Meet Eduardo Belo | Musician & composer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Eduardo Belo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eduardo, what’s your definition for success?
I see success as something deeply subjective—it means different things to different people. It is often presented as fame, money, or material possessions, yet the world is full of wealthy individuals who are unhappy, and famous people whose work lacks real meaning.

For me, success is about a personal discovery: understanding what brings me genuine joy and what truly contributes to my growth, both as an artist and as a human being.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a bass player and composer originally from Brazil, and for the past fourteen years New York City has been my artistic home. Living in this city has meant constant immersion in sound, dialogue, and movement—a place where music is not only created, but tested, questioned, and reshaped every night.

My personal work grows from the desire to bridge worlds: to blend the rhythmic and melodic traditions of Brazilian music with the language of jazz, while always searching for new directions. I’m interested in moving the music forward without losing sight of where it comes from—being adventurous and open to risk, yet deeply rooted in tradition.

Establishing myself in another city, and in another country, has been both challenging and transformative. It required patience, humility, and the understanding that artistic paths unfold gradually. I’ve learned to take things one step at a time, trusting that ideas and messages need time to resonate, to circulate, and to find their place in a meaningful way.

At its core, my work is about connection. It’s about sharing moments with friends—musicians I trust—capturing the energy of being in a room together, listening deeply, and creating something honest. My hope is that listeners can feel that joy, that warmth, and that sense of shared experience through the music itself.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If a friend were visiting New York City from Brazil, I’d want to show them the city the way I experience it—through small rituals, long walks, and music. I’d start the day in Brooklyn with a espresso and a pastry at Fortunato Brothers, a place that feels timeless.

From there, we’d walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, taking our time and letting the city reveal itself step by step, with the skyline unfolding and the energy of Manhattan slowly coming into focus. We’d end up in Chinatown for lunch, choosing a simple, vibrant spot—somewhere full of life, noise, and flavor—because that neighborhood captures the raw, everyday spirit of New York.

In the afternoon, I’d take them to Red Hook for a walk by the water, a quieter corner of the city, watch the harbor, and feel a different rhythm. After that, we’d head to Prospect Park, wandering through its paths.

And at night, music would be essential. They’d have to experience two of my favorite places to hear it: Bar LunÀtico, for its warmth, intimacy, and sense of community, and the Village Vanguard, where history, sound, and imagination come together in a way that’s still unmatched. Those rooms say everything about why I’ve stayed in New York—because this city, at its best, is about shared moments, deep listening, and unforgettable music.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would dedicate this interview to all the musicians I’ve played with throughout the years. I’ve learned and grown through every interaction with them—each person bringing a unique perspective and sound that has challenged me, inspired me, and helped shape my own musical ideas and voice.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_eduardobelo_/

Image Credits
Takamasa Ota