New levels of creativity often happen when the formal session ends or the cameras are off. That’s when musicians solve problems on the fly, chase new ideas, and develop the habits that stick with them across a career. Off the Record was created by Moises to give you a closer look at what really happens during those moments. The series shows the actual process, not just the final product.
Episode five puts the spotlight on Filipe Coimbra. He is a guitarist, composer, producer, and self-described “sonic nerd” from Brazil. Filipe is known for his technical fearlessness, creative drive, and session work that spans from Grammy-winning albums to collaborations with Brazilian artists like Milton Nascimento. He finds new sounds by combining classic gear with modern tools, and he always brings a hands-on, inventive approach to both performance and production.
The following sections share stories and lessons that didn’t make the cut. Learn how Filipe approaches gear, why he values unique session contributions, how he organizes full-album projects, and what keeps him expanding beyond any single instrument.
Improvisation, adaptation, and the Brazilian DIY mindset
For many Brazilian musicians, being an artist and building a sound starts with working around limitations. Filipe faced a familiar scene: wanting the gear you see on foreign stages, but not having access to it at home. Instead of seeing this as a setback, he made adaptation part of his style.
“We don’t have access to a lot of stuff here. Sure, nowadays we have way more than we used to, … but it’s still different from abroad, where people just buy everything all nice and neat, and they have the money to get whatever’s trending. So around here, we end up adapting things—the Brazilian way. I put a lot of faith in that: improvisation and personalization.”
Filipe’s approach to “gear hacking” means stripping guitars down, swapping pickups with borrowed tools, and taking chances with on-the-spot repairs or upgrades. Sometimes, these changes are rough, but he treats every mod as a new possibility.
“The rubber bridge ends up turning it into a whole other instrument. … I just go for it, really rough-and-ready. This Giannini doesn’t even have a truss rod. I just put the heavy strings on and … maybe the neck will bow a little, but that’s part of the deal.”
Modifying equipment and accepting imperfection isn’t a flaw. For Filipe, it helps develop a sound that stands out. Every quick fix, every unconventional setup, is a building block for your unique musical identity.
Session musicianship: Building a musical identity
In the professional studio world, technical chops matter, but they are not enough. The real move is to leave a signature on each session: a part that is so distinct it is missed when you’re not there.
“The most valuable thing you can bring is an element that gives the music its unique identity. When someone plays the song live, they simply can’t ignore the part you’ve contributed.”
Filipe did not always see the whole picture. At first, his focus was only on his own guitar work. Over time, experience taught him to listen for details in every instrument in the mix, not just his own.
“When I was younger, I didn’t pay any attention, like, to the drum grooves, what the bass was doing… But as I got more experience… You start tuning in a lot more to the other instruments, how you interact with them, and you’re really listening to what’s going on.”
The shift to active listening changed Filipe’s approach to collaboration. Now his goal in every session is to contribute something truly unique. He focuses on adding parts that reflect his personal taste, genuine interaction, and a strong sense of the bigger musical context.
For anyone in the studio or on stage, the lesson is clear. Listen closely first, then play or produce with intention, so your presence is memorable and valuable.
Full immersion: The creative value of studio retreats
Most music is made in small bursts. Occasionally, though, musicians have the chance to lock in on a single project for days on end without outside distractions. Filipe describes these rare periods of continuous creative work as transformative.
“For that Júnior album project, we basically holed up in Campinas, in a studio, for almost a month straight. It was amazing! These days, it’s really rare to be on a project where you can go 100%, where you’re there every single day, experimenting, recording, re-recording, and planning arrangements.”
Working with highly skilled collaborators with plenty of time to experiment, leads to new ideas and breakthroughs you can’t get on a rushed schedule.
“It was amazing to record that project with Júnior, a Brazilian pop artist, produced by Felipe Vassão, a dear friend and producer, and an ambassador for Moises, along with Lucas Romero, another great producer. … They really crushed it on this production.”
Deep-dive studio work is less common, but its lessons apply anywhere. Whenever you can, clear the calendar for focused sessions. Even short creative retreats can produce fresh perspectives and results.
Layering a track: Details, collaboration, and personal touch
Finished tracks are supported by countless decisions, edits, and small creative bets. While working on Júnior’s album, Filipe was always hunting for unique sounds (even accidental ones) that could add personality to the final mix. Sometimes this meant using whatever was available, like recording with a phone’s microphone during a session.
“Here’s a cool thing—which was Lucas Romero’s idea, one of the producers on the record. I was jamming on a Hofner with a pick, unplugged. … He sampled that with an iPhone microphone … and then used it at the end of the song. It turned out really wild.”
Filipe’s arranging work also starts with the artist’s own strengths. When working with Paulo Nazaré, the guitar arrangement became the song’s foundation because it fit the artist best.
“We started with the guitar arrangement because Paulinho’s an acoustic guitarist, and we wanted the song to sound more like him.”
Sometimes, other producers specifically request Filipe’s unique sound. Producer Jean Luca, who is better known as Janluska and was also featured in the Off the Record series, is a great example.
“One of the coolest things—one of the greatest privileges—is when people ask for my sound. On this Mariana Nolasco record— an amazing Brazilian artist and a dear friend—, Jean Luca … had already recorded several guitar parts, but he specifically wanted my sound. … The track finishes with just my guitar and those chords and textures.”
Look for creative opportunities in the details. Being open to spur-of-the-moment ideas and focusing on each artist’s identity can help your productions stand out.
Producing with people: The importance of reading the room
Production isn’t just about equipment and song structure. The way you interact with others in the studio can make or break a project. Filipe consciously learns from those around him, especially from older musicians and experienced producers.
“It’s an intuitive process that comes from real-world experience—knowing how to read the room during a recording session, understanding when to step in, and paying attention to how everyone around you is behaving. I’m always surrounded by people older than me with way more experience, so I’m constantly watching, trying to learn from their attitude and posture.”
Trust, humility, and attention to the energy in the room are skills every producer and musician should practice. Sometimes, being effective means stepping back and letting others lead.
Moving beyond the guitar: New roles and unpredictable growth
Growth comes from testing yourself in new musical contexts. Filipe brings his ideas to life by working as a beatmaker, producer, and creative director in addition to playing guitar.
“So that’s what it’s about: expanding, finding more ways to put my personality out there—far beyond the guitar or any single instrument. I’ve been loving this: putting my ideas out there, regardless of whether it’s with a mouse, on bass, creating a beat, whatever… I’m also working on an album that I’ll release soon, and I want to produce a lot more in the long run.”
He does not chase a particular “pure” guitar sound. Instead, he focuses on what the song or project needs at the moment. By staying flexible and open to new challenges, his creativity keeps moving forward.
If you have been playing the same role for years, try producing for others or experimenting with a tool outside your comfort zone. Your development as an artist depends on your willingness to adapt.
Wrap-up: Growth built on curiosity and everyday practice
Filipe Coimbra’s path in music shows that lasting growth is not about waiting for the perfect moment. Development as an artist comes from steady curiosity, a willingness to try new things, and staying open to both mistakes and successes. You can shape your sound by working with what you have, listening actively, and being willing to take new roles as opportunities come along.
Keep your tools in working order, but depend on your instincts even more. Let yourself experiment with a new approach or take on a different responsibility in your next project. Notice what makes you unique and lean into it. Your creative path becomes stronger and more rewarding each time you step away from the routine and try something on your own terms.
If you want more of Filipe’s insight and stories, watch his full Off the Record episode on our YouTube channel!
