The TIMEZONES podcast series plunges into the world of artists and their practices, asking: what does living and working in culture and the arts involve in different countries, cities, and contexts today? Episode 5 of the podcast series by artist Vivian Caccuri, explores how Rio de Janeiro has shaped its music over the centuries and invented its future through the vision of artists, creators, and scholars. Behind the picture-postcard landscapes and the stereotypical images of carnival, beaches, and beautiful women lies an enigmatic and broken city. Rio’s musical and creative identity, such as samba and carnival, seems to be ever transforming and flirting with traditional forms, yet at the same time, those forms have a history of struggle, intimately connected to Afro-Brazilian musical and religious expressions. In a challenging historical moment of crisis – with a pandemic and political ruthlessness – artists in Rio are integrating those identities with the most immediate needs and perceptions of reality. The goal is to stay alive, sane, and, most of all, creative. This listening session will be preceded by an introduction with artist Vivian Caccuri and Norient curator and editor Hannes Liechti.