Some days ago we have discovered his amazing single "Our Universe, Our Galaxy", now we have had the chance to ask him some things about his creative process, the new album or his useful talent besides music.
Here he is: Stemin the artist behind "Our Universe, Our Galaxy", thanks a lot for your time!
Who inspired you to make music in general?
Music has always been part of our household as a kid. I was deeply influenced by all sorts of artists, musicians and music genres: from classical to jazz, from soul to hip-hop.
Music has always represented a safe place where I can run to and find an answer to my emotional needs. In this place I find acceptance: through this place I give voice to my deepest desires, I express inclusiveness, empowerment and acceptance. Of course, many great musicians such as Stevie Wonder, Prince, Michael Jackson, Lauryn Hill, Luther Vandross inspired and still inspire me to do music.
...and especially to the song "Our Universe, Our Galaxy"?
The song is part of my new album, ‘Unspoken Dreams’ – released worldwide in 2022. The whole album describes the journey of creating a safe place where emotions, feelings and attractions are given freedom of expression. It’s a kind of parallel universe, where all things are possible because our emotions and feelings create that safe place and we allow them to do so.
The song “Our Universe, Our Galaxy” is an invitation to look inward, to look to our dreams, that safe, magical place where we are free. In those dreams, as with falling in love, everything glitters and glows with thrilling intensity.
The track creates that great Pop meets Soul atmosphere, are these your favorite genres?
I do love all kinds of genres. I like good music. Good music that transitions genres and artists. For this project, though, I wanted to use pop and soul as the main genres, with RnB and electronic sounds. Good music is always why I’m intrigued by several artists and musicians. “Our Universe, Our Galaxy” tries to include all the genres that influenced my childhood and my upbringing.
I have read that this song is the "introduction" for the next Album, what can we expect?
Unspoken Dreams is the new album, yes. I am very excited for this project, because it portrays who I am as an artist and musician. This album is a project that is very dear to me because I have been researching a unique sound and identity.
As I am always on the lookout on how to let music speak before anything, for itself, I tried to be as honest as possible with the music that I wrote for the album. Embracing the queer identity has been a very long journey for me, but worth it. I can say that I have grown away from old patterns, into a new dimension, a new identity
What is your creative process like?
Good question. I guess that the process differs from time to time. Sometimes I write a song by starting from a text I wrote. Sometimes I come up with a melody, and then I add the lyrics and work on the structure. Most of the times I write music when I am at the piano.
The piano is the instrument that I love the most and that has always supported me from day one, when I was introduced to music. There is not really one way in writing a song, it’s more about given access to the creative channel, letting ideas flow free.
When do you decide that a song is ready for a release?
When a song ‘works’ – meaning that the song has a peculiar groove, clear structure, a story to be told and a strong feel. Of course, this depends also on the season I find myself in, and if it adds to my artistic vision and path. Again, this can be very different from time to time.
What's your most useful talent besides music?
People say that I cook well. I love to cook for people and serve food, especially Italian food, for obvious reasons. I like to be a host and take care of friends and guest. Maybe one other talent that I do have, are languages. Since I grew up with the Italian, German and Swiss-German culture, I do love to interact with people from different cultural backgrounds.
What was the first ever Pop/Rock/Soul... song you listened to or remember on?
A song for you, better said Donny Hathaway’s version. What struck me in this version is the way Donny’s emotions come through the singing. I think that he was an incredible artist and musician, as well as a remarkable human being. His music deeply influenced me, and I am still amazed at his artistry. His legacy lives on through the music we hear nowadays from several artists.
What do you prefer, a live gig or a studio session?
I think there is charm in both, either studio or live gig. Both have a unique way of allowing myself to express my feelings in a different way. A live gig is often connected with creating a special connection with my listeners, while a studio session often comes with creativity and strengthens a special bond with the musicians involved.
What’s next for you?
I will be recording a studio session, both audio and video, for my upcoming album ‘Unspoken Dreams.’ It will be an acoustic version of some of the album’s tracks.
In 2022 I will release the album and, hopefully, tour and play live concerts with the new project. I am very excited smd look forward to this. I can’t wait to connect and meet people on the road. Share stories and mostly, share music with you all.
Photo credits: ©
Tim Simons
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