Q: Hey, can you tell us a bit about where you come from, and what made you want to start a career in music?
A: I originally come from Italy, but I now live in the vibrant city of Brighton in the UK. When I first moved to the UK, it was a challenging experience as I didn’t know anyone and I didn’t speak English well. However, I saw it as an opportunity for personal and professional growth. I knew music was my true passion and so started playing guitar as a teenager. I had a strong feeling about moving to the UK to explore this in a different setting. A career in music has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. I love the creative process of writing and producing music, and I find it to be a deeply rewarding experience. It’s not always an easy path, but it’s one that I have been willing to take because it brings me great joy and fulfilment.
Q: And what other artists have you found yourself listening to lately?
A: I’ve been enjoying the heavy and complex sounds of the French metal band Gojira. Their music blends technicality and emotion in a really compelling way, and I find myself getting lost in their soundscapes. In addition to Gojira, I’ve also been listening to the classical Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi. His minimalist piano compositions are both intimate and expansive, and they create a deep and emotional musical experience.
Q: Who were your first and strongest musical influences, and why the name ‘Civilian Body’?
A: My earliest and most significant musical influences were alternative rock bands such as Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Tool. These bands had a profound impact on me and helped to shape my sound and style as a musician. As for the name ‘Civilian Body,’ it came to me as an idea of a non-military or non-governmental entity that represents the ordinary person. The name emphasizes the importance of community, solidarity, and collective action, rather than conflict, power, and authority.
Q: You have just released your new single, ‘The Reason’. Is there a story behind it?
A: While ‘The Reason’ is an instrumental track, the story behind it is brought to life in the accompanying music video. The video features three people who are caught in a love triangle, with one of them taking a dark and twisted turn. Without giving too much away, the video explores the idea of obsession and the lengths people will go to for love. Overall, ‘The Reason’ is an emotive piece that I hope will resonate with listeners and leave them feeling moved.
Q: Can we expect a new EP or even an album from you in the near future?
A: Yes, I’m currently working on new music and plan to release it in the near future. As an artist, I’ve been exploring the world of web3 and NFTs and the possibilities they offer for a new music economy. I’m excited about the potential of these technologies to transform the way music is distributed and consumed. While I’m excited about experimenting with these new distribution methods, I also plan to release my music through more traditional channels, such as streaming services and physical media. Ultimately, my goal is to share my music with as many people as possible and to connect in meaningful ways.
Q: What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
A: When it comes to my music, I believe that the key elements that should resonate with listeners are strong melodies, dynamic rhythms, and intricate arrangements. These elements form the foundation of my sound, and I aim to create an emotionally charged and engaging listening experience for my audience. Personally, I describe my sound as a fusion of alternative rock and orchestral elements. Aside from the guitar, I have a particular affinity for strings and enjoy incorporating them into my productions to create a unique sound that is both cinematic and expressive.
Q: Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfilment as the amount of work you are putting into it, or are you expecting something more?
A: As an artist, I strive to put all my creativity and energy into my work and produce something that resonates with my listeners on a deep level. Of course, there are times when the hard work can be overwhelming, and it’s natural to expect some level of recognition and success in return. But for me, the most important thing is to stay true to my art and continue to create music that is honest and authentic. That’s what makes me feel fulfilled as an artist, and I believe that the rest will follow naturally.
Q: Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song?
A: The process often starts with a chord progression or a riff on the guitar. Once I have a basic idea to work with, I begin to experiment with different melodies and arrangements to shape the song into a more complete form. This can involve trying out different riffs, experimenting with different rhythms or time signatures, and exploring different musical styles and genres. My goal is to let the creative process unfold organically and intuitively. Of course, the creative process can also be frustrating and challenging at times, and it can take a lot of hard work and dedication to bring a track to completion. However, when everything falls into place and the music starts to take shape, it’s an incredibly rewarding experience.
Q: What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
A: I would say that one of the most challenging experiences in my life and music career so far has been the financial struggles I have faced while trying to pursue my passion for music. Balancing the need to support myself and my family while also investing in my music career has been a significant hurdle that has required a lot of sacrifice and perseverance. At times, it felt like an insurmountable obstacle that would prevent me from ever achieving my dreams but I have remained committed and focused on my goals. This experience has taught me the importance of resilience, resourcefulness, and staying true to my vision despite the obstacles in my path. While it has been undoubtedly difficult, I believe that it has made me a more determined artist.
Q: On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant
point in your life or music career so far?
A: For me, one of the most significant moments in my music career was during the pandemic lockdown. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, I was able to find unique opportunities to collaborate with other musicians remotely and create new music. One of the highlights of this period was working with Dan Konopka from the Grammy Award winning band Ok Go. That experience helped me to take my music to the next level. In addition to my music career, becoming a father and witnessing the birth of my two children has also been a profound and life-changing experience. It has taught me the importance of love, patience and perseverance in the face of challenges, and it has given me a deeper sense of purpose and meaning in my life.
