Brussels – Engaging in conversation with Diodato feels like delving into the depths of raw emotions. Or, as he calls them, “a flow of humanity”. There is a serene yet genuine quality to his reflections, offering an open-hearted analysis of the past two tumultuous years from both personal and professional perspectives. As his new European Tour kicks off, in an exclusive interview with Eunews the Italian singer-songwriter eagerly anticipates his performance at Espace Lumen in Brussels on October 1, promising an energetic atmosphere and delightful audience interaction.
After four years since the last European Tour, how does it feel to perform in front of an international audience once again?
“The emotions are indescribable. The first two concerts of this 2022 European Tour in Paris and Lugano were absolutely incredible. They have prompted deep reflection, too. Despite the challenges of recent times, my music has transcended boundaries, enabling me to embark on this journey now. I have been eagerly anticipating this tour as it revitalizes me, ignites inspiration, and invigorates me in the presence of an international audience. This is a return to a more spirited state, rekindling the passion that initially led me to pursue this profession”.
The Brussels date is just a short time away. What do you expect from a city with a large Italian community?
“In 2018, Brussels marked one of the highlights of my international tour. The venue, PiolaLibri, exuded an atmosphere of suspended intimacy that remains vivid in my memory. However, this time around, with the band taking the stage at the Espace Lumen theater and concert hall, the dynamic of the concert will undoubtedly shift. Nevertheless, I expect a warm reception from the audience, fostering joyful interaction throughout the performance”.
These past two years have been exceptionally eventful for you professionally. Your album Che vita meravigliosa (What a Wonderful Life) was released just before the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, followed by your participation in Sanremo Music Festival and two editions of Eurovision Song Contest.
“After navigating through these tumultuous years, I find myself infused with a newfound energy, reigniting the profound motivations that drive my songwriting. Witnessing my music resonate with audiences, serving as a conduit to express the human experience and tell the stories of countless individuals, fulfills a childhood aspiration. Even amidst the constraints of the pandemic, observing how my music connected people, even from within the confines of their homes, was both surprising and invigorating. This experience deepened my fascination with the human condition, fueling my eagerness to once again take the stage and share these emotions directly with an audience”.
You were likely among the first individuals in history to perform in the deserted Arena di Verona during Eurovision 2020, with the world’s eyes fixed upon you through the lenses of countless cameras. What did you feel during that unforgettable moment?
“I felt deeply connected to something greater, immersed in the collective essence of humanity that has traversed the hallowed grounds of the Arena throughout history. Despite the emptiness surrounding me, the Arena seemed to resonate with the emotions of the countless millions of people who had graced that stage before. Strangely, the presence of just a few individuals working alongside me served to amplify rather than diminish the intensity of the moment, and I never felt alone. This was an experience I will carry with me forever”.
This year, amidst the backdrop of another crisis – the war in Ukraine – you were honored as a guest at Eurovision Song Contest in Turin. What significance do you believe the victory of the Ukrainian Kalush Orchestra conveyed to the world?
“It was a profoundly deliberate celebration, aiming to dissolve borders and dismantle the barriers that certain individuals seek to impose. Its message resonated with peace, brotherhood, and the joy of embracing the beauty we have learned to share. Music serves as an incredibly potent medium, and in Turin, there was an added poignancy considering the events unfolding thousands of kilometers away in the heart of Europe. This heightened awareness infused all the performances, including my own with Fai rumore, with deeper meaning. It felt imperative to make our voices heard rather than remain silent. I felt privileged to be a part of such a significant event”.
Do you believe that the war in Europe will leave a lasting impact on the Italian and international art scene?
“Music has a responsibility to reflect the reality of our world, even in the subtle nuances of song lyrics. When this conflict eventually comes to an end, to ignore its existence would be a disservice not only to music but also to humanity as a whole. Wars, unfortunately, are a perpetual reality, and it is crucial to acknowledge that everything is interconnected. Our way of life is both shaped by and influences conflicts thousands of miles away. In a sense, we all become soldiers at times, metaphorically engaging in battles through our art. This is not about altering our lifestyles, but recognizing the profound impact of warfare, particularly in terms of its economic ramifications, which touch all facets of our lives”.
One final question regarding your tour. What are your expectations in terms of personal and artistic growth about the upcoming two weeks of concerts across Europe?
“I would be immensely gratified if, upon my return, I sense that I have planted seeds of artistic growth during this tour. Like tending to a garden, I have nurtured my craft, providing it with shelter and protection from the elements. Now, it stands fortified and enriched, possessing its own unique allure that I am eager to share with audiences. My greatest aspiration is to witness the emergence of fresh creative expressions, like the blossoming of new plants”.
A new album, for example?
“Yes, it is nearly ready to bloom. Even in these initial concert dates, as I fine-tune the set list, I am contemplating the integration of new songs and how they will complement the existing repertoire”.
