Mateus Asato: From Brazilian Guitar Prodigy to Solo Sensation
Hailing from Brazil, guitarist Mateus Asato has rapidly ascended the music scene, showcasing his exceptional skills as a versatile shredder and sought-after collaborator for pop icons such as Bruno Mars and Tori Kelly.
As a long-time endorser of Suhr guitars, he received his own signature model in 2018. Since then, he has become a favorite among Neural DSP users, launching a signature plugin that enabled him to co-write a track with Plini in just 24 hours. Asato has also made appearances on Martin Miller’s YouTube channel, where he reinterprets classic rock and pop hits, and has participated in guitar clinics alongside legends like John Petrucci, Joe Satriani, and Steve Vai.
While his reputation has been built on performing for massive audiences with pop superstars, Asato has also proven his mettle on stage with some of the most revered guitarists in the industry.
A Last-Minute Opportunity with Nuno Bettencourt
One memorable moment came when he received a last-minute invitation to perform with Nuno Bettencourt and Extreme at the Best of Rock and Blues festival in Brazil. It was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up—if he could make it in time.
“It was the most spontaneous situation ever,” Asato recalls. “Nuno announced he was in Brazil,and I reached out because I was there too. My phone rang, and he told me to get to Sao Paulo instantly.”
with time running out, Asato navigated the public transport system like a pro. “There was only one flight that could get me there on time,” he explains. “I landed just 30 minutes before I was set to join them on stage for ‘Get the Funk Out.’”
for this performance, he paired his Gibson Les Paul, equipped with P90 pickups, against Bettencourt’s signature Washburn, and his expression throughout the set was one of pure exhilaration.
“Nuno is one of my greatest inspirations,” Asato shares. “His studio work is phenomenal, but his live performances are what truly give me chills. The rhythm and funk in his playing are remarkable, and the energy he brings is simply mind-blowing!”
Bridging the Gap Between Genres
Despite his growing acclaim in the guitar community, many are intrigued by how Asato transitioned into performing at stadiums with some of the biggest names in contemporary music.
“there’s a lot of curiosity surrounding my journey,” he notes. “People often ask, ‘How did this happen?’ because I’m involved in the pop scene.It allows me to break free from the typical guitarist’s mindset of overplaying in search of the perfect tone. I strive to keep an open mind and embrace diversity in my music.”
Joining Bruno Mars’ Silk Sonic
In 2021, Asato became a member of Bruno Mars’ Grammy-winning Silk Sonic band, which features singer/rapper Anderson .paak, despite feeling he might not be the ideal fit for the role.
“It’s fascinating because our guitar styles don’t completely align,” he admits. “While there are similarities, our differences create a beatiful synergy. There are always opportunities to impress each other musically. His sound is rooted in ’70s funk, and even though I haven’t mastered funk, I made sure to grasp the fundamentals.”
“I approached it as a unique contribution—I’m a soloist. Bruno recognized that this could work, and I was astounded during our first rehearsal by his brilliance as a musician, singer, dancer, and multi-instrumentalist.”
“I was aware that there were other guitarists who might have been more suited for the Silk Sonic role. However, Bruno felt that my unique style would complement the band well.”
Embarking on a Solo Journey
After a whirlwind tour, Asato departed from the band and is now preparing to release his debut solo album, a project inspired by encouragement from former Megadeth guitarist Kiko Loureiro.
“I remember chatting with Kiko at a guitar camp, and he pointed out that the snippets I was sharing on Instagram weren’t fully formed songs. He told me, ‘What you’re doing online is like a musical mosaic.’”
“At this moment, I can confidently say I’ve never been more excited about my own music.Until now, I wasn’t sure if I was ready. I’ve come to realise that while we all draw from various influences—no one exists in isolation—I can only be Mateus Asato. I go to sleep thinking about the album, and I wake up with it on my mind. It feels incredible!”
