Meet and Greet – João Blumel, Mentalist

What can I say about Joao? We’ve met via work and mutual friends and he’s a very charming man. Ever since I’ve known him I knew  he’s always had an interest in magic and mentalism. I’ve seen him perform and do tricks at the dinner table and it’s just crazy when you see things happening right in front of your eyes! It was obvious that his talent would take him far and it was no surprise to see his career evolve over the last couple of years from doing small live performances in Lisbon to becoming a TV personality. Watch his showreel at the end and you will see what I am talking about.

1- When did you first become interested in magic, was there any specific moment you recall made you feel this was what you wanted to dedicate your life to?

Although I started learning magic at the age of 9, I always thought that being a magician or entertainer would be a job with little value for society (not as useful as a doctor or a teacher or any other “normal” job). But as I grew up I became more and more involved with it and I realized that being an entertainer is actually much more meaningful and useful for society than I thought. I was in the 3rd year of college (20 yo) when I decided “this is it. As soon as I can I’m gonna leave physiotherapy behind and dedicate myself 100% to mind-reading and Entertainment”.

2 – Who is your main influence and why?

Well there’s no “main influence”. I could definitely say I have a special admiration for certain entertainers. Eddie Izzard, Ricky Gervais, Noel Fielding, Jimmy Carr would definitely be at the top. And then of course when it comes to mind-reading: Andy Nyman, Derren Brown, Max Maven would be the coolest living mentalists right now.

 

3 – what has been the most important moment in your career thus far?

It was definitely performing at the Magic Castle (Hollywood) for a full week, back in July 2011. 21 performances and always an amazing audience.

4 – You’ve had a lot of success recently, doing a stage show in Lisbon and multiple appearances on Portuguese TV. As you’re mad talented I am pretty sure this is not stopping here, where can we expect to see you next?

Haha thanks for the compliment. Well I’m planning to take my show abroad namely the States and the UK. Coming soon I hope. I’m also producing some TV related stuff but I can’t disclose much about it right now.

5 – How was the change from the stage to the TV screen? Is there a huge difference between the two for you? Which one do you prefer?

I think you can’t really beat the feeling of being in front of a live audience doing what you love the most and messing up with their brains forever (or at least for a week I hope). As for the TV I love it specially because I can reach a huge number of people at the same time and I can also hopefully show them something they haven’t seen yet and again defy their brains. I’d love to have my own TV show where I could show something truly original and different from the usual tv crap.

6 – What would you recommend to the youngins that might be inspired by you to pursue magic and mentalism?

I’d say the biggest cliché ever: Work harder and harder and never quit believing in your talent. Self-belief is definitely the biggest key to success. If you believe in yourself you’ll make others believe in you too.

7 – How was for you to change from a 9-5 job to a career you are actually passionate about?

It was and it still is an amazing feeling of relief and luck. I feel really really lucky that I can do what I love the most and get well paid for it.

8 – Who was the most interesting famous person you’ve met so far on your shows and why?

It’s hard to say. I’ve met so many interesting people that I used to admire as a kid. Herman José for instance was my biggest influence as a kid. He was and he still is the greatest Portuguese entertainer of our time!

9 – I remember our conversations about fashion, style and shopping and I think you are a very stylish man. What do you remember as being something you would be embarrassed to be seen in today, that you wore in the past?

Haha nice question. I used to wear a lot of military jackets for instance and now I can’t wear them anymore. I feel kind of self-conscious. But I did love them back then.

10 – What is your favourite place in the whole world and why?

Lisboa. If I hadn’t moved to Lisbon at age 15 I wouldn’t be here today talking to you about being an entertainer. Period. And also Lisbon’s got it all: the weather, the people, the places, the arts, and so on and so on.

If I had to pick a city outside Portugal that would be New York. Perhaps the biggest cliché in the world but you have to live it to understand. And hopefully that will be my next stop for some time.

Like what you see? Follow João on Youtube, Twitter  and Facebook