Matteo Bocelli, son of legendary tenor, Andrea Bocelli, is an Italian musician who follows in his father’s footsteps with his own twist. Matteo’s music contains elements of the same classical Italian melodies that can be heard in his father’s music, but also includespop-like beats and influences that add a more lighthearted sound to his songs. The Italian singer-songwriter first got his start in music when he learned to play the piano at age six. His debut album, “Matteo," is out now and the official music video for his single, “I’m Here” recently launched. The critically acclaimed album includes writing and production contributions from Ed and Matthew Sheeran, PARISI (Ed Sheeran, Fred Again), Jesse Shatkin (Miley Cyrus, Sia, Kelly Clarkson) and Stuart Crichton (Kesha, Backstreet Boys, Louis Tomlinson), among others.

Tell us about your new album “Matteo.” What inspired you to put out a solo album?
I have been working on this album for many years now. It is a product of three years of writing songs. Throughout this time, I collected more than a hundred songs. It was not easy to select twelve songs out of the hundred, but every song has its own moment and correct timing. When it came to choosing songs for my first album, I chose ones that represent me in the best way. In this particular phase of my life, these twelve songs were chosen because of their authentic representation of myself in this moment in time.

What song was the most difficult for you to write/record on Matteo?
In general, it’s never easy to capture your truest emotions when recording a song over and over again. I find that I am able to deliver the most authentic emotions during the first recordings of a song in the demo. After trying a song over and over again, many emotions are lost and you never have the exact same feelings and emotions as the first time. For this reason, I think “Beautiful Disaster” was the most difficult for me to record. I loved the emotions that were felt during the initial demo recording, so trying to replicate that was not easy.

Which song is your personal favorite and why? Which song means the most to you?
It’s hard for me to choose a favorite because I love all of these songs on this album for many different reasons. If I had to choose one that is my personal favorite it would have to be “Honesty” because it’s also the song that means the most to me. In this song, I speak about the town where I have spent most of my life as well as the people who have surrounded me. This place and these people have been a crucial part of my life and taught me so much. It is a special song that pays a small tribute to the people and place that’s most important to me and what I credit to shaping me into the man I am today.

What was it like to work with so many incredible writers and producers on this album?
I feel so privileged to be working with so many incredible artists on my first album. I was lucky to get to work with Jesse Shatkin for “Solo” and “Close,” which is a really special memory for me because those are two of my first-ever releases. I also enjoyed being able to work with someone I consider a great friend and talent, Stuart Crichton, for my single “Close.” I am so fortunate to have worked on a song with Ed and Matt Sheeran for my first album. I have followed Ed since the beginning and have always been a huge fan. I still remember the first time I saw him when he was the opening act for Taylor Swift in Toronto. I hope everyone will really appreciate this song.

I understand you will soon be on your first headline tour, that must be exciting! Are you nervous or excited, or both?
I began my tour a few days ago and have enjoyed it so much. So far I have performed in Berlin, Hamburg, and London. I was definitely nervous for these shows and I think I will continue to be nervous. But it’s not a bad nervousness. I think when you put so much work into something and want to share it with others, it is normal to be a bit nervous. You are putting yourself in a position where many people will be judging not only you, but also the work that you have put so much of yourself into. But with all of these nerves comes a lot of excitement and joy as well. The past few shows have been so great and I am looking forward to the rest of the tour and all that is to come.

Do you have any pre-show rituals?
I don’t have any specific rituals, but I always focus on following a good diet and sleep schedule while on tour. I also make sure I have time to warm up properly before the show.

What’s your favorite song to perform and why?
It would be hard to pick only one song, but I really love performing “Caruso.” It’s a swelling operatic piece written in tribute to the great tenor Enrico Caruso. It starts off quite slowly and easy and then it just arrives with this huge swelling vocal. I love watching the audience’s reaction as it transforms into a great wall of sound. It’s impossible to hear it and not feel the power of it in your chest. I think it is a great song to bring to my shows because of its ability to expose the other side of my voice with classical music. I love performing more modern pop songs, but this song allows me to share my voice in a powerful way.

Which decade or period in history do you believe had the best music and why?
I have always enjoyed listening to music from the 1960s, in particular Italian music from that time. It was a moment in history with a lot of growth and I find that so many of the songs are focused on the positive feelings.

Do you come up with ideas for new songs in unexpected situations or do you have to take time to think about them?
There isn’t a rule when it comes to writing new songs, but I think you can be inspired at any moment in time. When sitting down to write a song, you can have something you have been planning or you can discover something in that moment and develop it in a short moment. But I believe in songs that come together quickly and are written in a few hours. I find that those songs do the best job of showing my real, raw emotions.

Which artists do you draw inspiration from?
I have listened to a wide variety of artists since I was young. Because of this, I have been influenced by many of them and their styles of music. I am constantly being influenced by all types of music. Inspiration can be conveyed by any song at any moment whether that be Bach or the latest song I heard on the radio.

Do you make playlists for different situations, such as going to the gym or for relaxation? If so, what kind of music do you tend to put into those playlists?
Yes, definitely! I think every moment of the day and situation has a particular type of music to match the mood. I listen to all types of music like rap, pop, classics, and opera so it really depends on the situation when I choose what to listen to.

When and how did you know for sure that music was the right thing for you to pursue?
There was never a precise moment. I have always enjoyed making music and I think when you find something in life that makes you feel good and happy, you have to at least try to chase it and make it happen. For me, music has always given me this feeling so I knew I wanted to try my best at creating a career out of it.

Website:
https://matteobocelli.it/

CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director + Photographer + Producer: Mike Ruiz + @mikeruiz.one
Talent: Matteo Bocelli
Fashion Stylist: Kate Barton
Groomer: Rheanne White at Tracey Mattingly
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Madison Cannella, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine