Matteo Romano, who talks about himself in front of the camera on Zoom: on the eve of release A part of me in collaboration with Sian Ducrot, he is a calm and happy boy. He’s not afraid to admit it: “This is something that’s been sitting on my desk for a long time, and I couldn’t wait to be there,” he begins, smiling. The opportunity to sing in English and Italian stimulated him and helped him become more aware of his abilities. This is no small feat when he is only 21 years old.
But why participation with now British star Sian Ducros, single review A part of me, is still one of the first projects of the young singer-songwriter who blew up on TikTok in 2020 when he was just 18 years old. From Grant me Matteo has come a long way. Three years during which his dreams and views changed, and during which he experienced new sensations, for example, from collaborating with an international artist..
The release of the single also provided an opportunity to take stock of his career and the work that Matteo is doing on himself.. “At 21, this is normal,” he wanted to point out. There’s really no age limit, you’ll probably never stop working on yourself.
Interview with Matteo Romano
When did the idea of collaboration between Matteo Romano and Chian Ducrot come about? How did you get in touch?
I’ve known Cyan for a while because we both use TikTok. His videos often appeared on my next page. In fact, it was he who contacted me, or rather, we received a request from his team. When I was told the news that Sian Ducrot wanted to record A part of me with me I’m like, “But in what sense?” I didn’t expect this, especially considering the fact that the offer came from someone so important internationally. Sian really shocked the UK with his debut album (VictoryAugust 2023).
A part of me it is a song that deals with very sensitive topics such as the loss of a loved one and suicide. How did you approach writing your role?
This was not easy because the topic was very personal and concerned a close friend of Cyan. For this reason, I approached this as respectfully as possible. It was also difficult for me because I had never experienced anything like this. I was afraid I would say the wrong thing, so I tried to direct him to the key, which belonged to me. I asked myself, “What does it mean to me to lose someone and miss that person?”
I think it was a long process.
Yes, definitely. I am a person prone to mental travel. I must say that thanks to this song I had the opportunity to think a lot about certain topics. I thought a lot about what to write and how to say certain things; that’s why I really care about the text because it really was thought.
At the same time, were you also inspired by a specific artist or were you just delving into yourself?
To be honest, no one in particular inspired me. More than anything, because I wanted to give the song my own flavor, my own interpretation. I was very happy that he invited me for this project, and moreover, I wanted to bring the Italian spirit, especially in terms of melodies. In particular, I tried to create broader melodic lines, characteristic of our singing style, to give the song additional freshness.
For your generation, the topic of mental health is very important, there seems to be more awareness. In Italy, for example, we still too often hear stories of young university students who cannot cope with pressure. Matteo Romano, how do you deal with pressure at work? Have you noticed any differences in the transition from your bedroom to the record label?
Yes, especially because over the years I have gone from an eighteen-year-old boy living in Cuneo to a twenty-one-year-old living in Milan and attending university. It was difficult and this is where therapy becomes important. Immediately after success Grant me I began my analytical journey. I’m a person who doesn’t tend to talk about myself to friends and family, so having a place where I can talk about myself and, above all, express what I think is important has helped me a lot. I’m doing my job.
There’s a constant worry in the music market: one moment you’re on top, and the next you’re gone. For this reason, it is also necessary to learn how to stand up for your idea as an artist and a person in your work without feeling inferior. I found myself as a child in the world of adults.
Speaking of this aspect, how do you evaluate your experience in Sanremo after a year and a half?
I lived this moment very well. Now, looking back, I probably would have done a lot of things differently because I am a perfectionist, a person who constantly changes my mind over the course of months and sometimes days. But I’m really proud of how I handled it, it was a crazy moment. I was not as aware of what was happening to me as I am now, and this naivety helped me perceive everything as a dream that was coming true. No extra pressure.
Matteo Romano and Sian Ducrot were born on social media. How do you assess their role in the music world, can they really help or are they just increasing competition?
In my opinion, everyone should follow their own path, so be true to themselves and find the method by which they can make the most of their means. In this sense, social media was the right step for me, because I understand that, for example, talent shows would not suit my character. Social media certainly makes it possible to reach many more people in a second, even using only a mobile phone.
In your case, it should be said that TikTok worked great, even introducing you to Sian Ducrot.
I visited him in London, where we recorded a video for the song A part of me. Sian is a very calm person and was very kind to me. My biggest fear was that I wouldn’t be able to understand him because of his Irish accent. Fortunately, we immediately found a common language. It was like any collaboration in Italy. You might think, “I wonder how they collaborate in London?” Instead, I didn’t notice much difference from Luigi Stranges’ performance this summer (Blue tulips).
Did you like London? Would you like to work there?
I’m crazy about London. I’m very happy in Milan, I really feel like it’s my city and since I was a child I always wanted to live there because I wanted to make music. But I have to say that sooner or later it would be nice to go to London, maybe to write and record a record.
Talking about dreams A part of me This is your first international collaboration, what if he asked you for your dream collaboration?
Moving directly to big and important dreams, at the moment I would like to work with Lizzie McAlpine, my lifelong dream, or Billie Eilish or Renee Rapp. These are my three obsessions during this period.
Will Matteo Romano’s next project be his debut album?
I’m working on it, but I’m in no hurry: I want to leave when I feel the time has come. There may also be songs in English at this time. Fact from a fan: I started writing in English because it was a way to be less naked. Screen.
Where is Matteo Romano’s journey at? What has changed since you had a little boy in the bedroom?
Complex issue. I would like to look at myself from the outside and give you an answer. I’ve certainly grown up and what you see is Matteo Romano, even if I don’t like the term, a little 2.0. I feel more focused, more energetic, and have many new dreams. The ones I had two years ago have also changed because Matteo two years ago had the opportunity to perform in Sanremo and even go on tour next summer. I am a new version of myself, while remaining myself.