New Music: City of God

Daniel Foganhol

        While many 25 year-olds are in school going for their Masters’ degree, looking for a job or trying to start their career, lead singer, Daniel Foganholi is on tour with his band called CIty of God. Performing their pop songs in prominent venues, such as Webster Hall, Daniel is following his dreams with five other band mates. Four years ago, it was just Daniel, Daniel’s brother-in-law, Tiago, as the DJ, and Raphael as the drummer. Later on joined Moracco, the bass player, Gunner, the guitarist  and Daniel’s sister Stephanie, who’s also the band’s lead singer. Looking up to music's icon like Jay-Z, John Legend, Kanye West and N.E.R.D., City of God still remembers their Brazilian heritage, and use their roots as inspiration. Now, City of God is taking underground music to a different level; they’re not only changing the underground music, but is taking it by storm.

From left to right: Daniel, Tiago, Stephanie, Gunner, Morraco, and Raphael

Q: How did you guys get your name?

A: Because most of us are Brazilian and that’s how we started out, City of God kind of stuck with us since the beginning, which is also a famous city in Brazil. It’s also based on a movie that was based on the city. Saint Augustine wrote a book on [City of God] in 5 A.D., and the book really spoke about the difference between having the love of great things in life or the materialistic things in life. We related to that a lot because we love making great music and just being positive. And instead of looking at the negative all the time, we like being that positive vibe to music and being energetic and we thought that name fit perfectly for us. 

Q:  So you and your sister are the lead singers of the band, how’s the chemistry between the both of you? Is there any sibling rivalry?

A: [The chemistry between us] it’s different. Me and my sister, first of all, are best friends. We get along great. I think it’s different because it’s sort of like, I can be a little more tough on her sometimes, as she can be the same to me. We’ll get into it, but that’s because we’re brother and sister. But it certainly helps in a lot aspects because the communication is always open and we have a different communication system than everybody else. 

Q:  I see you guys have a mixtape. What’s the art cover about?

A: The name of the mixtape is called Spaceboi Mixtape Volume 1. Tiago is in the band and he’s actually an artist as well and he paints a lot. When we first started out, I remember he started this painting and it had a little guy to it. And I said ‘it should be the logo for the band and we should stick to that’. Since then it’s been called ‘Spaceboi’ and he’s just been the logo and stamp on everything. 

Q:     What’s your favorite song on the mixtape?

A: Mine personally is called Gasolina. It’s more funk and has a lot of flavor as to what we’re doing now. The difficult thing was we were trying to figure out what were we doing as a band, but now we have that place to have funk and being Brazilian. We have that incorporating of being Brazilian and we embrace it. That was one of the songs that we took to the extreme and really made funk that thing.

Q:     I see you mention to your culture a lot. Do you have any songs that refer to you it?

A:  A lot of our music! We have this song called Freaks, that song is funk. A lot of people don’t know about funk music because it’s underground in Brazil as well as over here. People wouldn’t know about it right away. That rhythm that people feel, we have a lot that in our music because people feel it. People don’t want to think about music any more, they just want to feel good and that’s a secret weapon that we have.

Q:  If you weren’t in a band what would you be doing right now?

A:  I would be a Marine Biologist. I’m just playing, I wouldn’t know. I was thinking about sports, but I’m not the biggest of guys, so it wouldn’t work out. I don’t think I can do anything outside of music, it’s such a passion. It doesn’t matter if its management or writing, or whatever the case is it has to be music. That’s the weird thing about having a passion for something.

Q:   What are some of your dreams for yourself and for the band?

A:  We share a lot of personal dreams. I feel that a lot of my dreams are for the band. To change the world and to share our music with people. I feel that a lot of people think on a small scale when it comes to music, and I like to dream big and aim big. The potential with these guys I feel that we’re unstoppable. 

Q: What’s your worst moment as an artist?

A: I remember me not having a job. Hands down, when we signed our first recording contract last year. And it was that feeling of being on a label and not knowing when you’re going to come out. Not knowing if you’re music is good enough. That feeling of not knowing was the worse feeling. 

Q:   Are you single, dating, looking?

A: I’m single, but I don’t know if I’m looking. I ask myself that every day. It’s weird, especially in this industry. I’m a confused kid, but I’m always open. If the right one came along, I’ll know.

Q:  Where do you see yourself in five years?

A: At the beach somewhere retired sipping some Bahama Mama. No, but hopefully touring and being the Beyonce of bands. Our goal and vision is doing what no band has ever done. There’s no band that can compare to Beyonce or Justin Timberlake, because bands aren’t entertainers these days. And we feel that we want to be entertainers.


BE sure to go to City of God's website to check out new music! You can also follow them on Twitter & their Blog.

Check out their performance during the Jive Records Intern Showcase!!