Iracema Trevisan
As the pulsating bassist for CSS, she helped forge a riotous, genre-blending sound that made Brazilian indie music an international party.
Born 1981 (age 45)·Brazilian musician·Birthday: September 28·Millennials
Biography
Iracema 'Ira' Trevisan stepped onto the global stage not from a conservatory, but from the vibrant, DIY art scene of São Paulo. As the bassist for Cansei de Ser Sexy (CSS), she was part of a collective that exploded in the mid-2000s with a sound that was irreverent, electronic, and irresistibly fun. With her minimalist yet driving bass lines, Trevisan provided the crucial backbone for the band's chaotic energy, whether on albums like 'Cansei de Ser Sexy' or during famously energetic live shows at festivals like Coachella. Her background in design informed the band's distinctive aesthetic, blending music with visual art in a seamless package. While CSS went on hiatus, Trevisan's impact remains as a symbol of a moment when Brazilian creativity, led by a group of friends with a synth and a sense of humor, captivated the world.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Iracema was born in 1981, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Iracema Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Iracema's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Performed as the bassist for CSS on their breakthrough self-titled album, which gained international acclaim in 2005-2006.
- Played major international festivals including Coachella and Lollapalooza, bringing Brazilian indie rock to a global audience.
- Contributed to the band's unique visual identity, leveraging her background in design for album art and stage presentation.
Did You Know?
She is a graduate of the Fundação Armando Alvares Penteado (FAAP), a well-known arts university in São Paulo.
The name CSS stands for 'Cansei de Ser Sexy', which translates from Portuguese as 'Tired of Being Sexy'.
Alongside music, she has worked professionally as a graphic designer and art director.
“We came from parties and art school to make noise for the whole world.”
