The Eclectic Soundscape of António Variações: A beacon of uniqueness, color and creativity in Portuguese Music
Photograph by Teresa Couto Pinto
In the vibrant tapestry of Portuguese music, António Variações stands out with his fearless exploration of gender and sexuality, flamboyant style and flair and gender-bending aesthetic that defied categorization during the early 1980s
The Eclectic Soundscape of António Variações: A beacon of uniqueness, color and creativity in Portuguese Music
David Warren an editor and author for Pop Expresso and in the free time enjoys making instrumental music – davidwarrenmusic.com – and to learn about history and cultures. Reach out at david@popexpresso.com
In the vibrant tapestry of Portuguese music, António Variações stands out with his fearless exploration of gender and sexuality, flamboyant style and flair and gender-bending aesthetic that defied categorization during the early 1980s. He challenged societal norms and pushed the boundaries of Portuguese culture together and his tragic death at the age of 39 in 1984, didn’t stop his timeless and unique music from remaining beloved by fans old and new, with his legacy as a unique artist and a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ artists in Portugal celebrated to this day.
Born António Joaquim Rodrigues Ribeiro in the small town of Fiscal, Braga, on December 3, 1944, Variações reshaped the musical landscape of Portugal with his eclectic blend of genres, poignant lyrics, and unique persona. His artistic name, translating as “Variations,” has become synonymous with innovation and daring experimentation, leaving an indelible mark on Portugal’s cultural history.
Already in his mid 30’s, Variações burst onto the music scene with a style and flair that defied categorization during the early 1980s. His journey to musical prominence was far from conventional. Before pursuing music full-time, he worked in a variety of professions, most notably as a hairdresser: “I adore the sound of scissors but nothing comes close to a guitar or a violin” he said. Additionally, he briefly lived in the Netherlands, London, and visited New York City, where the vibrant underground scenes and freedom likely had a tremendous influence on him. Variações often stated that his music was “between Braga and New York,” reflecting the fusion of diverse influences that characterized his work. It was this eclectic mix of experiences that later formed his music and persona, making him a truly avant-garde figure in Portuguese entertainment. Despite never learning to play an instrument, Variações composed and wrote the lyrics for all of his original songs. He used drum machines or his distinctive voice to record demos, later replicating the music with a band.
Variações’ music blended elements of pop, punk, rock, electronic, fado, and traditional Portuguese folk, creating a sound that was entirely his own. His music was dynamic and unmistakable, characterized by infectious melodies and bold arrangements. The thought-provoking lyrics delved into themes of love, identity, and the human experience, often with an introspective and deeply personal touch, sometimes sung in a loose slang. One of the hallmarks of Variações’ music was its ability to transcend boundaries, seamlessly blending disparate genres to create something entirely new and innovative. Tracks like “O Corpo É Que Paga” (It’s The Body That Pays) and “Canção de Engate” (The Hookup Song – a bleak depiction of gay cruising) showcased his penchant for catchy hooks and infectious rhythms. Meanwhile, songs like the new wave/synth-pop “Estou Além” (I Am Beyond) and the punkesque “Anjo da Guarda” (Guardian Angel) delved into deeper, more introspective territory, exploring themes of existentialism and self-discovery. Variações’ persona was as captivating as his music. With his flamboyant style and gender-bending aesthetic, he challenged societal norms and pushed the boundaries of Portuguese culture.
Initially signed to a record label subsidiary of EMI in the late 1970s, Variações was disappointed by the lack of promotion for his music. Determined to succeed, he took matters into his own hands, promoting his music tirelessly. Despite being better known for his daring fashion looks than his music during his days as a hairdresser in Lisbon (where he was a popular figure both at the music and art underground night scene and within Lisbon’s own comunitiy of people during the day), Variações’ breakthrough came when he personally tracked down and approached Júlio Isidro, a popular Portuguese TV and radio host, with one of his demo tapes in a bizare scene the host later would remember. Recognizing Variações’ vision and talent, Isidro made the bold step to invite him to perform on one of his prime-time TV shows. Variações’ performance of a punk song about a pill (which included a dancer dressed as an aspirin throwing Smarties at a stunned audience) “Toma o Comprimido Que Isso Passa” (Take the Pill and It’ll Get Better) was groundbreaking and talked about for weeks in Portugal, marking the beginning of his rise to fame. At a time when Portugal was still emerging from decades of a dictatorship that had turned the country’s landscape into grey and depressed, Variações’ vibrant colorful persona and boldness was both refreshing and revolutionary and both criticized and praised. After his debut TV performance, Variações recorded his first full-length album, “Anjo da Guarda” (Guardian Angel), in 1983. The album was a critical and commercial success, solidifying Variações’ status as a musical icon. With newfound fame, he made several live shows and TV appearances, including opening for legendary Portuguese fado singer Amália Rodrigues, showcasing his ability to bridge diverse musical genres. This was one of his most notable shows, being Amália an artist he claimed to be one of his biggest musical influences (he covered one of her most famous songs in his own unique style, which was praised by her at the time.) This was unconventional and groundbreaking, as traditional fado artists and rock/pop performers usually didn’t have the habit of generally mixing together, especially during a show, due to the drastically different audiences for both genres.
António Variações started working on his second album in late 1983, “Dar & Receber” (To Give & To Receive) exploring deeper synth-pop sounds while maintaining his signature diverse musical palette. Tragically, during the recording sessions in early 1984, Variações fell seriously ill. His last public appearance on TV was with Júlio Isidro, where he performed “É P’ra Amanhã” (I’ll Do It Tomorrow) in his pajamas, visibly unwell. He passed away on June 13, 1984, at the age of 39, due to complications from AIDS, and his death sent shockwaves through the Portuguese music community and society, leaving behind a void that would never be filled.
Despite his untimely passing in 1984, Variações’ music continues to captivate audiences and influence artists around the world, especially in Portuguese music and culture. His music remains beloved by fans old and new, and his legacy as a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ artists in Portugal is celebrated to this day. His music has been covered by a multitude of artists, and his legacy has been celebrated in films, documentaries, and stage productions. Decades after his untimely death, home demos of some of his unreleased songs were recorded by different Portuguese artists in a tribute album. At the heart of Variações’ music lies a raw authenticity that resonates with listeners on a deeply emotional level. Whether he’s crooning over a tender ballad or belting out an anthemic chorus, there’s an honesty and vulnerability to Variações’ voice that is impossible to ignore. It’s this sincerity that allows his music to transcend language barriers and connect with audiences from all walks of life. But perhaps what truly sets Variações apart is his fearless exploration of gender and sexuality. As an openly gay man in a deeply conservative society, Variações defied societal norms and challenged the status quo with his bold, gender-bending persona. His music became a platform for self-expression and empowerment, inspiring generations of LGBTQ+ artists to embrace their identities and speak their truth through their art.
In 2019, a biographical film titled “Variações” brought his story to the big screen, introducing his music to a new generation of fans and cementing his status as a cultural icon.
With António Variações, we are reminded of the power of art to transcend boundaries, challenge conventions, and inspire change. His music remains as vibrant and relevant today as it was when he first burst onto the scene, and remains a testament to the enduring legacy of one of Portugal’s most beloved musical pioneers.
Above, a public tribute to the artist placed in his hometown
Watch António Variações in a rare surviving clip from his first TV appearance in 1981
Watch the rare music video for “Estou Além,” 1982
Watch the music video for “É P’ra Amanhã,” 1983
Also watch the music video for “O Corpo é Que Paga,” 1983
António Variações last TV appearance, shortly before he passed, performing “É P’ra Amanhã,” 1984
Watch more music related videos
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