Some songs are not meant to be in the middle of the stage, but to tell what happens next. “The release of artists”, written by Martina Attili and interpreted together with Pierdavide Carone, is one of these: a reflection on the moment when the lights turn out and the artist returns to be a person. We, Marta and Riccardo, spoke with both artists of their music, their collaboration and what brings them to the Italian School.
This interview was conducted by M. Cappuccinello and R. Tagliabue, on the occasion of the special paper “School of Record” by the students of La Scuola D’Italia Guglielmo Marconi.
How was this collaboration born?
Pierdavide Carone: When I was working on my CARONE album, I wanted it to be a journey through different voices and stories. Martina’s song fits perfectly into this idea. His writing is sincere, without artificial, and this is rare. When I listened to “The Artists’ Exit” I realized I wanted to be part of it. Singing someone else’s words is an act of trust: you must really feel them.
Martina Attili: Working with Pierdavide was a step of growth for me, both artistically and personally. Brings in the song an incredible depth and sensitivity. It is not only a duet: it is the encounter of two musical worlds that recognize themselves in the same attention for words, emotion and silence.
Martina, what inspired you to write “The release of artists”?
Martina: The song was born observing what happens after the end of an exhibition: when adrenaline disappears and remains only with yourself. It is about that vulnerable moment when the artist disappears and remains the person. I wanted to tell the fragility and honesty of that “exit”. When Pierdavide decided to sing it with me, she became something even more powerful: a dialogue between two perspectives, two generations.
Pierdavide, you have collaborated with legends like Lucio Dalla, Franco Battiato and many others. What prompted you to accept the invitation to the Gala of the School?
Pierdavide: Italian culture and education have always been at the centre of my artistic journey. When I discovered the Italian School and its mission to preserve Italian language and culture in New York, I immediately felt a connection. Exhibiting me at the Gala of 27 February at Cipriani does not only mean making music: it means celebrating the values that have formed me as an artist and as a person.
During the evening you will also perform “Caruso” by Lucio Dalla and “Di Notte”. Why these songs?
Pierdavide: Lucio Dalla was not only a master of the Italian song, but also someone who deeply influenced my musical and human formation. “Caruso” is one of the most beautiful songs ever written: it speaks of love, loss and the power of art to overcome time. “Di Notte” gave me great visibility, but it represents above all a turning point in my path. Singing them both at the Gala is like bringing to New York a piece of my history — and the soul of Italy.
What does it mean to perform in front of a school community like ours?
Martina: It’s something really special. You are not just students: you are young who grow between two cultures, two languages, two ways to see the world. And that’s exactly what music does: build bridges. Exhibiting me for you reminds me why I do this job: to connect people, share stories and make others feel less lonely.
That’s right. And actually we both dream of returning to New York for a real concert: an evening in which to bring all our songs, collaborations, and celebrate this dialogue between generations and musical stories. Who knows, maybe some of you will be in the audience.
On February 27, “The release of artists” will find a new home at the Gala of the School of Italy: not as a conclusion, but as a shared space in which music continues to tell what remains after the applauses turned off.
Interview was conducted by M. Cappuccinello and R. Tagliabue,
The article Two generations, a stage: Pierdavide Carone and Martina Attili comes from IlNewyorkese.
