Filed under: Uncategorized
2017 might have been another bad year of politics here in the states and in Italy, but as far as music in 2017 we had a great year. We got to see many new artists come out and in this article I’d like to share with you all some of my favorite albums of the year. What I love a lot about the Italian Indie music scene (besides that I feel close to Italian culture and love the language) is that this genre of music is not afraid to take chances, mix sounds together and create music that sounds different to the rest of the world. These groups below are really great at mixing instruments and sounds and they do a really great job at doing it.
Before I give you my list of top albums for 2017 I’d like to share something I’ve been working on. Besides this project here I have also worked on a guided meditation in Italian. I am really excited to share meditation and my experience with it to people out in Italy. I truly believe that praticies of yoga and meditation have a power to change our world globally. If you are interested in this guided meditation you are welcome to check it out here.
I have been really into the singles of Priestess songs that were released this year. A lot of us were introduced to Priestess earlier this year and Alessandra Prete the voice behind Priestess brings a lot of power behind her voice. Priestess mixes a lot of other genres of music from jazz, rock and big blues into their songs, and I’m happy to share and put Torno Domani on my 2017 list.
L’amore e la violenza – Baustelle
Baustelle formed back in 1994 and they are still rocking harder than ever especially with their newest album L’amore e la violenza. The album as a whole is a nice piece of art.
Each track has quite different tempos and sounds, some songs like “Betty’ are slow while others like ‘Amanda Lear’ are faster and have a more upbeat and electric tune to it.
I love hearing from you all and when asked online L’amore e la Violenza was the pick. Thank you to Massimo Maggiore on twitter for suggesting to me this great track to share for best albums of 2017.
Le Luci Della Centrale Elettrica – Terra 
Seven years ago we heard ‘Cara catastrophe’ and today their video has been viewed online close to 3 million times. This year ‘Terra’ was released and it is a brilliant experimental mix that draws from sounds of distant cultures from all over the world. You will just have to give it a listen and hear for yourself and you will quickly see why it was picked to be one of my top albums for 2017.
Brunori Sas – A Casa tutto bene 
Everything this man puts out is golden including his new album ‘A case tutto bene’ that received gold from (FIMI) Federation of Italian Music Industry. Released earlier this year A case Tutto bene’ takes old sounds and mixes them with synthesizers and traditional styles and sounds and rhymes of Calabria. Two close but very different worlds of the modern sounds and the traditional Rrunori Sas has always done a great job at brining the two together.
Fast Animals Slow Kids
It’s hard to choose the top list of albums and this year is no different. Fast Animals And Slow Kids is on my list because this group is special to me when I first began the project Indie Italy. This album is strong just like ever single album this group has put out. They have toured in festivals around Italy countless times and this is why we all want to see and to hear this great group FASK with their new album.
Filed under: Uncategorized
Summer is still here no matter what anyone says, but lets not wait around any longer to get into our summer music update in Italy. Before I give you our list of what we think is the best summer music going on, I’d like to add that agosto, August, is a very special month, besides it being my birth month, yes!! The popular yearly holiday in Italy ‘ferraagosto’ begins and it is traditional in Italy to relax. So, you can spark your joint and listen to your favorite albums of that year.
1) PRIESTESS – “Amica pusher”
Alessandra Prete is the voice of Priestess, Italy’s female rap artist, the first artist I’d like to pick on this summer 2017 list. Priestess has the voice, the looks and the talent that can be seen and heard on tracks from earlier this year like ‘Maria Antonietta’ a dark lyrical track about the obsession of Maria Antonietta. The chorus has been consuming my thoughts with their catchy tune. “Ho perso la testa per te Maria Antonietta”
I’m crazy for you Maria Antonietta, or Torno Domani, and the latest song and video “Amica Pusher. I really suggest taking the time to watch all the well done videos of Priestess on her Youtube page. Watch as well as listen to the awesome tracks sang by Alessandra herself. 
Calcutta Mainstream+ My second pick of the great summer 2017 list is Calcutta ‘Mainstream+. I enjoyed listening to Edoardo D’Erme, Italian songwriter for Calcutta, born in Latina, Italy (between the two great cities of Roma and Naples). What is really nice about Mainstream+ is that it is actually a republished album in the form of a box containing three discs: the cd with the songs of the deluxe version in addition to live recorded tracks from a popular show in Roma late 2016. All tracks can be found digitally and also on Spotify. Calcutta is signed to label Bomba Dischi in collaboration with con Pot Pot Records.
Pop x – CARAOCHEI
Pop X is a group also on Bomba Disci recorders experimental group . Pop X released on band camp last May ‘CARAOCHEI’ it is an interesting sound and took me awhile to get used to. I really didn’t know what you think at first listen, however the group Pop X really began to grow on me. It is a very different story if you got to see the group perform live this year on Mi Ami tour. Post your photos and tag Indie Italy if you were in witness to the magic of Pop X at Mi Ami this year. If you were notion worries, they published on Youtube their documentary of their show.
What is your favorite Italian album of this summer/year? Please share this post, your thoughts and please Tag @IndieItaly on your FB & Instagram.
Filed under: 1 | Tags: dialect, Indie Italy, Indie music, Indie Roccia, Italian dialect, Italian Indie Scene, Italian Music Blog, Italian Music scene, Italy, Liberato, Naples, Napoli Blog
While there are lots of festivals you are trying to get to around Italy this summer, facciamo uno pausa ( let’s take a moment) and take a listen to some new music going on around the southern part of the boot. Liberato is the new Italian artist that is making his way from Napoli.
Liberato is representing the language, culture and idenity of his southern city of Naples. By using the neopolition dialect in his music he is incorporating a classical style that I remember listening to as a kid, classical Canzone Napoletana, with a modern sound of hip hop. Liberato has been producing music for other artists for awhile and since the release of his own song “Nove Maggio” he has grown a huge internet following in such a short time.
His recent video “Tu T’e Scurdat E Me” was already watched by 65,000 people in only 2 days! In this video you can clearly notice and take in the coastal views of the city along with an interesting story of romance, friendship and basically being a young adult in Italy. In Liberato’s other video, Nove Maggio, there is also a great display of the the Napeotelian scenery.
Both tracks by Liberato have nice sounds that represent the similar style of the American musical group “The Chainsmokers” with more hip hop involved. Musically the sound of Liberato is a little pop/trance, but everything about Liberato is independent and made by him.
It’s said that Liberato is leading a rebirth of Naples. A rebirth of art, music and a deep appreciation of this beautiful city. It’ll be exciting to see what will come next with Liberato and possibly see a whole album! Overall, I think it’s great to listen to Italian music sung in dialect and also see it develop a following internationally.
Joe
Filed under: 1 | Tags: Festival, Hipster, Hipsteria, Home Festival, Indie artists, Indie Italy, Italian culture, Italian Indie Music, Italian Music Blog, Italian Music scene, Italy Culture, italyisnotonlyopera, Lucca Summer Festival, Mi Ami, Music Blog, Summer in Italy, SummerFestivals, SUPERNOVA FESTIVAL, Ypsigrock
Ok guys, we hope you already bought your flight ticket to Italy this summer!
If not, we are gonna give you some good reasons to travel to this beautiful country!
We are not going to talk about the amazing pieces of art, the historical buildings, the amazing landscapes (of course, you already know all these points). We’ll give you one more reason: SUMMER CONCERTS!
Whether you’re passionate about Italian music or more international sounds, Italy is going to host so many concerts that you might want to be attending this summer! Let’s have a look!
SUPERNOVA FESTIVAL (22-25 April) – Genova
The third edition of this Italian indie music festival will start in a few days. Porto Antico of Genova will host Baustelle, Deproducers, Brunori SAS, Fast Animals and Slow Kids, and many more.
MI AMI FESTIVAL (25-27 May) – Milano
The pay off states “Festival della musica bella e dei baci” (Festival of beautiful music and kisses), isn’t it a good promise? Carmen Consoli, Pan del Diavolo, Lucio Corsi, Bruno Bellissimo, and many more will play in the park surrounding the iconic Circolo Magnolia, for a total of 20 hours of music and live art performances.
POSTEPAY SOUND PIAZZOLA SUL BRENTA – (June/July, various dates) – Piazzola sul Brenta (Padua)
Take the chance of visiting an amazing Villa from the Sixteenth century (Villa Contarini) and stay in town for one of the many concerts that will be held in the its square (Anfiteatro Camerini): The Cranberries, 2Cellos, Il Volo, Kasabian, David Guetta. Which one will you choose?
FIRENZE ROCKS (23-25 June) – Florence
The land of Da Vinci and Botticelli will welcome some music legends this summer: Aerosmith, Eddie Vedder, the Cranberries, System of a Down. Are you ready to rock?
POSTEPAY ROCK IN ROMA (June/July, various dates) – Rome
Rock in Roma brings many international artists to play in the Capital during the summer. Do you want some names? Kasabian, Red Hotel Chili Peppers, the Offsprings and even Marilyn Manson will play in the Capital. Italian music will be there too, with Samuel, Mannarino, Brunori SAS and many others.
LUCCA SUMMER FESTIVAL (June/July, various dates) – Lucca
This Italian festival will celebrate its 20th Anniversary with some amazing artists such as Robbie Williams, Green Day, Imagine Dragons, Mary J Blige, LP, Rag’N’Bone, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis.
YPSIGROCK (10-13 August) – Castelbuono (Palermo)
Ph Roberto Bonomo
Browsing the South of Italy? Ypsigrock is waiting for you in Castelbuono, a village in the heart of Sicily. Held in the main square in front of the medieval Ventimiglia Castle, this edition will take in town many international artists: the Americans Cigarettes After Sex, the British Ride, the Canadians Preoccupations, the Berlin-based Finnish duo Amn
esia Scanner.
HOME FESTIVAL (31 August /3 September) – Treviso
Last but not least, the Best Festival in 2015 and 2016, according to the Coca Cola On Stage Awards: Home Festival. Located in Treviso, about 30km from Venice, this festival is the place to be if you want to live the atmosphere of Europeans Festivals. This year’s line up includes Justice, Kungs, Liam Gallagher, Mannarino, Levante, Samuel, Le Luci della Centrale Elettrica. A little bit for all tastes!
Are you convinced now?
See you in Italy!
– Sara –
Filed under: 2
L’orso – Un luogo sicuro:
L’orso has brought us this year “Un Luogo Sicuro.” This album is the same really great sound we are used to; however, each album seems to get better, and they seem more comfortable with their style. We love every track so far from L’orso and this album is no different. That is why we choose Un Luogo Sicuro as one of the best albums of 2016.
Cosmo – L’ultima Festa
“L’ultima festa” (“The Last Party”) is actually a party you wish will never end! We saw Cosmo live and he got people to dance on stage with him, so much energy and positivity!
Novamerica – Novamerica 
“Music is The Answer” is one of the hits of this album, and we love it! “Novamerica” was composed with an old upright piano, and re-arranged in studio with great attention to pursue a pop sound that is complete, elegant and ethereal. You can’t miss it!
I Cani – Aurora
Do you remember I Cani and their typical references to Rome, its surroundings and its people? Well, nothing like that in this album! A change that some may like..and some may not! Different, but powerful!
Motta – La Fine dei Vent’Anni
After two albums with the band “
Criminal Jokers” and various collaborations with other Italian bands (such as Zen Circus and Pan del Diavolo), Francesco Motta debuts on his own. “La Fine dei Vent’Anni” represents a switch in his life and in his musical career as well, the “End of the Twenties” but the beginning of something new.
TheGiornalisti – Completamente Sold Out
Not sure it’s their best album, but with this album the listners of the main Italian radios got to know TheGiornalisti with their hit “Completamente.” From an independent band to sold out concerts across Italy. Good job TheGiornalisti!
Dente – Canzoni per meta
In 2012 we called Dente “The King of Italian Indie,” and now Spotify and the internet is calling him that as well. Canzoni per meta is more than an album by Dente but a journey into Dente’s sixth album release, his career and its growth as a musician.
L’Officina Della Camomilla – Palazzina Liberty
Instrumental album and also a bit different than the other albums on this list. From Milan these guys formed in 2008 and have been working hard producing many great albums. We think “Palazzina Liberty” might be their best work so far.
Cairobi – (Gristly Words, Lupo, Ghost, Saint / All 2016 Singles; )
English songs, but Cairobi’s electro-tropical-folk song is worth bringing up on the 2016. Their international sound comes from its components: five individuals of different nationalities (Mexico, France, Italy and Austria). They now live in between London and Berlin, but last summer they came to Italy to perform at Contronatura Music Festival, an amazing festival held in the Salento.
Selton – Loreto Paradiso 
Songs in at least three different languages, talk about using music to learn a new language (a huge message for Indie Italy). So excited that Selton has come out with a new album since 2013. Take a listen you will be surprised and will want to dance!
We hope you enjoyed our list of the best Italian Indie rock albums of 2016. Let’s celebrate the New Year, and the great music that will be coming out in the great country of Italy. Happy New Year!!
Joe & Sara of Team Indie Italy
Filed under: 2 | Tags: Home Festival, Indie, Indie Italy, Indie music, Italian culture, Italian Music, Italian Music Blog, Italian Music scene, italian rock music, Italy, Italy Culture, italyisnotonlyopera, Music Blog, Music Festival, Selton
As you probably saw on our social media, this weekend we attended Home Festival, in Treviso, Italy. The 7th Edition of Home Festival just ended and we would like to tell you how amazing it was. This festival welcomed about 88,000 people this year, 10% more than last year. It really seems that this event is going to grow from year to year.
This edition’s line up was more international than before, including artists such as Editors, Prodigy, Martin Garrix and 2Cellos.
Of course, Italian bands were the majority: the iconic band Il Teatro degli Orrori, indie representatives Iosonouncane, teenage idols Benji e Fede, the unique Max Gazzzè and the evergreen Vinicio Capossela, then Fabri Fibra, Alborosie, Coez, Bruno Belissimo, Jack Jaselli, Rumatera and many more, for a total of more than 160 artists in 5 days.
Our favorites for indie music? Selton, whose members are actually from Brazil, but they’re now based in Milan and they sing both in Italian and Brazilian. Their music mixes indie pop and exotic sounds, and their live performance really drives you into that beach of Porto Alegre (their home town). Dance moves, original instruments and musical tricks made their show a real party for the whole public.
There was not only music events at the festival, but also sports, food tracks, creative activities and Holi (the festival of colors) contributed to entertain the public of Home Festival.
A great success for the event’s founder Amedeo Lombardi who commented: “Our greatest satisfaction comes from guests, international managers and heads of European festivals who have consecrated and legitimized us as leaders in Italy for the realization of a real international event.
(*Original: La nostra maggiore soddisfazione è legata agli ospiti, ai manager internazionali e ai responsabili dei festival europei che ci hanno consacrato e legittimato come leader in Italia per la realizzazione di un vero evento di caratura internazionale)
What else makes a festival international? Its participants! Many locals attended the event, but also people from various regions of Italy, and from over 20 foreign nations. A great accomplishment! Some of these guests have had the chance of being the first to enjoy the new camping area, finally available on site! This is a great improvement for a festival that aims to be as much international as possible.
Great job guys, see you next year!
– Sara Peruzza –
Filed under: 2 | Tags: Contronatura, Contronatura Music Festival, Indie Italy, Indie music festival, Italian Indie Music, Music Blog, Summer in Italy
Here is something you can’t miss if you’re spending your summer in the south of Italy: the 5th edition of Contronatura Music Festival is about to start!
Held in Guagnano (Lecce), this indie music festival will take place among the beautiful olive trees and vineyards of Sudestudio recording label. The date, 10th August, is the popular night of San Lorenzo, when people turn their eyes to the sky to watch shooting stars (the Perseids). Well, you will have to keep your eyes on this stage too!
Headliner of Contronatura 2016 is the electronic guru James Holden accompanied by percussionist Camilo Tirado. It’s the first time in Italy for their brand new show “Outdoor Museum of Fractals”, a rearrangement of minimalist musician TerryRiley’s homonymous work.
Line-up also includes: the cosmopolitan electro-tropical-folk band Cairobi, the Italian italo-dance phenomenon Cosmo, the folk-psychedelic Italian Weird Black and young apulian indie rockers Dubla.
After the live acts, Protopapa (from Milan) is going to keep the grass hot for dancers.
Across all shows, two telescopes mastered by a local group of astronomers will let us admire the cosmo and planets Saturn and Mars in particular.
Doors will open at 9pm
All info: www.contronatura.it
Filed under: 2 | Tags: Blog, Festival, Indie Italy, Italian, Italy, Italy Music Blog, Mi Ami, music, Roma, SUPERNOVA FESTIVAL
Summer is coming, do you know what that means? MUSIC FESTIVALS!
Our followers already know that we love attending concerts and festivals in Italy every time that we can, so if you’re planning your next trip to Italy we would like to give you some tips to enrich your stay.
Italy has so many festivals and music events going on this summer, so we’re pretty sure you will find the one for you!
- SUPERNOVA FESTIVAL, 23-25 April, Genova
In a few days, will start the Supernova Festival, so hurry up! This independent music festival, at its second edition, will host some of our beloved artists: Levante, i Ministri, Tre Allegri Ragazzi Morti, I Cani and Il Teatro degli Orrori.
- MI AMI, 27-28 May, Milan
Held in the park surrounding the iconic Circolo Magnolia, Mi Ami festival is the place to be if you’ll be visiting Milan in May! Dance to the songs of Calcutta, Mellow Mood, Crookers, Joe Victor, and many more!
- POSTEPAY ROCK IN ROMA, June/July (Various dates), Rome
Have you ever thought of Rome as the Rock Capital? Well, have a look at the line up of Postepay Rock in Roma and you will see!
- HYDROGEN FESTIVAL, June/July (Various dates), Piazzola sul Brenta, Padua
Surrounded by the beautiful architecture of Anfiteatro Camerini, Hydrogen Festival recalls many visitors from Italy and Europe due to it’s international line up. Some of the big artists who get on its stage this summer are Queen + Adam Lambert, Lionel Richie, Neil Young, Sir. Elton John, Mika, Skunk Anansie and Simply Red.
- I-DAYS FESTIVAL, 8-10 July, Monza
Are you a fan of Formula 1? We’re not taking a race, but I-Days will take place at Autodromo Nazionale Monza, the same place that hosts F1 races! Speed at the rhythm of music, with Paul Kalkbrenner, Bloc Party, Jeff Bug and many more!
- LUCCA SUMMER FESTIVAL, July (Various dates), Lucca
Born in 1998, Lucca Summer Festival has always had famous national and international artists on its stage (for example, 1998 edition hosted Bob Dylan, George Benson and Joe Cocker, not bad right?). This year’s line up includes the Italian Negramaro and Marco Mengoni, plus the inimitable Tom Jones, Neil Young, Anastasia and many other
- HOME FESTIVAL, 1-4 September, Treviso
We’ve been following this festival from the first editions, and year by year it developed many new ideas, involving different kinds of arts and entertainment, increasing its line up with great Italian and european artists, until winning the award for “Best Italian Festival”. Home Festival 2016 is now starting to reveal its artists: Editors, Teatro deli Orrori, I Cani, Vettori, Max Gazzè, Be Forest and many others to be announced.
Of course, these are just some of the musical events going on in Italy, with all the music it would be too long to mention all of them!
If you need any info regarding these festivals or other events throughout Italy, don’t hesitate to contact us!
– Sara Peruzza –
Filed under: 2 | Tags: Austin, Indie Italy, Indie music festival, Italian Music, Italy's rock music scene, Music Blog, Music Festival, SXSW
Twenty-sixteen is beginning to be a very exciting time for international music; especially Italian music. Italy is making its way here to the States as SXSW welcomes again Italian artists. Set to perform at the annual festival in Austin, Texas, South By Southwest uniquly emerges the convergence of music, films and emerging technologies, all in a 9 day fun fest. Italy at SXSW is not a new surprise. In fact Italian artists such as Jovanotti, Avante, Levante, Be Forest and Brothers In Law (who Indie Italy got to see perform in NYC on route to SXSW check out our interview here) have all performed at previous years of SXSW.
Kalàscima is one of Italy’s hottest bands, this international acclaimed group mesh the ancient traditional ritual dance music of Taranta (Salento, Southern Italy) with electronic music.
This 2016 SXSW has announced several Italians to highlight the international musical talents globally. These Italian artists include Joan Thiele with her promising debut single “Save Me,” psychedelic trance tarantella group Kalàscima, Go!Zilla, Platonick Dive, Birthh, and the return of Brothers In Law. A special “Apertivo Italiano” has been organized at the Austin Texas convention center to celebrate Italy @ SXSW and also provide an opportunity to network for the Italian music professionals in the global scene. Along with the music scene, Italy is also joining the ‘Trade Show Stand’ presenting Italian innovations for the first time by five start-ups Multiplay, Travel Appeal, Stylum, Rokivo and Souldesigner.
Obviously, this is not only a huge step in Italy’s rock music scene, but also an important step for the showcase of Italy’s tech innovation industry through recognition of these start-ups. Three big sponsors and supporters of organzating ‘Italy @ SXSW are “FIMI the Italian Music Industry Federation”, ITA the Italian Trade Agency, and Puglia Sounds. It’s an exciting opportunity for Italian industry to show off the fusion of art from Italy internationally with Americans and people from all over.
Share any photos or videos from SXSW to your Facebook and tag us for a re-post. Also, tell us what Italian artist you would like to see at your country’s festival.
Joe
Filed under: 2
10) Lucio Corsi – Altadena boy: Following the ‘Italian Dream’ Corsi left his small town of Vetulonia in Tuscona and moved to Milan to pursue his dream of playing his own music professionally. In early 2015 he released his album “Altalena Boy” with it’s self title hit ‘Altalena Boy’ and ‘Godzilla.’ The randomness of ‘Altalena Boy’ perfectly sums up the music of Corsi, who sings songs about Godzilla, aliens arriving, drugs and the legend of Altalena Boy (swing boy) who disappeared after his infamous ride on his swing.
9) Verdena – Endkadenz vol 1 & 2: We can not mention a band so productive: two albums and a series of concerts all around Italy. Verdena are among the historic Italian bands who resisted in the music industry for many many years (they just celebrated their 20th birthday!).
8) Ministri – Cultura Generale: Not their best album, but for sure this work confirms their style, energetic, rock and alternative!
7) The Leading Guy – Memorandum: We haven’t talked much about this emerging artists, but we are monitoring his next moves from a distance. An interesting pop/folk sound mixed with english lyrics, which conveys an international sound to his music.We are pretty sure we’re going to hear this name again in 2016.
6) Jovanotti -Lorenzo 2015: A musical legend from Italy who has taken over the world. “Lorenzo 2015” Jovanotti’s latest album followed the release of “Sabato.” The album consists of 30 previously unreleased tracks recorded while working between Milan, Cortona, Paris, New York and Los Angeles. has variable musical styles, darting with the sounds of funk, R & B, Afro-beat, hip-hop, through the synth-pop and rock, eventually coming to the South American rhythms. Ultimately, Jovanotti’s album can clearly be classified as world music, gathering sounds and recordings from nearly all over the globe.
5) Joe Victor – Blue Call Pink Riot: This is their first album. Well, what can we say? Live they’re even better! If you will ever have the chance of seeing them live (and we had) Joe Victor will involve you in crazy dances and they’ll free your mind with their fresh sound.
4) Elephant Brain – Elephant Brain: First formed in Perugia and within a few months, they did not waste anytime in writing, creating and recording their music. Last month, we became blessed over the internet with four powerful tracks to debut their EP, the self-titled “Elephant Brain.”
3) Blianco – guadare per aria: Guardare per aria, is a work full of collaborations, that compares the sound of the Roman school of songwriting by Niccolò Fabi and Roberto Angelini with the indie style of Turin by Levante and Matteo De Simone. Guardare per aria is an album full of stars, sea and what stays in between; it’s the picaresque tale that we want to listen to before going to bed, an experience of total abandonment.
2) Lorso – Ho Messo la Sveglia per la Rivoluzione: Their style, their music, their lyrics, everything about L’orso we love. We have been following L’orso from the beginning back in 2011, and with each album they have yet to disappoint. Joined with other Italian artists like Costa and Lo Stato Sociale, this album has a lot to offer to new fans and old.
1) Levante – Abbi Cura di Te: Levante is a guarantee. “Abbi cura di te” shows her maturity, with more introspective songs. Well, how could it be differently? She also also got her mom to sing with her in this album and her fiancé (Sir Bob Cornelius Refo, of Bloody Betrots) rearranged her song “Lasciami andare” with more electronic sounds. It couldn’t be more personal!
Buon Capodanno! Thank you for being a continued fan of the Indie Italy project!
See you all in 2016!
-Indie Italy Team
Indie Italy 