Author: Emilia

The singer of the band Måneskin is going solo with a completely different tune. Evolution or revolution?

The era where Damiano David belted out provocations, guitar in hand with his three disciples, drenched in leather, sweat and the scent of stale smoke, is over. The frontman of the alternative rock band Måneskin, founded ten years ago in Rome, has taken flight with his solo album Funny Little Fears. Although he became a household name after his group’s victory at Eurovision in 2021 — pushing France’s Barbara Pravi to second place — Damiano sealed his rock star image with rumors of cocaine and a passionate kiss with his guitarist on a Polish stage.

After three albums and just as many tours, the bold singer announced a solo project last year, marking a “pause” from Måneskin. And as with any solo career, came reinvention. Damiano David appears transformed — in lyrics, in style. Out with the provocative lyrics and ripped outfits; the 26-year-old Roman, once praised by the Rolling Stones and Angelina Jolie, now leans into pop and sugary refrains.

Paris Match: After Måneskin’s explosive rise following your Eurovision win in 2021 — why take the risk of going solo?

Damiano David: I don’t feel like I took a risk. Risks don’t scare me. It was more of a necessity. After playing with the band for many years, I felt the need to express things differently — and I couldn’t do that with them.

How long has the idea of a solo career been in your head?
To be honest, I always considered it. I was just waiting for the right time, I wanted to feel ready. When that moment came, I jumped in.

You’ve swapped wild hard rock for romantic pop. How do those two worlds coexist within you?
I’m a mix of both. One part of me is very confident, very self-assured — that’s the version that went on stage with Måneskin. But growing up, I’ve become a more complex, more whole human being. That second side, the more mature one, is just as real.

Yet you said pop lets you be more yourself. Was that not the case with rock?
The biggest difference is that with Måneskin, as the songwriter, I always tried to represent each band member in the lyrics. Sure, the words were mine, but the whole group had to see themselves in the songs. Now that I’m alone, I write about my own experiences, my own feelings. No one can influence the songwriting. I’m more myself.

You worked with many people on this album, including Jason Evigan (Maroon 5, Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez…). Did that reassure you?
Honestly, I didn’t focus much on their credentials. What mattered most to me was the atmosphere — I need to feel good when creating music. Jason is incredibly talented and kind. He didn’t take the easy route of replicating Måneskin’s sound. Instead, he tried to understand who I am as a solo artist — that’s why we worked so well together.

You’re often compared to Harry Styles, in both style and career path. How do you feel about that?
He’s talented! So… why not? I guess it’s normal for people to draw comparisons. But if you really listen to our music, it’s quite different.

How did your collaboration with Suki Waterhouse on “The Bruise” come about?
I sent her the song directly. I’d written it as a duet and needed a voice that was beautiful, soft, ethereal. Suki has all of that. Her music feels close to the world I created around this track. I was thrilled when she said she loved it and wanted to join.

What did you feel the first time you were in the studio alone — without the other three members?
At first, it was really hard. I had to open up to new people, share deeply personal things. That was by far the toughest part. Once I got through it, we immediately started composing. Quickly, the rhythms, sounds, and arrangements started sounding right. That’s when I knew I’d made the right choices.

You’ve often been called the “bad boy of rock” with your punk looks and wild vibe. Is this album proof that your rebellious phase is over?
(He laughs) I hope so! This album reflects what I’m going through in life. But who knows? Maybe I’ll go through another rebellious phase!

The singer of the Italian band Måneskin, Damiano David, is making a successful solo debut with a very pop and personal first album. Meet a 26-year-old rockstar who’s starting to ask some deep questions.

Stronger than Måneskin!
Damiano David is doing even better with his solo debut than with his band. The Italian singer enters straight into 2nd place on the French charts for physical sales and streaming, just behind the hugely popular and recently deceased rapper Werenoi, whose death at only 31 has triggered an immense wave of tributes and listens over the past week.

This shows just how well the 26-year-old rockstar — who now lives in Los Angeles with his partner Dove Cameron — is launching his career under his own name, in an elegant pop universe that calls to mind Harry Styles. His irresistible debut singles, “Born With A Broken Heart,” “Next Summer,” and “Zombie Lady” hinted at a great album to come. Not only does Funny Little Fears deliver on that promise, it also sets the stage for major concerts — at Vieilles Charrues on July 17, and at the Adidas Arena in Paris on September 26.

Why go solo when your band is enjoying such phenomenal global success?
DAMIANO DAVID: This is the first time since the beginning of my career that I’m doing something purely for myself, allowing myself to be open and vulnerable. It’s more honest, more sincere. I managed not to be afraid of what people would think.

The album touches on your fears — loneliness, losing your sense of direction, depression… Was it therapeutic in some way?
Yes, in a way. It was a way for me to find enthusiasm and passion again.

Is success hard to bear?
It shakes everyone. It’s both beautiful and violent. For some people, the path to fame is slower, so they have more time to process it. But for Måneskin, we went from unknown to famous in Italy very fast, then from unknown to famous in Europe, and then in the United States. I didn’t have time to notice what it was doing to me because everything was happening so quickly. When things slowed down, I thought I had to do something with all these feelings.

Couldn’t you have made these songs with Måneskin?
No. When I work with the band — and we’re a group of friends first and foremost — my goal is to create the best songs possible, but also to be the voice for the other members, to understand them. It’s always a shared perspective. But here, I wanted to share my own experiences, my relationships, my low points, and my happiest moments too — and I needed to do that alone. Of course, they understood my approach.

“In the future, I’ll make more music in Italian”
— Damiano David

Is this just a solo detour?
The last Måneskin concert at Rock en Seine wasn’t the final one, don’t worry. I want to lead two careers at the same time — one solo, and one with the band. Each project takes about two years, it’s doable. I actually have enough songs ready for two more albums (he laughs), but nothing’s been planned yet…

Why sing everything in English?
Because this project was born in the United States and is aimed at a broader audience than just Italy. But in the future, I’ll definitely make more music in Italian.

You co-wrote the songs with several authors and composers. How did that collaboration work?
The biggest part of the job was finding my sound. I know what kind of music I like and how I want to sing, but I didn’t know what I wanted my sound to be. That turned out to be a good thing — it allowed me to really enjoy creating and experimenting.

You worked with the prestigious American producer Jason Evigan (Madonna, Maroon 5, Dua Lipa, Charli XCX, Benson Boone, Rosé…)
The trap when working with such talented people is the temptation to just recreate the hits they’ve written for others. I didn’t want to know too much about them. We created my songs during writing camps, where we lived together for two weeks in the desert. It was a first for me — very enjoyable, like making music with friends.