Matteo Bocelli: I do believe in the power of a genuine smile

His closest friends call him sincere, passionate and a bit of a dreamer. For his fans, this is the least that can be said about him – for his voice, his smile, his energy, his contact, his closeness, his empathy and compassion, which not every artist is capable of.

Matteo Bocelli is a radiant personality who lives in the present, relying primarily on his own strength and talent. With pride and incredible respect – both for his family and for the legacy of his famous father, and with the hope that as he continues to develop, people will listen to him with open ears and hearts, beyond any associations with the surname…

Meeting him – both on stage and off, brings a smile, lightness and a feeling of summer, a chance to receive a little positivity and warmth – from an interlocutor for whom closeness is not just a matter of desire, but a way of life. Only in this way, through closeness and reviving the forgotten human – without seeking recognition, do you have the chance to enter more hearts as a hero of your time.

Matteo Bocelli answers Dahnyelle’s questions – about his first public performance and the butterflies in his stomach, about a smile as a powerful human weapon, about disappointments in the world of music, about his grandfather’s horses and car, about love as a song, about small steps in life and about the people he considers heroes.

Did you need courage when you first had to go on stage? When did that happen, what was your first audience like?

Absolutely, a great deal of courage! I grew up singing all around the house as a kid but was always quite nervous to sing in front of anyone beyond my mom. My first real performance on stage was with my father and David Foster for a charity event in Florence where I preformed a romanza of Tosti called “Non T’amo Più”. It wasn’t a full solo performance, but stepping out in front of such large audiences was definitely nerve-wracking. I remember feeling a mix of excitement and intense butterflies. The audience was incredibly warm and supportive, which made the experience much less daunting than I had imagined. It was a pivotal moment that sparked my desire to pursue performing more seriously.

 Уou say in 2021: The Sanremo stage is one of the world’s most difficult stages to manage. What do you mean? Is this the most difficult stage you’ve ever performed on?

Its the stage that puts you in front of your entire country and in front of those closest to you. It’s a huge national event in Italy, with millions watching and intense media attention. The history, the prestige, and the sheer scale of it make it a very unique and challenging environment for any artist. While I’ve performed on other large stages, the specific dynamic and cultural significance of Sanremo create a particular kind of pressure that is unlike anything else.

You share that you feel most comfortable at the piano, and that it is like your first language.  “I’ve been playing since I was six years old, so it’s very easy to just slide onto the piano stool and get lost in the music for a few hours. For me the piano is home“, you say.  If, figuratively speaking, the piano is home, what is home? What does it look like? What is the language in that home?  

Home is everywhere you feel safe and where you feel comfortable being 100% yourself. It is a place filled with warmth, laughter, and a sense of belonging. It’s where I feel completely at ease and surrounded by the people I love most. My home is my place in the countryside where I always invite my friends to spend time together. To share those common passions of cooking, late nights listening to music, and enjoying each other’s company.

Is there anything that has disappointed you about music, or rather the world related to music?

Perhaps the most disappointing aspect can be the business side of music, which sometimes feels detached from the pure artistic passion that drives me. The emphasis on trends, commercial success above all else, and the occasional superficiality can be a bit disheartening. However, these are aspects of any industry, and the joy of creating and sharing music always outweighs these disappointments. I try to focus on the art itself and connecting authentically with my audience.

Aside from your voice, is your smile your most powerful human weapon?

(Chuckles) That’s a charming way to put it! I wouldn’t call it a weapon, but I do believe in the power of a genuine smile. It can be a simple way to connect with people, to spread a little positivity, and to show warmth. So, while my voice is my primary means of expression as an artist, I hope my smile can also convey sincerity and approachability.

In an interview years ago you said that the only thing you and your father differ on is horses, and that you prefer the horses you can find in an engine. Haven’t you ridden yet? Do you manage to relax behind the wheel?

You have a good memory! And yes, my preference for horsepower under the hood remains. I still haven’t developed a passion for riding actual horses, though I admire those who do. I have terrible allergies and start sneezing the moment I go near them. Behind the wheel, however, I do find a certain sense of relaxation, especially on a long drive with good music. There’s a freedom in the open road and the control you have. It’s a different kind of connection to power and movement.

Do you still drive your grandfather’s 1985 Mercedes G-Class?

Ah, that’s a classic! Yes, I still have my grandfather’s Mercedes G-Class. It’s more than just a car; it’s a piece of family history and has a lot of sentimental value. It’s not my everyday vehicle, but I do enjoy taking it out for a drive from time to time. It has a certain character and charm that modern cars sometimes lack.

We know the trio Andrea, Matteo and Virginia. But can you imagine one day the four of you taking to the stage – you, your father, your sister and your brother? What kind of music would this quartet perform?

My brother is the one who introduced me to many other genres of music. It is thanks to him that I have been able to be more open-minded with music. If he performed with us as a quartet, we would bring some edgier and different music.

If love were a song, what would its name be?

That’s a beautiful question. If love were a song that currently exists, I think it would be “Nessun Dorma”. The story behind that song is the ultimate representation of love.

In interviews you say that you always live in the present, you don’t like to go back to the past. Does that mean that you are a person who doesn’t dream or fantasize?

Not at all! Living in the present doesn’t mean I don’t dream or fantasize. It simply means I try to focus my energy and attention on what is happening now and what I can influence today. Dreaming and fantasizing are essential for creativity and setting future goals. I have many dreams for my career and my personal life. However, I believe the best way to achieve those dreams is by taking meaningful action in the present moment, rather than dwelling on the past.

In 2018, you shared that one should take small steps towards the goal. What goal did you take your last step towards?

Recently, a significant goal I’ve been working towards is the development and refinement of my new music. The last step I took was finalizing the arrangements for a particular song that I’m very excited to share. It involved a lot of meticulous work, but taking those small, consistent steps in the studio has brought me closer to realizing that artistic vision.

In 2023 you say: “Listen to me without thinking about my last name”. Do you still use that appeal? Are people still slaves to names, like they are to brands?

It’s a sentiment that still resonates with me. While I am incredibly proud of my family and the legacy of my father, I also want people to connect with my music on its own merit. I do believe that names and brands can sometimes create preconceived notions, and it’s important for artists to have the opportunity to be heard and judged for their individual work. I hope that as I continue to evolve, people will listen with open ears and hearts, beyond any associations with my last name.

I can’t help but ask you what you associate the name Bulgaria with?

Bulgaria brings to mind a sense of rich history and a vibrant cultural heritage. I think of beautiful landscapes, perhaps some traditional music with unique harmonies, and a welcoming spirit. While I haven’t had the opportunity to spend extensive time there yet, I have a sense of it being a country with a strong and distinctive identity.

Who is your hero today?

My heroes continue to evolve, but today, I would say my heroes are the individuals who dedicate their lives to making a positive impact on the world, often without seeking recognition.

Is there a word that best describes you as a person?

Hmm… as I am answering these questions, I am surrounded by my friends so I asked them to answer this one for me… they settled on a few words: Sincere, passionate, and a bit of a dreamer.

How would you continue the sentence „I am a person who loves…“?

I am a person who loves spending quality time with my friends.

>>> Interview for btvnovinite.bg <<<