The Rolling Stones’ new album, Hackney Diamonds, was created with the help of Italian sound engineer Marco Sonzini. Sonzini was born in Piacenza in 1984. In 2009, he moved to Los Angeles to take a 10-month specialization course and has never returned to Italy since. He has worked with many Italian and international artists recording music in California, becoming a benchmark in the sector.
Under his direction, the new Rolling Stones album was recorded in several locations around the world, including Los Angeles and London. Sonzini spoke about how incredible it was to work with such a legendary band as the Stones, and how he felt a huge responsibility in working with their material.
The album’s first single, “Angry”, was recently released and will be followed by 11 more tracks. Legendary Stones drummer Charlie Watts, who sadly passed away on August 24, 2021, is featured on two tracks on the album.
But the stellar collaboration doesn’t end there. In the song “Sweet Sounds Of Heaven” we see Lady Gaga’s voice, as well as Stevie Wonder’s keyboards and piano. The song “Bite My Head Off” features Paul McCartney’s bass, while the songs “Get Close” and “Live By The Sword” feature Elton John’s piano.
Sonzini described the album’s sound as “timeless”. There’s no doubt that this is an album that carries the Stones’ signature, and you can already sense that from the first single, “Angry.”
The road to working with the Stones hasn’t been easy for Sonzini, but he doesn’t feel like he’s there yet. He began working with Italian artists recording in California, such as Vasco Rossi and Eros Ramazzotti, and then entered the “world that matters” of international music.
Throughout his career, Sonzini has had the opportunity to work with many famous artists such as Keith Urban, Camila Cabello, Selena Gomez and Eddie Vedder. He also met Stevie Wonder, who recalled his participation in the Sanremo festival in 1969.
Sonzini noted that many of these legendary artists, despite their fame, are modest and sympathetic people. He admitted that he is a big fan of Maneskin and hopes to work with them one day.
Despite his successes, Sonzini did not forget his Italian roots. He worked with Tiziano Ferro, producing his last two albums, and has a secret dream: to work with Eric Clapton, his idol since childhood.
Despite the opportunities he could find in Italy, Sonzini decided to stay in Los Angeles, where he has family and the opportunity to work with Italian and international artists. He emphasized that he is grateful for everything he has achieved, but never feels like he has fully achieved it.
In conclusion, the Rolling Stones album “Hackney Diamonds” is a work that has an Italian heart thanks to the sound engineer Marco Sonzini. An album that promises to be unforgettable, featuring a host of legendary artists and a timeless sound.