Derrick Green: Definitely. It's been almost four years that I've been living here. Our bass player Paulo and I opened a bar/lounge here. I've really adjusted to being here. I'm much more comfortable than I used to be. There are cultural differences that are there, but I have an open mind and it's easy for me to get over it.
Did you move down there by yourself?
I moved by myself. I wasn't dating or married. I had to learn a lot of things by myself. I wasn't used to being recognized. I never thought that would come from being in a metal band. I never thought my life would ever be like that. It's pretty bizarre when everybody recognizes you from what you do. It's a great feeling because they're very positive about it. It's a different world.
What do you like most and least about Brazil?
The least favorite thing is the corruption that goes on. It really robs the people. A lot of people don't know what's happening in their own country because the education is really bad here. Combine the bad education and corruption and it's a breeding ground for huge companies and a small minority of people with a lot of money to control a lot. That's one thing it's hard to get over here. There are so many poor people and a small amount of rich people. I'm able to make a living from music, and it's hard for me to see kids on the street begging for money. It's harsh.
The good thing about this place is the fact that it is a young country, a growing country that is opening up so many possibilities for the future. The world is going to take much more note once they get to really know Brazil. It's happening every week here. It's a really cool vibe. It has a bright future.
Has living in Brazil changed your perspective on the U.S. and its policies?
For sure. I get to hear the different points of view of politics from the news here and people's perspective on the U.S from outside the U.S. A lot of people really don't like the U.S. It's funny because I spent so much time growing up playing rebellious music and being really down on a lot of things that were happening in the U.S. Now that I moved here and live here I like to take the side to see if people know what they are saying about the U.S., because a lot of times they don't. They are getting a one sided point of view about America, and it's a very horrible point of view. It's wrong. Just like a lot of Americans are getting a wrong point of view about Brazil, like there are monkeys in the street. I've talked to so many Brazilians that have said that people have no idea what goes on here. They don't even know the language we speak. It's sad. I think a lot of times I really question people. Do you think the American people all have the same opinion? Do you really think it's the American people that are invading other countries? It's not as black and white as people think, so I like to make them think about that.
Have you become fluent in Portuguese?
I really did have to learn Portuguese and I'm pretty good right now. I can understand just about everything. I just have a hard time communicating in detailed conversations, but I can get by. It's much easier than when I first got here.
Brazil is really a melting pot.
I had no idea before living here the mix of people. The largest Japanese population outside of Japan lives in Sao Paulo. The Sao Paulo accent and the Rio accent are different because there are so many Italian immigrants living in Sao Paulo it actually changed the accent. I had no clue any of any of these influences.
Do you see yourself living in the US again at some point?
I don't know. That's a good question. I really don't right now. I don't know where I'd live. I was living in NewYork City before and I was paying three times the rent for a very small space. Now as I'm I little bit older I think quality of life is a little more important to me. I don't necessarily have to be in the hippest city or the biggest place. I enjoy living here. For me the quality of living is much better and I feel much more comfortable and a little less stressed out.
