What was it like entering the workforce thanks to the Saint Louis network?
Saint Louis was certainly an important starting point for my entry into the professional world. In addition to my musical training, it gave me the opportunity to connect with musicians, teachers, and professionals with whom, over time, collaborations and job opportunities have emerged.I believe that’s precisely what makes a network so valuable: getting to know people with whom you share a passion and who, perhaps years down the line, may become colleagues, collaborators, or simply open up new paths. During that time, I was able to build relationships that played a tangible role in my personal and professional journey.
What projects are you currently working on?
This summer, I was mainly busy with four tours.The first one isGiovanni Ti Amo, a new project for me that I got involved with last September, when I started spending more and more time in Milan. That’s how the collaboration began, and we have a lot of dates together this summer.Then there’sWebro, a project I’ve been involved with for a few years now. After recording their latest album, “Music For Rapine,” we went on tour, which kept us busy throughout both the summer and winter seasons.
The same applies toVenerus, with whom I’ve been collaborating for several years now. Last winter, after the release of the album “Speriamo,” we went on a theater tour with him, followed by a spring tour and a summer tour, which we’re currently in the midst of.Finally, there’sGEMITAIZ, who contacted me to cover a few dates on his tour as a replacement forOrange(FromNiele Dezi), his longtime bassist.
So it’s been a really busy summer, especially since these are four very different projects. And that’s something I enjoy: switching from one artist to another means changing my repertoire, approach, sound, and even my role within the band. It keeps me from ever getting too comfortable and allows me to constantly challenge myself with different ways of making music.Another important part of my work involvesprivate events, which allow me to engage with repertoires and situations that are very different from those in the recording industry. This variety is essential for me: having multiple professional roles at the same time allows me to avoid being tied to a single type of work and, above all, to keep learning.
At the same time, I spend a lot of time working in the studio, where I have the opportunity to collaborate with different artists and on various projects, and I also continue to give private lessons.
How did the collaboration with Venerus begin in 2019?
My collaboration with Venerus began in 2019 and developed very naturally. It was a musical and personal connection that allowed me to become part of a very stimulating artistic environment.Working with him has given me the opportunity to engage with a very personal approach to music, both in terms of composition and performance. Over time, this collaboration has become an important part of my journey and has allowed me to grow significantly as a musician.
What’s life like as a session musician? How do you bring your own personality to the role, and what advice would you give to someone just starting out on this path?
Actually, the term“session musician” feels a bit too restrictive for me, because sometimes it can make you think of a “music worker”—someone who shows up, does what they’re supposed to do, and that’s it. I try to approach this job differently.I like to be recognized first and foremost as a musician who knows how to immerse myself in another artist’s world and sound, adapting to what the projectrequires, but without losing my own playing style, my own taste, and my own sound.
Life as a session musician is certainly stimulating, but it requires a great deal of availability and significant mental and physical adaptability. You can go from a studio session to a rehearsal, from a live performance on a huge stage to a private event, facing different people, repertoires, and situations each time.In my work, I strive above all to bringreliability and availability.
To anyone who wants to embark on this journey, I would especially recommendalways review the repertoire—even when you think you know them well—and never to underestimate the importance of preparation. And also to be people who are a pleasure to work with: musical competence is essential, but in the professional world, your attitude and how you fit into a team really make all the difference.
