The Titãs reunion tour was far more than a nostalgic get-together. For drummer Charles Gavin, it presented a physical and technical challenge that prompted him to rediscover his own rhythm and style.
In an interview with Novità Music — who shared the video interview with fans — Gavin revealed how he utilized Moises to prepare for the Encontro tour. The app allowed him to isolate drum tracks from the band’s original recordings, enabling him to practice directly over them. This approach helped him recapture the precision of Titãs’ classic arrangements while adapting his technique to meet current demands.
In this article, you’ll learn more about Charles Gavin, the tour, and Moises’ role in this process. Keep reading!
Who is Charles Gavin?
More than a drummer, Charles Gavin has been an essential architect of Titãs’ sonic identity. His unique style has contributed to the band’s sonic compositions and innovative character.
At every stage, Gavin has been crucial to the group, seamlessly blending his precise technique and vibrant energy with Titãs’ evolving sound. He didn’t merely accompany; he intensified each song with beats that embodied the band’s spirit and forged a deep connection with their audience.
Throughout his career, Gavin has showcased remarkable versatility, adapting his approach to Titãs’ diverse experimentations—from classic rock to more avant-garde sounds. His knack for adding intensity and nuance through distinctive rhythmic variations has made each Titãs track memorable and impactful. This masterful balance of precision and creativity has not only captivated fans, but inspired generations of musicians in the Brazilian music scene.
Titãs: A band that resonates across generations
Formed in São Paulo in the early '80s, Titãs quickly became one of the biggest names in Brazilian rock. Their eclectic style blended rock, pop, and national music influences. With lyrics addressing social and political themes through ironic criticism and biting humor, they swiftly captured public attention.
Despite numerous lineup changes over the decades, Titãs' essence remained intact: a band committed to innovation that expertly explored different styles without losing its identity. They captured the essence of Brazilian society, tackling themes like alienation, consumerism, and the search for identity. Some of their most renowned songs include:
- Sonífera Ilha (1984);
- Go Back (1984);
- Cabeça Dinossauro (1986);
- Comida (1997);
- Epitáfio (2001).
These tracks showcase the band’s evolution, from the restless energy of youth to more mature reflections on life and the passage of time. Titãs' journey solidified their status as a cultural landmark, with their influence extending far beyond music to resonate as an integral part of Brazilian national identity.
The Encontro tour
Four decades after their formation, Titãs reunited for a historic tour celebrating the band’s journey and impact on Brazilian rock. The two-hour shows featured 32 songs, spanning their illustrious career.
Over the years, the band underwent several lineup changes, eventually whittling down to just three remaining members: Branco Mello, Sérgio Britto, and Tony Bellotto.
However, to celebrate their 40-year legacy, the Encontro tour brought together the original lineup, including ex-band members: Nando Reis, Paulo Miklos, Arnaldo Antunes, and Charles Gavin. Honoring the memory of guitarist Marcelo Fromer, who passed away in 2001, the band invited producer Liminha to join them on stage, filling the void left by Fromer’s absence.
What began as a modest announcement of ten performances swiftly ballooned into nearly fifty shows, extending beyond Brazil’s borders to international venues. The tour, which culminated at Lollapalooza Brazil in 2024, was characterized by stellar performances and poignant moments. It offered fans a chance to relive the raw intensity of one of Brazilian rock's most iconic bands.
Maintaining original arrangements
For this commemorative tour, Titãs decided to reproduce the original arrangements of their songs—a choice that would evoke a powerful nostalgia in fans despite presenting a formidable technical challenge for the band.
Reviving the authentic sound of these tracks demanded intense and rigorous preparation from the musicians. This was especially true for drummer Charles Gavin, who faced significant physical challenges in recapturing the rhythmic intensity that defined his performances in the 1980s.
“Today, I think I'm more precise. I hit harder, but don’t have the same speed.” (Charles Gavin)
This pursuit of precision in recreating the original arrangements profoundly impacted the audience, forging a direct link to the memories these songs evoke. For the musicians, the decision became an exercise in discipline and adaptability, deftly balancing youthful energy with hard-earned maturity.
Charles Gavin’s preparation for the tour
For his return to the stage in the Encontro tour, Charles Gavin adopted a preparation routine that went beyond musical practice. He approached the challenge with an athlete’s mindset, committing to a tailored training and care regimen to maintain the stamina and vigor required for the performances.
Beyond physical exercises and therapeutic treatments, Gavin leveraged cutting-edge technology: the Moises app. This allowed him to isolate individual tracks and rehearse alongside the band’s original recordings, enhancing his preparation.
Next, we explore how he organized this preparation, overcoming physical challenges and using technological tools to bring even more precision to his arrangements.
Preparing like a professional athlete
To meet the physical demands of a large-scale tour, Gavin prepared like a professional athlete. He enlisted specialized nutritional and physiotherapy support to withstand the grueling rehearsal sessions and marathon shows. Moreover, he engaged in specific exercises for drummers, honing his endurance and technique to prevent injuries—a crucial issue over the years.
This rigorous preparation proved essential for Gavin to recreate the band’s classic arrangements with his trademark energy, while managing the physical toll of drumming to an extensive and dynamic repertoire.
Facing challenges and persisting
Despite meticulous preparation, Gavin encountered significant hurdles. He grappled with muscle contractures and underwent hernia surgery—setbacks that could have derailed his comeback plans. Yet, armed with determination and proper support, he persevered, adapting his regimen to prioritize recovery.
Gavin’s drive to surmount these challenges stemmed not only from his duty to uphold Titãs' legacy, but his enduring passion for music and performance. The drummer proved that, even after decades in the industry, his commitment to excellence remains undiminished.
Using Moises: Technology as an ally
To recreate the iconic beats of the band’s original arrangements, Charles made Moises a cornerstone of his practice routine. He isolated the drum tracks from Titãs’ recordings and played along, meticulously revisiting every nuance of the arrangements.
In his Novità Music interview, Charles hailed Moises as an “excellent app for drummers.” He particularly praised the Smart Metronome feature, which proved invaluable for maintaining tempo and ensuring beat precision. His enthusiastic endorsement of the Moises app highlighted how its technology helped him reconnect with his original performances and prepare for the tour.
This fusion of nostalgia and innovation pushed Charles Gavin to his limits, turning his Moises sessions into a rigorous regime of precision and endurance, not merely revisiting the past, but continuously honing his craft. For Gavin, the app became an indispensable learning tool; marrying technique with passion—key elements in his journey of musical rediscovery.
Curious to know more? Watch the full interview here!
