Q: Welcome back, Chiara! It’s fantastic to have you with us again. Since our last conversation, a lot has happened in your musical journey. To kick things off, could you share some highlights or pivotal moments that have shaped your artistic path since our last interview?
A: Thank you, it’s really good to be back. The past months have been some of the most emotional and creatively intense of my life. I’ve been working on a new EP that feels much more intimate than anything I’ve done before. A big part of that shift came after losing my grandmother. Her passing opened up emotions I didn’t expect – it softened something in me and made me start writing from a much more vulnerable place. “Always Near,” my latest single, was actually the first song that came out of that moment. It set the tone for the entire project, both sonically and emotionally. I feel like I’m discovering a new side of myself as an artist – more honest, more fragile, and somehow stronger at the same time.
Q: Can you describe the musical style of Chiara Filomeni in three words?
A: Emotional. Cinematic. Soulful.
Q: How do you stay connected with your fans, and what role do they play in shaping your musical journey?
A: I stay connected with my fans mainly by sharing honest pieces of my creative process and my life – especially during this new chapter, where I’m writing from a much more emotional and vulnerable place. Their messages, their support at gigs, and even just knowing that someone is out there waiting for a new song deeply motivates me. They remind me that my stories resonate beyond me, and that pushes me to keep writing from a place of authenticity. With the new EP, that connection has felt even stronger, because the music is so personal. It feels like they’re walking through this journey with me.
Q: You have just released your new single, ‘Always Near’. Is there a story behind it?
A: Yes, there is. When my grandma passed away, the emotions hit me like a wave. I remember sitting there feeling completely overwhelmed, and writing was the only thing I could do. It wasn’t planned or polished, it just came out because I needed somewhere to put all that sadness and love. The song captures that feeling of wanting someone you’ve lost to still feel close, even though they’re gone. It was my way of processing everything.
Q: What is your favorite verse or part from the song and why?
A: My favourite part is the pre-chorus. It’s the moment where there’s this honest, shaky emotion underneath. When I wrote it, I remember feeling very exposed, and that part still takes me straight back to that headspace. Every time I sing it, it feels real – like I’m admitting something I wasn’t fully ready to accept at the time.
Q: Can you walk us through the creative process of producing the song “Always Near”?
A: It all came together surprisingly quickly at the beginning, which doesn’t always happen. In fact, when it does, an artist knows it’s already something very special. I sat at the piano, played a few chords, and the melody was just there in my head. Within a couple of hours, I even had most of the lyrics. The song was ready a year ago, but a big reason I hadn’t released it before was that I wasn’t sure I had the courage to put something this personal out. What really helped was working with my friend and producer, Kim Nickerson. She understood the emotion behind it straight away, helped me shape the arrangement in the right direction, and honestly gave me the strength I needed to share the song with the world.
Q: What has been the most memorable concert or performance for you so far?
A: Since this question can be read in two ways, I’m going to answer it as a listener rather than a performer. The best concert I’ve ever been to is definitely Kurt Elling – I’ve actually seen him live twice and I’m already ready to go again soon. I love everything about the way he sings, interprets his songs, introduces them to the audience, and the connection he creates with everyone in the room. It’s perfect, and by the end you just want it to start all over again. I’d really recommend seeing him live.
As for my own performances, I feel like my most memorable concert is still ahead of me. I know that once I sing my new songs on stage, I’ll feel both happy, but also sad – to cite that beautiful song by Ocean Alley.
Q: Reflecting on your body of work, each song holding its unique significance, could you share a particular track that stands out to you personally? What makes that specific tune special, and why does it hold a place of pride in your musical journey?
A: “Electric Love” will always have a special place in my heart because it marked a turning point—not just creatively, but personally. It was the first song I wrote, produced, mixed, and mastered entirely on my own. It’s connected to the beginning of my journey with Double Exposure as a project and with Daniel as a couple. It represents a pivotal moment in our love story and helped shape who I am as a producer. The song carries nostalgia and courage in equal measure.
Q: Exploring the diverse creative processes within the music industry is always fascinating. Could you provide insight into Chiara Filomeni’s unique approach to crafting music? From the initial spark of an idea to the finished song, how do you navigate the creative journey and bring its musical concepts to life?
A: Every song is different for me, but the process usually follows a common order: harmony first, then melody, and finally lyrics. When a song is about to come, I actually feel it in my body – it’s almost strange. There’s a physical urgency to sit at the piano and start writing, even though I don’t yet have a conscious idea of what will happen. Some people have the melody already clear in their minds from the start; for me, it’s usually a feeling, but not a thought. The song comes through me rather than from me, and then I follow that feeling step by step – building chords, shaping the melody, and finally finding the words that match the emotion.
Q: As we wrap up our conversation, looking ahead, what aspirations or dreams do you have, and what message would you like to share with your fans as they continue to accompany you on this musical journey?
A: My dream for 2026 is to play my songs as much as possible, and hopefully even start thinking about a small tour. That would be a true dream come true -singing my original songs in front of audiences who are there to really listen and open their hearts. I’d love to reach people from different parts of the UK and Europe and share these songs with them. To my fans, I just want to say thank you for being part of this journey -your support means everything, and I hope my music continues to connect with you in a meaningful way.
