Stefano is a singer, songwriter, and piano virtuoso. From Soveria Mannelli, Italy. Classically trained since the age of seven at the world-renowned Conservatory Santa Cecilia, his formative years include appearing and performing on several popular Italian TV shows. His burgeoning celebrity prompted the release of his first studio album in 2010 in which he collaborated with two well-known Italian songwriters. Those successes led to his participation in the Sanremo Social Music Festival, the most notable music festival for songwriters in Italy. 2019 marked the beginning of his successful collaboration with famed producer Chico Bennett.
With his latest single “We Are The Power,” the songwriter invites us all to take part in healing the world together. The glorious composition features soulful vocals, a soaring melody, and a vivacious chorus complete with a gospel choir for a most heartfelt demonstration of love, optimism, and vitality. We had the opportunity to speak to this rising star about his career and aspirations.
Thank you for agreeing to catch up with Occhi Magazine. Firstly, for readers who are unfamiliar with you and your work, what drew you to the music industry?
Thank you so much, it’s great to be part of this with Occhi and your readers. I was born into a family where music was a daily ritual in southern Italy. My father can play every type of instrument and is also a singer. It was just a natural for me and I began performing publicly at 5 years of age and was honored to be on TV for the first time at just 7.
You can hear several influences on your musical style, but which artist has been most influential on your career to date, and why?
That is a great question…..Motown and soulful music is the genre that has captured my interest since a child. To date, Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin have really inspired me.
Please share your methodology and process in crafting your music and sound?
It all starts with me sitting at a piano and putting my fingers on the keys. When a melody comes to me, I quickly capture it and built the core of the composition. I then start to hum how the words would fit into the music and then pick the words in conjunction with my lyricist that fit the mood and meaning that I desire for that melody. I then go to work on the production to complete the song. I stay hands-on and am involved in every facet of my music.
Congratulations on the success of your latest project ‘We Are The Power’. The song was produced by Chico Bennett (Madonna, Lady Gaga, The Killers, Prince) Can you tell us more about the theme, the production, and working with Chico. How did the collaboration come about?
Thank you, I am humbled by the quick success of this song. I first met Chico through a fundraising opportunity back in 2018 and we instantly connected and started to work together, he is amazing!!! The theme of the song was born with a desire to connect people, illustrate how powerful we can be together, and inspire everyone, especially during these times. Chico and I worked in the studio for 4 days, bringing the Choir “Voices of Unity” in on the 4th day, and then on the 5th day, we were filming the video. It’s incredible how quickly the final production of the song and video happened and I have so many to thank for this gift.
Please tell us more about the video
The video was recorded on a Saturday in Los Angeles at a church. I was so lucky that Chico Bennett introduced me to the Bijon Slack with “Voices of Unity” and Reggie Pinkney Jr and his team who filmed the video. We did not have a script, rather I asked that everyone be themselves and express on film what the music brought out of them. It was truly an incredible and unforgettable experience. Once the filming was done, Reggie, Chico, and I completed the edits, and quickly thereafter the world saw “We Are The Power”.
You’ve worked with Chico Bennet. Are there any particular artists or producers you’d like to work with, and why?
Yes, there are many. Who comes to mind quickly are Lady Gaga, Elton John, Alicia Keys and I would love to write songs for Adele and Celine Dion. I would really to spend time producing music with Charlie Puth.
What other projects are in the pipeline?
I am going back into the studio soon to produce more music and I have an EP of 5 additional songs that will be released in 2022. Soon I’ll be rehearsing with band members in Los Angeles, and we will be scheduling showcases around the country and eventually concert events. I just love performing live. Luckily, my work is being considered for some amazing campaigns that will expand the outreach of my message.
Where can readers find out more about you?
You can visit on
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