João Couto

João Couto, born in 1995 in Vila Nova de Gaia, is a singer, songwriter, and producer. Influenced by the synth-pop of artists like Carly Rae Jepsen and Bleachers, as well as the classics of Portuguese pop-rock such as Clã and David Fonseca, his music blends heartfelt lyrics with infectious melodies. To him, "pop music is a safe place," where he creates a sense of belonging and happiness. His new album, Efeito Submarino, mostly recorded at home during the summer of 2024, marks a new milestone in his career. Largely self-produced, with collaborations from João Borsch and Ben Monteiro (D’Alva), it stands as his most personal work to date, set for release in early 2025. Since winning Ídolos in 2015, João Couto has released two albums, including the acclaimed Boa Sorte (2021), and in 2023, he performed the concert series Canções Sobre o Meu Carro e o Quarto, supported by Antena 1. In 2024, he returns to Festival da Canção as both songwriter and performer of Quarto para Um—a track selected from over 800 submissions—and he is featured on IMPALA Music's 100 Artists to Watch list. Throughout his career, he has collaborated and shared the stage with artists such as Miguel Araújo, Samuel Úria, Joana Espadinha, and D’Alva. With Efeito Submarino, he promises to solidify his place as one of the defining voices of contemporary Portuguese pop.