By Marialenes Tsouvelkidis

The day before he first went on the stage of Pallas, in Greece, and introduced with a unique concert to the Greek public, Matteo Bocelli sits opposite us in his hotel suite, excited and calm.

For the young Italian artist, who carries a heavy name as a story, every “first time” is sacred. “The first times are always special“, He says with a wide smile. And Athens, with its Mediterranean aura, its history and flavors, already seems familiar to it.

In an interview with skai.gr, on the occasion of the release of his new single “To get to love you”, On Wednesday, June 25th and the whole of the album in September, he opens his heart and talks about everything: his music, family, shyness, and the need for honesty in the world of flash.

A life in music

Son of the world Favorite tenor Andrea BocelliMatteo grew up in a house where music was not just present – it was an integral part of its existence. “The music was for me like speech. It wasn’t something extra. It was part of my life“, He admits.

He started playing piano in his 7 years, while the song came effortlessly, in a way almost hidden – locked in his room, away from ears and reviews.

“The song was something I did on my own, behind closed doors. I was shy, I didn’t want anyone to hear me“, Matteo confesses.

OR Great turn came in 2018 With the duo “Fall on me”, along with his father, Andrea Bocelli. “It was essentially my first release. And there I really felt my attention. I signed my first contract. Since then I said, ok, now things are getting more serious“

Since then, the father and son have shared many scenes: Madison Square Garden, Hollywood Bowl and of course the Oscars 2024, where they performed Time to say goodbye.

Their duet “Fall On Me”, released in 2018, was included in Disney’s film “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” and was Matteo’s first official release. The song was a huge success and moved millions of people worldwide as it imprinted the tender relationship of father and son in a deeply emotional way.

The disk as a mirror of the self and tunes without boxes

Matteo does not want to be confined to specific types of music. Growing up, heard from Ed Sheeran and Eminem up to Queen and Sinatraa multidimensional musical puzzle that is now reflected in its own style: a mixture of pop, classical, and cinematic sensitivity. “When music is done with purity and purpose, then it is good music, no matter the genre”explains.

In 2023 he released his first album, “Matteo”, which was for him not only a creative step but also personal expression. A melodic mosaic that influences his father’s classical music to modern sounds.

Preparation for each disc is a complex and deep emotional process for him. “Writing is something that must come spontaneously. But at the same time, the more you write, the better. […] To get to that song that the world will get to know, it takes a lot of writing“

This creative abundance brings together another weight: the choice. “Sometimes you end up choosing 10 songs from 150. It’s difficult, because the songs are like your kids. Every song has a story that is part of you. But every song has its own moment ».

He is currently completing his second album. “It is literally like a dream come true. It’s a record I did as I always dreamed. With true musicians, true instruments“, He says proudly.

The road is not a straight line

Unlike other artists of his generation, Matteo began his official career at a more mature age. Although his course seems glamorous, he chooses to speak with ground. When producer David Foster suggested to release a record, his father prevented him. “He wanted to protect me from a difficult industryA, “he explains. Although he was looking forward, today he does not regret:

“I always try to see the glass half full. I am so grateful that I am already on a tour around the world with my first album. And I’m looking forward to even more.

Everything happened at the right time. And that helps me appreciate every moment now“

“With my father we are in completely opposite musical worlds”

Does not deny the heavy shadow of the name BOCELLI – He respects her, but chooses to draw his own path. His music is significantly different from his father’s classic opera. “The audience is waiting to do the same with your father. But everyone has their own way, their own voice“

He recognizes, however, the influence of Andrea Bocelli’s presence on his way. “Sure, my father’s presence has influenced me all these years, because I grew up with the opera. But at the same time, I listened to many different kinds of music“

“When it comes to my own albums, sometimes I happen to show him musical ideas, but we are in completely opposite musical worlds. He appreciates what I do, probably because I am his son, but I do not really ask for advice when it comes to creating my own discs“

“When it’s a matter of technical, vocal technique, there is obviously so much to learn. By him and get tips“

Matteo also talks about the need to build authentic relationships in his life. “Ever since I was a kid, because I have such a surname, there have always been many people around me, only because they have contributed to them. It has always been a challenge to find those good, honest people who were by my side for Matteo and not for something else“

This search is also reflected in the song “Honesty”, as he explains. “I wanted people raw, honest, who would tell me the truth by face. “.

His presence in Greece

As mentioned above, Matteo Bocelli, he held his first concert in Greece at the Pallas Theater on June 13th. Concluding the interview, therefore, as it was implemented a day before its appearance, his love for the presence on stage and his joy for the Greek public was evident:

“Sure, we are all Mediterranean, so we have this warmth within us. I love Greek food. Tonight I’ll try something very classic ».

Matteo lives in the present. “Neither the past nor the future – only now matters“, He says in a philosophical mood.

As he dreams: ‘Maybe someday I can go back to a video clip in Greece” And why not? The story of Matteo Bocelli has just begun – and waiting to follow it, note to note.

See all the interview