instrument in samba music, and how it adds to the enredo (story) of the song, making it more powerful and appealing.
The chorus of the song, "Quer saber de onde sou? Brasileira, meu amor. Brasil! (Do you want to know where I'm from? Brazilian, my love. Brazil!)" is an expression of love and pride for the Brazilian culture. The lyrics mention different cities in Brazil, such as Sao Paulo, Rio, Tocantins, and Paraná, emphasizing that Brazilian culture is not limited to one particular region. The song also talks about how the Brazilian soul can be felt even outside of Brazil, in cities like New York, Atlanta, and Miami, and how it brings people together and forms an unbreakable bond.
In conclusion, "Brazilian Soul" is a celebration of Brazilian music, dance, and culture. The lyrics express the love and admiration for Brazil and its people, highlighting the impact that Brazilian culture has on people worldwide.
Line by Line Meaning
A praia and the sun, the forró and the night
The warm sun on the beach, the lively music and fun of forró, and the night full of possibilities.
Garota brasileira dancing into the daylight
A Brazilian girl having the time of her life, dancing into the early hours of the morning.
Just swinging, rebolado
Moving and grooving with the rhythm, shaking that booty with the infamous Brazilian 'rebolado' dance.
Don't know how but I try to
Not quite sure how to match the expert dancers, but trying to keep up and still have a good time.
Seu jeitinho e o carinho
The unique way of being and the affectionate nature of the Brazilian culture.
Something that é fato
A fact that cannot be denied or ignored.
Quer saber de onde sou?
Do you want to know where I'm from?
Brasileira, meu amor
Brazilian, my love.
Brasil!
The beautiful country of Brazil!
(Yeah, São Paulo, Rio, Brooklyn, Rio)
Cities that hold a special place in her heart, including her hometown (São Paulo), a popular beach destination (Rio), and a place she's come to love (Brooklyn).
Love that Brazilian soul
The infectious and passionate spirit of the Brazilian people that she can't help but adore.
A tambourine in the enredo of samba
A lively and rhythmic instrument that is a staple in the traditional Brazilian samba music.
In the heat of December
Despite the hot temperatures in the month of December, Brazil is still a vibrant and exciting place to be.
Oh, Brazil is where I go
Her love and connection to Brazil draws her back to the country time and time again.
I think I got a kiss of Brazilian soul
Feeling as though she's been touched and transformed by the unique and special energy of Brazil.
I'll always remember
The memories and experiences in Brazil will stay with her forever.
When we let our hearts grow close
Moments of deep connection and closeness with the people and culture of Brazil.
The swing and the samba, uh
The lively and energetic rhythm of Brazilian swing and samba music.
Todo mundo bamba, uh
Everyone is dancing and having a good time, regardless of their skill level.
Da alma brasileira
The soul and essence of what it means to be Brazilian.
Drinking coffee with the capoeira, uh
Enjoying the traditional Brazilian drink of coffee while also experiencing the cultural richness of capoeira, a Brazilian martial art and dance form.
From New York to Pará, uh
From the bustling city of New York to the remote state of Pará in Brazil, the Brazilian spirit can be found everywhere.
Atlanta to Paraná, uh
From the southern city of Atlanta to the southern state of Paraná in Brazil, the Brazilian soul transcends borders and boundaries.
São Paulo, Tocantins
From the bustling metropolis of São Paulo to the natural beauty of Tocantins, Brazil offers a rich and diverse experience.
Miami and the in-between
Even in the gap between two distinct cultures like Miami and Brazil, the connection and love for Brazilian culture remains strong.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BEN RUTTNER, JAMES PATTERSON, KAELYN BEHR, SOPHIE HAWLEY, TUCKER HALPERN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
SOFI TUKKER
So excited to be putting out another song with our good friends The Knocks! ❤️🇧🇷 Essa música significa muito para nós. O espírito do Brasil nos inspira muito e é uma grande parte da nossa arte. Obrigada a nossos amigos do Brasil pelo apoio, o amor, e a inspiração sem fim! Te amo, Brasil!
Afonso Henrique
Amamos vcs 😍😍😍😍😍
Nicollas Rychard
👏👏
Pablo Sousa
SOFI TUKKER vocês são maravilhosos, eu amo vocês! ❤
Arthur Wanderley
ESTOU APAIXONADO NESSA MÚSICA E NO CLIPE
Cássia Oliveira
Vocês são maravilhosos 😍✨♥️
Adriana Magalhaes
O vídeo tem um pouco da vibe clichê de se retratar o Brasil, mas de um jeito mais tranquilo, sem ser apelativo. Eu gostei disso. Demonstrou respeito e delicadeza pela nossa nação. Muito legal!
Jack
Falou tudo
linscker marim
Também penso pelo lado de que reforça esse estereótipo que se tem sobre o Brasil/brasileiro.
Nerilene Crisóstomo
Achei a mesma coisa Adriana. Mas ficou light com relação a outros clipes de artistas já feitos.