Mercenárias
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1982 in São Paulo, Brazil |
| Founder | Sandra Coutinho, Rosália Munhoz, Ana Machado |
| Defunct | 1988 (initial dissolution) |
| Fate | Reunited in 2006 with lineup changes |
| Headquarters | São Paulo , Brazil |
| Products | Music albums, singles, compilations |
Mercenárias (translating to "Mercenaries" in Portuguese), occasionally misnamed as As Mercenárias, is a female rock ensemble from Brazil, established in São Paulo in 1982 by bassist Sandra Coutinho, vocalist Rosália Munhoz, and guitarist Ana Machado. Their lyrics, often critical of the Brazilian government and societal issues, have led to comparisons with bands such as Siouxsie and the Banshees, Joy Division, Sex Pistols, and The Slits.
Although the group dissolved in 1988, they reunited in 2006 with a refreshed roster; additional lineup modifications took place in 2015 and 2017. Sandra Coutinho remains the only founding member still active.
History
Originating in São Paulo in 1982, Mercenárias was formed by university students Sandra Coutinho, Rosália Munhoz, and Ana Machado. Initially, Edgard Scandurra served as their drummer but departed to dedicate himself to Ira!. His replacement was Lourdes "Lou" Moreira by the time their debut album was launched. Concurrently, Sandra participated in Smack (1983) and the gothic rock band Cabine C (1984). Their 1983 demo tape captured the attention of the independent label Baratos Afins, which released their first album, Cadê as Armas?, in 1986. Songs such as "Inimigo," "Santa Igreja," "Polícia," and "Pânico" gained underground popularity, with a music video produced for "Pânico."
Their sophomore release, Trashland (1988), issued through EMI, garnered critical praise and earned Bizz magazine's Album of the Year award. Despite this acclaim, EMI terminated their contract, prompting the band's dissolution. Ana and Rosália exited the music scene; Sandra relocated to Berlin in 1998 where she formed the German-Brazilian group Akt before returning to Brazil in 2005. Lourdes shifted careers to Leonardo and became an advocate for LGBT rights.
In 2006, Sandra revived Mercenárias with new members Geórgia Branco and Pitchu Ferraz. The band celebrated three decades of existence in 2012 with a complimentary concert in São Paulo that featured guest artists including Edgard Scandurra.
In November 2013, they appeared at SESC Consolação commemorating Baratos Afins' 35th anniversary alongside former Smack colleagues of Sandra.
Further personnel shifts occurred when Branco and Ferraz departed early in 2015; they were succeeded by Sílvia Tape and Michelle Abu. In mid-2017, Marianne Crestani took over from Tape.
March 2015 saw the announcement of a remastered edition of their 1983 demo—their first release after a 27-year hiatus—released on June 27 by Nada Nada Discos.
On August 11, 2018, Mercenárias issued the box set Baú 83–87, compiling previously unreleased demos and rare tracks recorded between 1983 and 1987.
Studio albums
| Year | Album |
|---|---|
| 1986 | Cadê as Armas? Template:Smalldiv |
| 1988 | Trashland Template:Smalldiv |
Compilations
| Year | Album |
|---|---|
| 2005 | The Beginning of the End of the WorldTemplate:Smalldiv |
| 2005 | Não WaveTemplate:Smalldiv |
| 2005 | The Sexual Life of the SavagesTemplate:Smalldiv |
| 2015 | Demo 1983Template:Smalldiv |
| 2018 | Baú 83–87Template:Smalldiv |
Singles
- Pânico/Rock Europeu (split single released alongside Fellini — 2005)
Current members
- Sandra Coutinho – bass guitar (1982–1988, 2006–present), vocals (2006–present)
- Marianne Crestani – guitar and backing vocals (2017–present)
- Michelle Abu – drums (2015–present)
Former members
- Rosália Munhoz – vocals (1982–1988)
- Ana Machado – guitar (1982–1988)
- Edgard Scandurra – drums (1982–1985)
- Leonardo Moreira – drums (1985–1988)
- Geórgia Branco – guitar (2006–2015)
- Pitchu Ferraz – drums (2006–2015)
- Sílvia Tape – guitar (2015–2017)