I don't want to personalize the following words in this first article, part of a future substantial collection of artists and singer-songwriters from the Catania area. But I'd like to confess to every reader, thirsty for reading and music, how fortunate I feel today. Given the difficulty of identifying a talented person, fishing for the interviewer could prove fruitless for a long time. There are simply two reasons: the water in which we've decided to cast our bait is lacking in big fish; the current of media myth drives the big fish away from the humble fishermen of stories, leading them towards fishing boats of visibility.
But my luck, not only led me to fish in a river rich in art and talent, like Catania; but I was lucky enough to interview a great talent of Catanese Folk-Pop music: his name and Roberta Finocchiaro.
Roberta is a daughter of musicians. Born into a family of musicians, her love of music began at just 10 years old. Thus, in 2010, at just 17, she began her long artistic journey; after forming her band, New Generation Class, Roberta played everywhere: streets, squares, and clubs around Catania. Until she was discovered by Tillie Records, Simona Virlinzi's record label, with whom she still maintains a close production relationship.
A chat with Roberta
Within your repertoire, the first song I had the chance to listen to was a reinterpretation of a Johnny Cash song, Ring of FireI'm not a fan of cover culture, but the way you revisited and interpreted this song really struck me. However, the first question that came to mind was about the origins of your cultural encounter with artists like Johnny Cash, and all those who have contributed to the history of country and folk music. How does this part of history influence your artistic journey? And why, in your opinion, should young people approach or learn about this part of musical history?
My introduction to this "Folk Country" genre came when I started playing music. I was only 10 years old, and growing up in a musical family, we didn't listen to mainstream music, but rather a lot of jazz, blues, and American folk. My first memory is a Joni Mitchell DVD. Playing the guitar came very naturally to me, and I began to discover many American artists on my own—Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Cash, Jeff and Tim Buckley, John Mayer, Norah Jones, Tracy Chapman, Dave Matthews, and many others.
This genre is part of me, when I started listening and playing I succeeded to understand that I could convey all my emotions through the guitar and my voice. I don't really like playing covers either; but I think you have to choose wisely. I personally choose a song when it really moves me and I feel like I can make it my own. – continued below – In my opinion, to get into the Blues and Folk genre, you have to be a true enthusiast. Young people should get into it because it's music that comes from the soul, music that can take you on a journey and teach you many things.
Contaminations and New Projects
It's undeniable how much the nostalgic blues notes, or the driving rhythm of folk country, can influence our sensibilities. However, listening to "Bianco," your recent unreleased single, if I didn't know your musical roots, I would never have imagined how your background interacts with musicians from different eras, styles, and songwriting methods, sometimes at odds with contemporary artistic trends. I would define Bianco as a pop song, certainly not a folk one. Do you agree?
Exactly, it's a pop song, but for me, the nuances of the acoustic guitars give the piece a folk tone. When I play it live, guitar and vocals, it's very noticeable. The entire album Foglie Di Carta displays folk and blues tones mixed with pop. FOGLIE DI CARTA was a way to start. My next album will definitely be much more representative. It'll be a "Here, this is really me."
Leaves of Paper and the next release
During the song “TearsFor example, I noticed the mix you're referring to. Essential guitar; a timid accordion inserted decisively at the end of each verse. I'd be interested in delving deeper into the lyrical content of the songs. In your album "Foglie Di Carta," an inseparable acoustic guitar accompanies music and lyrics that speak of possibilities, alternatives (in a sentimental key, of course). But venturing into a meticulous paraphrase, besides carrying the well-known risk of misinterpretation, could provide distorted interpretations: why don't you talk about it a bit? Furthermore, since you mentioned it yourself, what should listeners expect from this new album?
The songs on "Foglie Di Carta" all talk about life experiences. "STRAPPI" is about a relationship still trying to survive despite the many disappointments of "GLI STRAPPI." I believe that by listening to the songs on "Foglie Di Carta," each of us can interpret them based on our own experiences. The new album will be very different from the first; it will be a very personal album, it will be about me. It will be released on Simona Virlinzi's Tillie Records label, my producer and manager, and thanks to her, "crazy things" will happen.
I'd like to talk about it but I can't say anything right now.
Catania and its artistic opportunities
One last question to answer before concluding. An artist, a talent, in addition to possessing and acquiring the necessary skills to be such, needs something, or someone, to act as a channel of expression: an audience. In the world of unreleased music, we know how complicated it is to find a space to perform, and an audience to whom you can share your creativity. How friendly have the city of Catania and its audience been to you, in light of what you've said?
Catania.
Where it all began. I played a lot at clubs and festivals, which was my apprenticeship, and I'm still working my way up, playing outside of Sicily. Catania was a training ground, and I also had the support of many local musicians. In the world of unreleased music, it's very difficult; you have to have a lot of patience, never give up, and above all, believe in it. It goes without saying, but there are no other ways.
and as Norah Jones says “Good things are happening, but happening slowly”.
