Tiago Iorc
Tiago Iorczeski, professionally known as Tiago Iorc, is a Brazilian singer-songwriter, guitarist, pianist, and record producer renowned for his emotive, introspective songwriting that blends folk-pop, MPB (Música Popular Brasileira), and acoustic elements in both English and Portuguese.[1][2] Born on November 28, 1985, in Brasília, he spent much of his childhood in England and the United States, where he began developing his musical talents, including songwriting in multiple languages.[3][4] Iorc rose to prominence with his 2007 debut single "Nothing But a Song," which led to the release of his debut album Let Yourself In in 2008, marking his entry into the indie pop scene.[5][6] Throughout his career, Iorc has released several critically acclaimed albums that showcase his evolution from English-language indie folk to Portuguese-dominant singer-songwriter material deeply rooted in Brazilian music traditions. His 2015 album Troco Likes became a commercial breakthrough in Brazil, featuring the hit "Amei Te Ver." His 2019 album Reconstrução featured "Desconstrução," which earned a 2019 Latin Grammy nomination for Song of the Year.[7] Subsequent releases include the live album Troco Likes Ao Vivo (2016), which won the Latin Grammy for Best Portuguese Language Contemporary Pop Album, DARAMÔ (2022), and Antes Que O Mundo Acabe (2024), the title track of which received a 2024 Latin Grammy nomination for Best Singer-Songwriter Song.[8][9] With five Latin Grammy wins and nine nominations overall, Iorc has established himself as a key figure in contemporary Latin music, often collaborating with artists like Anitta, Laura Pausini, and Mon Laferte.[10][11][12] In recent years, Iorc has continued to expand his influence through live performances and high-profile appearances, including a collaboration with Anitta at the 2024 Latin Grammy Awards and co-hosting the 2025 Latin Grammy Premiere Ceremony alongside Kany García.[11][13] His work emphasizes themes of love, vulnerability, and personal growth, resonating widely in Brazil and the broader Latin American music landscape, while his tours and recordings maintain a focus on authentic, heartfelt expression.[14][15]Early life
Childhood and family
Tiago Iorczeski, known professionally as Tiago Iorc, was born on November 28, 1985, in Brasília, Brazil, to a Brazilian mother, Marley Josefina Didoné, and a father of Polish descent, Edson Jair Iorczeski, whose family originated from Rio Grande do Sul.[16] His paternal grandparents were Polish immigrants who settled in Brazil, contributing to the family's multicultural heritage.[16] The family had no background in music, with Iorc's father working as an agricultural researcher, which led to frequent relocations tied to professional opportunities.[17] Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Cambridge, England, where they lived until Iorc was about 4 years old.[18] They then returned to Brazil and settled in Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul.[18] Around age 10, they relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina, in the United States, for approximately 1.5 years.[16][19] The family then returned to Passo Fundo, where Iorc continued his upbringing.[18] These international moves exposed him to diverse environments during his formative period, fostering a broad cultural perspective that influenced his personal development.[20] His multilingual childhood, particularly the time abroad, allowed Iorc to become fluent in English from a young age, a skill that later shaped his bilingual songwriting approach.[21] Despite the lack of musical tradition in his household, these experiences broadened his worldview and laid the groundwork for his artistic sensibilities.[3]Musical influences and education
Tiago Iorc began playing the acoustic guitar at the age of 8 while living in the United States, where he quickly developed a strong affinity for the instrument despite his family having no musical background. Largely self-taught, he fostered an early passion for acoustic performance.[19] His musical influences during childhood and adolescence drew from the folk, rock, and pop genres popular in the 1990s and 2000s, as well as Brazilian MPB traditions. This eclectic mix shaped his initial songwriting approach, blending international and Brazilian elements. Upon returning to Brazil, Iorc attended high school in Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul, where he received no formal music education but supplemented his self-learning with occasional guitar lessons from local instructors.[18] During his teens, he began writing his first songs in English, leveraging the linguistic fluency gained from his international upbringing to craft personal lyrics about youth and emotion.Career
Early releases (2001–2012)
Tiago Iorc began his musical career with the release of the single "Nothing but a Song" in 2007, which gained significant attention in Brazil after being featured as a theme song in the popular television series Malhação.[22][23] The track appeared on the compilation album Malhação Internacional 2007 1, helping to establish Iorc's presence in the Brazilian music scene through radio and television exposure.[24] In 2008, Iorc signed with Som Livre, a subsidiary of Universal Music Group, and released his debut full-length album Let Yourself In.[25] The album, comprising original songs alongside covers like "My Girl" and a rendition of The Beatles' "Ticket to Ride," featured standout singles such as "Scared," which was included in the soundtrack of the Brazilian telenovela Duas Caras, and "My Girl," contributing to the record's growing domestic recognition.[25] Let Yourself In was later distributed internationally, including releases in Japan and the Philippines.[26] Iorc expanded his reach through international touring, notably serving as the opening act for Jason Mraz's Brazilian tour in 2009, which allowed him to perform for larger audiences across the country.[27] The following year, his single "Fine" from Let Yourself In received further exposure in South Korea, where it was featured in the television series Personal Taste and achieved notable chart performance.[5] Iorc's second studio album, Umbilical, arrived in October 2011, produced by New York-based musician Andy Chase, known for his work with the band Ivy.[28] Recorded in the United States, the album highlighted Iorc's songwriting with key tracks like "Story of a Man" and "You Get Me So High," blending indie pop and folk elements. The Umbilical tour commenced with a debut performance at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Music Festival in Austin, Texas, on March 14, 2012, marking an important step in his international visibility.[29]Breakthrough period (2013–2015)
In 2013, Tiago Iorc released his third studio album, Zeski, on July 29 through the SLAP label, marking a pivotal shift toward broader recognition in the Brazilian music scene.[30] The album blended English and Portuguese lyrics across 11 tracks, highlighting Iorc's signature acoustic folk-pop style characterized by introspective songwriting and minimalistic instrumentation.[31] Key singles such as "Yes and Nothing Less" received radio play and helped establish his presence beyond indie circles, drawing comparisons to influences like Jason Mraz through its melodic, heartfelt delivery during early tours.[32] The momentum built through 2014 with previews of new material and growing online engagement, setting the stage for Iorc's full transition to Portuguese-language work. This culminated in the release of Troco Likes on July 10, 2015, his fourth studio album and first entirely in Portuguese, produced in collaboration with Alexandre Castilho. The record debuted at number one on Brazil's ABPD albums chart, selling over 40,000 copies in its first week and earning platinum certification for surpassing 80,000 units. Tracks like "Amei Te Ver," "Coisa Linda," and "Sol Que Faltava" explored introspective themes of love, self-reflection, and emotional vulnerability, resonating deeply with audiences through their poetic lyrics and acoustic arrangements.[33] "Amei Te Ver" quickly became a viral hit, amassing millions of streams and views on YouTube shortly after its video premiere on November 8, 2015, and featuring in popular Brazilian telenovelas such as Além do Tempo, which amplified its exposure on national television.[34] Similarly, "Coisa Linda," released as the lead single on June 1, 2015, showcased Iorc's tender folk-pop sensibilities and contributed to the album's commercial success.[35] By late 2015, Troco Likes had propelled Iorc to mainstream stardom, with performances at major Brazilian venues and the beginnings of international outreach, including shows in Europe and the United States that expanded his fanbase beyond South America.Peak popularity (2016–2018)
During 2016, Tiago Iorc's single "Amei Te Ver," released as part of an EP earlier that year, gained widespread viral traction in Brazil, boosting his visibility ahead of further successes.[36] That same year, Iorc collaborated with the duo Anavitória on the track "Trevo (Tu)," featured on their self-titled debut album, which he also produced.) The song became a major hit, amassing over 246 million streams on Spotify alone by 2025, underscoring its enduring popularity.[37] In September 2016, Iorc released the live album Troco Likes Ao Vivo, recorded during intimate acoustic sessions that highlighted his raw, emotive performances.[38] The album captured reinterpreted tracks from his prior work in a stripped-down format, earning critical praise for its authenticity and musical depth.[39] It won the Latin Grammy Award for Best Portuguese Language Contemporary Pop Album in 2017, marking a career highlight.[40] Iorc's rising profile led to an extensive tour across Brazil in 2017, including sold-out arena performances as part of the collaborative "Mais Bonito Não Há" outing with Milton Nascimento, which debuted at the 25,000-capacity Anfiteatro Mineirão in Belo Horizonte. Additional shows at venues like Espaço das Américas in São Paulo and major festivals further solidified his live draw, with audiences drawn to his acoustic-driven sets blending folk and pop elements.[41] In early 2018, following the tour's success, Iorc announced an indefinite hiatus to focus on personal well-being, stepping back from public engagements.[42]Recent developments (2019–present)
In 2019, Tiago Iorc returned from hiatus with his fifth studio album, Reconstrução, released on May 5, which delved into introspective themes of personal reflection and emotional rebuilding following earlier career challenges. The album featured tracks like "Desconstrução" and "Laços," emphasizing self-discovery through poetic lyrics drawn from his own experiences.[43] Later that year, on September 20, he followed up with the live album Acústico MTV Tiago Iorc (Ao Vivo), recorded during a special MTV Unplugged-style performance that reinterpreted his catalog in an acoustic format, showcasing a more stripped-back vulnerability. Iorc maintained lower public activity from 2020 onward, influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing personal recovery.[44] He returned to music in 2022 with DARAMÔ, released on November 3, an innovative project blending folk-pop elements with subtle electronic textures and collaborations, marking a shift toward more experimental sounds while exploring themes of longing and connection.[45][46] In 2024, Iorc issued his seventh studio album, Antes Que O Mundo Acabe, on May 14, which received critical attention and a nomination for Best Singer-Songwriter Song at the 25th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards for its title track, reflecting on urgency and human bonds in turbulent times.[47] Singles from the album, including the titular "Antes Que O Mundo Acabe," achieved significant streaming success, amassing millions of plays on platforms like Spotify and underscoring his enduring appeal.[48] Extending his momentum into 2025, Iorc released several singles, including "Quase Um Segundo" featuring Xênia França in May 2025, "Oração De São Francisco" on October 4, and "Quédate Otra Vez (Amei Te Ver)" with Kany García on January 23, each highlighting his evolving bilingual and collaborative approach.[49] That November, he co-hosted the 2025 Latin GRAMMY Premiere ceremony alongside Kany García, presenting awards and celebrating Latin music's global reach.[13]Artistic style and legacy
Musical style
Tiago Iorc's musical style blends acoustic folk, indie pop, and Música Popular Brasileira (MPB), often featuring minimalistic arrangements that emphasize his guitar work and emotive vocals.[50] His lyrics frequently incorporate bilingual elements in English and Portuguese, drawing from his international upbringing to create intimate, accessible expressions.[51] In live performances, he employs looping pedals to build layered, dynamic soundscapes, enhancing the raw, confessional quality of his delivery.[52] Central to Iorc's work are themes of love, self-reflection, and vulnerability, explored through personal narratives that convey emotional depth and introspection.[50] His songwriting process is journal-like, rooted in drawing from lived experiences to craft concise pieces, typically lasting 3-4 minutes, which prioritize lyrical honesty over elaborate structures.[51] Over time, Iorc's sound has evolved from the raw indie folk of his 2011 album Umbilical, characterized by straightforward acoustic setups, to more polished productions in later releases like DARAMÔ (2022), where electronic elements and refined layering add subtle complexity without abandoning his core minimalism.[50][53] This progression reflects a maturation in production techniques, often involving collaborators like producers Paul Ralphes for denser, contemporary textures.Influences and impact
Tiago Iorc's musical influences stem from his international upbringing, having spent his early childhood in England and the United States, which inspired his bilingual songwriting in English and Portuguese from a young age.[51] His exposure to global artists shaped his approach, particularly through opening for Jason Mraz on the singer's 2009 Brazilian tour, which served as a pivotal inspiration for Iorc's own touring career and performance style.[54] Iorc has significantly impacted Brazilian music by bridging indie folk elements with mainstream Música Popular Brasileira (MPB), creating accessible yet introspective works that appeal to diverse audiences.[55] He mentored emerging artists like the duo Anavitória, producing their debut self-titled album in 2016 and their follow-up O Tempo É Agora (2018), while co-writing hits such as "Trevo (Tu)," which won the Latin Grammy for Best Portuguese Language Song in 2017.[56][57] This collaboration not only propelled Anavitória to national prominence but also exemplified Iorc's role in fostering new talent within the acoustic pop scene. In a broader cultural context, Iorc has promoted discussions on mental health through his personal experiences and lyrics, notably his 2018 hiatus from music due to burnout from intense touring and social media pressures, which highlighted the need for artist well-being in Brazil's music industry.[51] His bilingual approach has further inspired a wave of songwriting in Brazil that incorporates English influences, encouraging hybrid expressions in contemporary MPB.[51] Over a career spanning more than 16 years, Iorc has released seven studio albums, accumulating over 1.6 billion streams on Spotify as of late 2025.[58][48] By 2025, he is recognized as one of Brazil's top artists, with five Latin Grammy wins underscoring his enduring legacy in Latin music.[59]Personal life
Relationships and privacy
Tiago Iorc dated Brazilian actress Isabelle Drummond from 2014 to 2016.[60][61] Following that relationship, Iorc was involved with comedian Tatá Werneck from 2016 to 2017, a period during which he maintained a relatively low public profile regarding his personal affairs.[62] From 2019 to 2024, he was in a long-term relationship with communicator Duda Rodrigues, which he described as deeply committed, noting in 2023 that they lived together in São Paulo and that he felt "casadão" (super married) in their partnership; the couple shared occasional subtle hints on social media but avoided extensive public disclosure, and they ended the relationship amicably in late 2024.[63][64] No formal marriage has been publicly confirmed, aligning with Iorc's preference for discretion in such matters. Iorc has consistently prioritized privacy in his personal life, rarely discussing family or intimate details in interviews or on social platforms.[61] He maintains a close-knit family circle, including a sister named Bibi.[65] His 2018–2019 hiatus from music was influenced by burnout from intense media exposure following the success of "Amei Te Ver," which he said eroded his enjoyment of creating and performing, prompting a need to reclaim personal space away from public scrutiny.[66][67] As of 2025, he has no children. Themes of love and introspection in Iorc's songwriting often draw from his lived romantic experiences, adding emotional depth to tracks like those on his album Troco Likes.[63]Activism and beliefs
Tiago Iorc has publicly advocated for mental health awareness, particularly through sharing personal experiences with physical and emotional well-being on social media. In October 2025, following a hospitalization for a cervical disc herniation, he emphasized the importance of self-care, stating, "Cuidem do corpinho, cuidem da alimentação, cuidem da cabecinha. Cuidem da saúde de vocês!" to encourage preventive habits among followers.[68] His spiritual beliefs draw from an eclectic mix, including Christian traditions and mindfulness practices, often reflected in his music. The 2016 album Reconstrução explores themes of self-knowledge, deconstruction, and personal rebuilding, with tracks like "Desconstrução" addressing introspection and societal pressures. More recently, his 2025 single "Oração de São Francisco" adapts the Prayer of St. Francis, promoting ideals of peace, love, forgiveness, and harmony with nature, aligning with Franciscan spirituality.[69] Iorc engages in environmental activism through support for animal welfare, partnering with the Brazilian NGO Amigos de São Francisco. In October 2025, he collaborated on a video project highlighting the organization's 13-year efforts to rescue, rehabilitate, and adopt out vulnerable dogs, filmed at a site in Serra da Canastra to raise awareness and encourage adoptions.[70] Regarding fame, Iorc has expressed a philosophy prioritizing authenticity over commercial success, often citing the need for hiatuses to reconnect with his artistic integrity. In a 2023 interview, he discussed stepping away from the industry to avoid superficiality and maintain genuine expression.[71]Discography
Studio albums
Tiago Iorc's debut studio album, Let Yourself In, was released on April 20, 2008, by Som Livre. Primarily in English, it marked his entry into the indie pop scene.[6] His second album, Umbilical, arrived on October 10, 2011, also under Som Livre's Slap imprint. Featuring bilingual tracks in English and Portuguese.[72][73] Zeski, released July 29, 2013, by Slap, was Iorc's first all-Portuguese language effort.[31][30] The 2015 album Troco Likes, issued July 10 by Slap, became his breakthrough. It was nominated for the Latin Grammy Award for Best Portuguese Language Contemporary Pop Album. After a hiatus, Iorc independently released Reconstrução on May 5, 2019, through his own Iorc Produções with Universal distribution. It broke streaming records with all tracks entering Spotify Brazil's Top 50.[74]- DARAMÔ *, released November 3, 2022, by Som Livre, represented a shift toward electronic elements. It garnered two Latin Grammy nominations in 2023, with "Tudo O que a Fé Pode Tocar" winning Best Portuguese Language Song.
Live albums
Tiago Iorc released his first live album, Troco Likes Ao Vivo, on September 16, 2016, through Som Livre.[39] The recording captures performances from his acoustic tour supporting the 2015 studio album Troco Likes, presented in an intimate setting with stripped-down arrangements emphasizing guitar and vocals.[76] A distinctive feature is its filming as a single continuous shot, creating a cinematic experience that immerses listeners in the live energy without edits or interruptions. It won the Latin Grammy Award for Best Portuguese Language Contemporary Pop Album in 2017.[40] Iorc's second live album, Acústico MTV Tiago Iorc (Ao Vivo), followed on September 20, 2019, via Universal Music. Produced as the inaugural installment in the revived Acústico MTV series—a Brazilian adaptation of the MTV Unplugged format—the album features reinterpreted versions of his hits like "Mil Razões" and "Tangerina," alongside newer tracks from Reconstrução.[77] The performances highlight acoustic instrumentation, guest collaborations such as Duda Beat on "Tangerina," and a focus on emotional depth through rearranged melodies and live band dynamics.[78]Compilation albums
In 2015, Tiago Iorc released Novelas, his sole compilation album to date, through the Universal Music imprint Slap. This project curates ten tracks primarily from his early English-language discography, selecting songs that had gained significant exposure through their inclusion in soundtracks for Brazilian television soap operas, or novelas. The album serves as a thematic retrospective, emphasizing Iorc's folk-pop and singer-songwriter style during his initial rise in the Brazilian music scene, and it was distributed digitally for streaming and download. Released on May 18, 2015, Novelas runs approximately 37 minutes and reflects a promotional effort to consolidate his TV-associated hits into a cohesive collection.[79][80] Key selections include "Nothing but a Song" and "Scared" from his 2008 debut Let Yourself In, alongside "Blame" and "My Girl," which highlight his introspective lyrics and acoustic arrangements often synced to dramatic narratives in popular Globo network productions. The compilation underscores Iorc's early synergy with television media, where his music enhanced emotional storylines in series, contributing to broader audience reach beyond traditional album sales.[81][2] While not introducing new material, Novelas ties into Iorc's evolving career trajectory, bridging his international influences with domestic media prominence and paving the way for his subsequent Portuguese-language releases. It exemplifies how curated compilations can repackage existing work for targeted markets like Brazilian broadcasting.[82]Singles
Tiago Iorc's singles discography features a selection of tracks that highlight his evolution from indie pop to Portuguese-language contemporary music, often blending introspective lyrics with acoustic elements. Several of these releases have garnered international attention, chart success in Brazil and Asia, and accolades from the Latin Grammy Awards.| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Certifications | Album | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Nothing but a Song" | 2007 | Japan (#11) | — | Let Yourself In | Lead single from debut album, marking early international breakthrough in Asia.[83] |
| "Fine" | 2010 | South Korea (#51) | — | Umbilical | Featured in the South Korean TV series Personal Taste, contributing to regional popularity.[27] |
| "Amei Te Ver" | 2015 | Brazil (#1) | — | Troco Likes | Exceeded 500 million global streams; a pivotal hit in Brazil with over 180 million YouTube views.[84][52][34] |
| "Trevo (Tu)" (with Anavitória) | 2016 | Brazil (#1) | — | Anavitória | Collaborative duet that topped Brazilian charts and amassed over 250 million Spotify streams.[85][86] |
| "Desconstrução" | 2019 | — | — | Reconstrução | Winner of the Latin Grammy Award for Best Portuguese Language Song.[87][88] |
| "Tudo O que a Fé Pode Tocar" | 2023 | — | — | Daramô | Co-written with Duda Rodrigues; winner of the Latin Grammy Award for Best Portuguese Language Song.[89][90] |
| "Antes Que O Mundo Acabe" | 2024 | — | — | Antes Que O Mundo Acabe | Title track from the album.[91] |
| "Quase Um Segundo" (with Xênia França) | 2025 | — | — | Non-album single | Collaborative release featuring Brazilian singer Xênia França.[92][93] |
| "Oração De São Francisco" | 2025 | — | — | Non-album single | Acoustic track inspired by the Prayer of St. Francis, filmed at a Brazilian waterfall.[69][94] |
| "Quédate Otra Vez" (Amei Te Ver) (with Kany García) | 2025 | — | — | Non-album single | Bilingual reimagining of "Amei Te Ver" featuring Puerto Rican artist Kany García.[95][96] |
Awards and nominations
Latin Grammy Awards
Tiago Iorc has earned multiple nominations and wins at the Latin Grammy Awards, with a focus on categories recognizing Portuguese-language music. His achievements include five wins across four ceremonies, as well as additional nominations.| Year | Category | Work | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Best Portuguese Language Contemporary Pop Album | Troco Likes | Nominated[97] |
| 2016 | Best Portuguese Language Song | "Amei Te Ver" | Nominated[97] |
| 2017 | Best Portuguese Language Contemporary Pop Album | Troco Likes Ao Vivo | Won[40] |
| 2017 | Best Portuguese Language Song | "Trevo (Tu)" | Won[98] |
| 2019 | Best Portuguese Language Song | "Desconstrução" | Won[99] |
| 2019 | Song of the Year | "Desconstrução" | Nominated[99] |
| 2023 | Best Portuguese Language Song | "Tudo O que a Fé Pode Tocar" | Won[100] |
| 2024 | Best Singer-Songwriter Song | "Antes Que O Mundo Acabe" | Nominated[101] |