Arek King

Music is a fixed presence throughout the life of bassist-bandleader-composer Amanda Ruzza, and is her defining beacon as a musician and character. She cannot remember a time in her childhood when music was not being played on the radio at home or on the streets of São Paulo, Brazil. Ruzza’s diverse musicianship is rooted to the contrasting musical palettes of her mother, an opera aficionado, and her father, a devoted rock enthusiast. She fell in love with the electric bass at age twelve, spending her entire summer money allowance on music lessons and marking the start of a vibrant career. Since studying at Berklee College of Music in Boston and graduating from The New School in New York, Ruzza has been building an incessant repertoire of studio recordings and performances with countless groups in over twenty-five countries. She is frequently sought out by various artists whom defy cultural and stylistic boundaries, including renowned producer Barry Beckett, singer-songwriter Jill Sobule, soul-funk saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin, rock singer Amy Lee of the band Evanescence, latin-jazz pianist Arturo O’Farrill, jazz guitarist Leni Stern, classical/world cellist Dave Eggar, and the late Fred Ho’s Eco-Music Big Band. Ruzza is also the bandleader and composer for the Amanda Ruzza Group, and continues to experiment new forms and embrace unfamiliar genres. Based in New York and frequently on tour, Ruzza continues to promote her singularity in crossing barriers and provoking thought by blending world, funk, jazz and latin sounds. The birth of Ruzza’s label, Pimenta Music, was incidentally incognito for her self-released album. Subsequent album releases of her friends under this alias received positive reviews and significant airplay, building a solid reputation. Ruzza decided to establish Pimenta Music as a platform and resource for insightful, fulfilling music to be heard, a vision that she holds dear to her heart: “(This is) a collective movement to get the underdogs in the spotlight and prioritize awesome music - even if it doesn't fit the niche or (is) not marketable.” Music is an integral part of Ruzza’s identity, which she cannot imagine life without. Whether it is through performing, composing or promoting music, Ruzza has dedicated her life to bring “music that touches the heart” - to continue searching for music that challenges and nurtures the audience. Bassist, Composer, Producer, Record Label Entrepreneur and Chocolate Lover!