Allan Filho:
“Songs are tools of
peace and life”
The well-known singer
and songwriter talks
about music
and its role
in Spiritism
|
Allan Filho (photo),
linked to the Spiritist
Movement in the city of
Petrópolis, near Rio de
Janeiro, is renowned for
his work with music and
Spiritism. You can find
out more on
http://palcomp3.com/allanfilho/.
That is the main theme
of the interview he gave
us:
Allan, let us begin by
asking you to talk a bit
|
more about your
experience and
activities in
the Brazilian Spiritist
Movement.
|
I began writing songs
inspired by the
Teachings in 1992, with
the aim of helping my
process of inner reform
and help others. I also
give talks and perform
my songs to Spiritist
audiences.
Do you prefer to write
songs or to perform
them?
The processes of writing
and perform songs are
intertwined. When I am
writing a song, I am
already thinking about
how to perform it, and I
sing as I write, which
helps me with the
following lines. But I
must say that I prefer
to write, really. I do
my research on passages
from the Gospel of
Jesus, I study Spiritist
books and take the ideas
that emerge from that to
fellow songwriters. I
learn a great deal
during the process of
writing songs.
Many people talk about
Spiritist music. Is
there such a thing,
Spiritist music?
I do not believe
Spiritist music is a
genre. First of all, I
write with people of
other religions. We seek
common ideas and get
together aiming to find
a common language to our
religious beliefs. You
would need to classify
it as Spiritst-Catholic-Evangelical
music… I would also add
that such definitions
could have an inhibiting
effect, something that
we should not encourage.
Moreover, how many songs
are embraced by
Spiritists even though
they come from other
sources.
Is there a preferred
rhythm in songs commonly
used in Spiritist
activities?
Each Spiritist activity
is different and will
require different songs
to help it achieve its
goals. We can use all
rhythms and styles. But
those in charge need to
be aware of the overall
picture. A song should
be judged by its beauty
and utility to the
purpose being pursued.
We must also take into
account the cultural
aspects of the
environment. We need to
encourage high moral
standards in our
activities, but nothing
must be imposed.
What is music used for
in Spiritist
activities?
Music adds sensibility
to the Teachings and
help people assimilate
what they learn. Songs
will help set up a
better atmosphere when
you pray. Ideas are also
better memorised when
sung. Music is also a
valuable tool in
mediumship meetings. And
how many people go
through the most
difficult moments and
find inner balance
through music? There is
still a lot to be
learned on the potential
of music, but we cannot
deny how much we already
benefit from this
blessed tool.
How do you deal with the
prominence and, in a
way, stardom, singers
naturally achieve. That
is particularly relevant
in a religious group.
We need regular courses
and debates on the
importance of the work
of every volunteer in
the Spiritist Movement.
Singers need a special
work to stay focused on
the goals. Public
speakers and lectures
face similar challenges.
We cannot hide away from
the challenge, but no
one can be given unfair
advantages.
What is the best
alternative in Spiritist
activities: music to
hear or to sing along?
Public performances or
studio work to record a
CD?
Again, it depends on the
activity. Singing along
is in many cases
extremely useful,
especially if the aim is
to put together the
feelings and emotions of
everyone. Gigs are very
good to raise funds and
also to boost the sales
of CDs. In Spiritist
Gatherings, background
music works very well,
especially if the songs
are linked to the theme
of the congress or
meeting.
You write songs
especially for Spiritist
meetings, study sessions
or theatre plays. Tell
us about that
experience.
It is gratifying. It is
in such occasions that
the results you aimed
during the songwriting
process become clear.
When a song of mine is
picked for one of those
events, I feel that I am
finally achieving the
goal of going beyond
pure entertainment.
Songs are written to be
more than that. They are
tools of peace, of
integration, of
consolation, reflection,
adoration, gratitude and
love. They are tools of
life.
Can you talk about the
writing process of one
of your best-known
songs?
The song “Noite e Dia”
(Night and Day) was
commissioned to be part
of the songtrack of a
theatre play. The day
before my deadline, it
was still unfinished. It
seemed to be finished,
but I knew there was
something lacking. I
struggled to find what I
wanted and had to hand
it over like that. It
was used like that in
the play, but a few days
later a Spirit wrote a
message, which was read
out for all the
participants of the
meeting where the play
was being performed, and
I finally found what was
lacking in the song. The
message was about the
fear of some Spirits
before being born again
for another incarnation.
They fear falling again,
victims of the errors of
previous lives. I
finished the song and
sang for them, inviting
them to be brave. That
is a song that is still
sung in many meetings.
Could you say a few
words for those who want
to work with music in
the Spiritist Movement?
There is a lot to be
done, much to be
learned. We are still in
the dark, in the early
phase. Our dedication
should be measured by
our efforts to be useful
to others. Should our
hearts be filled with
love and our words help
spread love. Should our
songs hit, first of all,
ourselves. They must be
honest above all, in
line with what we
believe and fight for.
Our work should not be
dependent on our
presence. Our songs
should be played freely.
They should belong to
everyone and nobody at
the same time!