“For me and my projects, it’s important that the flavor and refinement of Viola da Terra are always present,” says Rui Resendes about his Engengroaldenga and URZE projects. For the young man from Mariá, “personal musical culture, experiences and musical exchanges with other musicians play an important role as sources of inspiration.”
Correio dos Açores – You have two musical projects, but with something in common: the viola da terra. Tell us about the concept behind both projects.
Rui Resendes—The Engengroaldenga and URZE projects share the feeling of the Viola da Terra as the main highlight. The primary aim is to demonstrate the versatility and potential this viola can fulfill in musical styles other than those generally associated with it.
Engengroaldenga is an instrumental project with original themes for two Violas da Terra. Their music is constructive and prosperous, sometimes incorporating traditional sounds and sometimes alternative rhythms, in which the sounds of the 12 strings resonate with contagious energy. Although they have different backgrounds, Alexandre Fontes and I are united in this project, which was born at the end of 2018.
URZE is the “avant-garde” that unites Viola da Terra with electronic music. It’s an experiment in sounds that connects the past with the future, tradition with modernity. In practice, it mixes musical styles such as Trance, Drum & Bass, and Future Rave, among others, with the sounds of Viola da Terra. Although the idea had been in the “drawer” for over a decade, it finally debuted in 2023. The Urze project also comprises two members, myself on the viola and Lucas Oliver as DJ.

During the artistic creation process, what is your primary source of inspiration?
There are several sources of inspiration for my creative process, some intrinsic and others momentarily. These sources enhance the idea of providing new phrases, themes, or rhythms in which I can irreverently integrate the viola without giving up its sound. For me and my projects, the flavor and refinement of the Viola da Terra must always be present.
Personal musical culture, experiences, and musical exchanges with other musicians also play essential roles as sources of inspiration.
In Engengroaldenga, we create together with Alexandre Fontes. They exchange ideas and work on them, ensuring the personal touch of each one.
In URZE, the conceptions don’t necessarily have an order. Lucas Oliver performs electronic music production for each viola phrase, chord progression, or style.
You performed with URZE at Maré de Agosto and the Engengoaldrenga project at the Cordas Festival. Tell us about both experiences.

URZE launched at the XV Maia Folk Festival (in 2023), the result of the perseverance of a close friend who was essential in getting this irreverent project off the ground. In 2024, URZE had the privilege of debuting its identity at the 40th Maré de Agosto Festival. Taking to the stage at this huge festival was very special and electrifying. The opportunity to receive the vibrant and contagious energy of the festival-goers while listening to Viola da Terra in that context will certainly be immortalized in our memory.
Engengroaldenga has had pleasant and unforgettable experiences of great relevance, which make us proud of our path and contribution to disseminating our viola. Paradoxically, Engengroaldenga was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it was possible to participate in various events and festivals in a more intimate context, just like the project format. This moment was crucial for promoting the work which continues today. We’ve had the opportunity to take part in two editions of the Maia Folk Festival (in 2020 and 2022), the 37th Maré de Agosto Festival, the Cordas World Music Festival, the 1st Violas da Terra Festival, the Anticiclone artistic residency, as well as other events on the various islands of the Azores.
Are there any projects in the pipeline? And what are your goals?
Engengroaldenga is currently recording his debut album, which will be ready by the end of this year. This is a dream come true, and the next steps are to present and promote the album.
URZE is preparing for 2025 by promoting its work on social media and with event promoters and plans to release a single on streaming platforms by the end of 2024.
Both projects share common goals: to promote and dignify the viola, to bring it closer to people, to attract people to learn it, and finally, to make the viola of the Azores known to the world.

José Henrique Andrade is a journalist for the newspaper Correio dos Açores-Natalino Vivieiros, director

We thank the Luso-American Education Foundation for their support.