From Mantua to Los Angeles via the Blue Note, Dave Locatelli has transformed the piano into a pop, visual, physical instrument. Born into music thanks to a drummer father, raised among classical competitions and jams in New York clubs, Locatelli has built a sonic identity that eludes labels: crossover, as he calls it. Today he is among the most original performers on the international scene, capable of fusing Chopin and Linkin Park, lasers and fast fingers, stage and social. We interviewed him to let him tell us how he is, in 2025, talking to everyone with a piano.
Dave, let’s start at the beginning: how did your love for the piano come about?
I started playing piano when I was 3 years old, thanks to my father Claudio, also a musician, but with a rock soul: he was the drummer of the historic band “The Daltons.” In the beginning, however, piano seemed more like an obligation than a passion. I felt it distant. When I was 13, I won my first national competition, and the following year I reconfirmed the victory. That’s when I realized that maybe, yes-that really was my path.I graduated from the Conservatory of Mantua at 19 and soon after decided to leave for New York. I started by playing in restaurants and clubs, until I got to the legendary Blue Note, where I was perhaps the first non-jazz artist to perform there. In 2015 I participated in Tu sì que vales, and from there came the meeting with my current manager, Francesco Facchinetti. Together we began a journey that led to our signing with Sony Music. I continued my studies at the Giuseppe Verdi Conservatory of Milan in jazz piano and composition. Since 2015 I have collected more than 1,000 concerts all over the world: from Japan to India, from the United States to Europe. Many of these milestones I also owe to my collaboration with Dolce & Gabbana, with whom I have linked my artistic image since 2019. In the last two years I have also broken two Guinness World Records, achievements I treasure with great pride. Today I live in Los Angeles, seeking new challenges. Because after all, the piano has no language … but it can speak to everyone.
Your energy at the piano has become a hallmark. How did you develop such a physical and visual style?
The Davide Locatelli project was born in 2012, after graduating in classical piano. Classical was narrow to me, I couldn’t express my true essence. So I built, brick by brick, my style. I always wanted to amaze, and that’s what I try to do with videos and offbeat performances.
You are a classical pianist with a rock soul: how do these two identities coexist?
I combined classical and modern to give birth to my crossover style. I believe that the meeting of distant worlds can create a musical revolution that goes beyond genre labels.
How do you choose pop and rock songs to reinterpret on the piano?
I follow my personal tastes. It’s rare that I play something that doesn’t represent me. Of course, I’ve also made mistakes … like Despacito (laughs), but then I confessed!
What is the message you want to convey to the younger generation that follows you on social?
I want to bring young people closer to the piano. When I get messages like “I started playing because of you,” I know I’m doing something important.
You often play in spectacular locations. How important to you is the visual aspect of the performance?
It matters almost as much as the music. My show is a mix of sounds, lasers and holograms coming out of the tail of the piano. It’s not just a concert, it’s a 360-degree experience.
Your relationship with the audience is direct and physical. What do you experience live?
A spontaneous relationship, like between friends. It has always been like that; it is my strength.
What is your relationship with Los Angeles? What inspires you about this city?
LA has been my new home for three years. It is a tough city, full of competition, but also full of stimulation and opportunity. I could have been comfortable in Italy, but I chose to put myself out there for something bigger.
What international artists would you dream of collaborating with?
Always said: Linkin Park and Falling in Reverse. I stay true to this dream.
Are you working on a new project?
Yes, but it is still secret. On the live level, however, I have never stopped. I’m coming back to Italy soon for a series of events.
What do you think of the current music scene, between auto-tune and digital sounds?
The piano has always been seen as a “noble” instrument, for the rich, and that makes me angry. I want to show that it is for everyone. In Italy, unfortunately, we are invaded by “disposable” music, but there are still artists in the world who make me believe that real music is not dead.
If you had to describe your style in three words?
I would only say one: crossover. It encapsulates everything. Not having to belong to a genre is a privilege.
What has been the most exciting performance so far?
In India, when I broke the Guinness World Record at almost 6,000 meters altitude. Unforgettable.
What does it mean to you to be an Italian musician today, globally?
I used to want to bring Italianism to the world, now I think more of myself. In my live shows I play only one Italian song, PFM’s Impressioni di settembre. I want to avoid falling into banality.
What message do you leave for young people who dream of making a living from music?
Do not give up. Persevere. Passion is your weapon. As they say: never give up!
The article Dave Locatelli: piano crossover soul conquering the world from Los Angeles comes from TheNewyorker.
