Ricardo Soares is from Vitória, state of Espírito Santo in Brazil, and was born on the 5th of December, 1977 .
His almost obsessive interest in music started very early and with five years already had started his first lessons in music education with the flute, in the church he attended. The growing taste for chords quickly led him to meet other instruments such as violin, acoustic guitar and ... the electric guitar.
The "chemistry" was immediate and soon became a sweeping passion.

As a teen, carried all over his rough, beaten guitar “Jenifer”. While his friends just wanted to play football and video games, Ricardo just wanted to play the guitar! He had no idea how long it would take, and how hard it would be, to master the guitar. Especially for a skinny, long haired "dreamer". Nobody took him seriously! They all believe it would be just some passing passion. But he had the conviction, that he would dedicate himself fully to that instrument of wood and metal.Rockpulsated in his arteries.

With just over 14 years, he was invited to participate in the Afterdeath band, regarded by many, as one of the forerunners of Brazilian Christian Metal.
In this band, he started to regard music in a more professional way, adding discipline and determination to his already growing talent in the field of six strings. His work was appreciated in Afterdeath, outside the borders of his homeland, eliciting praise from publications, such as specialized magazines as Rock Brigade, Top Rock (Brazil), Heaven's Metal (USA) and Tomb Vacia (Mexico). After Afterdeath, Ricardo participated in several other bands and musical projects such as Kannon band, as a session player for singers as Wesly Soares, Flávio Gracioth, Tatiana Rangel, Elaine Cristine, Geiziane Smith, among other well known singers in the music scene.

But it did not stop there. The need to acquire influence, to learn new techniques and challenges, led him into studying with masters such as Mozart Mello, Joe Moghrabi, Vander Taffo, Eduardo and Marcelo Barbosa Ardanuy.
True to rocker style, he is specialized in "Hard Rock" and quick riffs associated with very accurate technique. Always looking for the right dose of “feeling” and speed. As he likes to say, speed does not mean lack of "feeling", neither being slow means you have it! Devotes hours and hours of daily study to perfect the basics and keep in shape.

The "debut" solo album Ricardo Soares was released in September 2009 and had guest appearances of "monsters" as Edu Ardanuy (Dr.Sin, Tork), Sydnei Carvalho, Marcelo Barbosa (Almah, Khalice), Roger Franco (Freedom, 4Action), Luiger Lima and Eliah Oliver (Khorus).

Yes he was and still is in exceptional company! On the CD there were eagerly awaited songs (well known to his audience), like the melodic "Saudade" (ballad that pays homage to his late Grandfather), "Pamela" (made for his first daughter), "Highway", "My Choice" (with the marvelous vocals of Eliah), among others. Such dedication has yielded some good results.

Today Ricardo Soares is supported by major companies in the music scene. Stand out companies as Tagima, the largest guitar factory in Brazil and Nig Music, the largest domestic producer of Strings and effect pedals.Both have given great support, partnership, investment, and both believed in his indisputable talent.

At his side also are Basso Straps, Sparflex Cables, Lost Dog guitar picks, Sergio Rosar Pickups and Creation FD pedalboards, benchmarks in this competitive market.

His participation in major shows and events has been a pleasant routine. Participates as a “Sponsored Musician" at Expomusic, the mega event in São Paulo, which features the very best in Brazil and from all over the world. Representing proudly the musicians of the Holy Spirit.
He is a mandatory player in the main stands and "workshops" of its sponsors, having shared the stage with Frank Solari, Marcelo Barbosa, Sidney Carvalho, Roger Franco, Ricky Furlani, Juninho Afram (G3), Edu Ardanuy (Dr. Sin) and other "monsters".

In the 2011 edition of Tagima Dream Team, launched the 1st CD of the Christian band "My Destiny", with live broadcast in HD. Currently assists in the development of Brazilian amplifiers and effects modules, giving technical advice and contributing with his expertise and perception. Ricardo is "all in", investing in his career. Professionally, he has the unconditional support of his lovely wife Sarah and his top fans, Pamela and Polyana, his dear daughters.

He currently teaches guitar at his home studio and at Acorde Music Education. Finally, Ricardo Soares is Christian and never shies away from talking about it. Moral and spiritual values are very important to him, having led a life guided by ethics and respect for others.
Considers his life as a Christian and as a musician indissoluble. Rock with sex and drugs? No way! Though he thinks we all have the free will to choose, this doesn’t “fit” in his life. Furthermore, Ricardo is contributing to end the prejudice that "Gospel music is boring and poorly played" ... Doubt? Then check out the work of this great musician!

By William Hayashi