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Damiano David on his first solo album, his famous girlfriend and that Springsteen moment

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In a striking brown leather bomber jacket, Damiano David confidently strolls into a downtown LA hotel bar. He selects a table tucked away towards the back and requests an orange juice, using his smooth Italian tone of voice.

26-year-old Rome native, a singer in the band Måneskin, gained widespread recognition in 2021 when their cover of “Beggin'” by The Four Seasons became a global hit. Prior to this success, the band had already won the Eurovision Song Contest with “Zitti e Buoni” and charted in the top 10 of the U.K.’s singles chart with “I Wanna Be Your Slave”. Notably, Iggy Pop collaborated with Måneskin on a different version of “I Wanna Be Your Dog”, reminiscent of The Stooges’ original song.

This April afternoon, it’s David who’s present to discuss his first solo album titled “Funny Little Fears.” Collaborating with a team of industry experts like Jason Evigan, Sarah Hudson and Amy Allen, this LP marks a shift from Måneskin’s glam rock style, venturing instead into a more pop-infused realm with synthesizers. The album finds a balance between the sounds of Harry Styles and Benson Boone. Notable tracks include “Born With a Broken Heart,” which has amassed over 100 million streams on Spotify, as well as the introspective ballad “Sick of Myself,” penned by David for his girlfriend, singer and actress Dove Cameron. The track “Zombie Lady” features a vocal appearance by Cameron herself, and our conversation takes place while David and Cameron are in the midst of moving into their new shared residence.

Music

Discussing the intricate bond between the British rock icon and the media, along with his recent work titled “People Watching,” produced in Los Angeles alongside Adam Granduciel of the War on Drugs.

He mentions that they’re acquiring furniture and other items,” he says, still sporting wet hair (or styling it to appear so). David, who divides his time between Rome and here, has scheduled tours for this summer with performances at Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza followed by a show at the Wiltern in November. These are condensed snippets from our discussion.

You’re living in L.A. part time because of work?

Primarily, it’s intended for my significant other. However, since I initiated all aspects of this project right here, it felt logical and convenient to establish a life in this location as well.

You like L.A.?

It’s quite pleasant out here – sunshine everywhere. But what truly counts are the people, and I’ve managed to create a wonderful group of individuals.

Songwriters and producers and the like.

Essentially, I spent two months meeting with nearly every songwriter in Los Angeles, quickly assessing compatibility not just through talent but also by instinct and emotional connection. I’ve identified my kindred spirits, and now we share meals and keep in touch via text messages.

During an interview with Zach Sang, you mentioned some past collaborations with songwriters that didn’t turn out favorably.

Really didn’t.

What happened?

Occasionally, there was no one to blame – we simply didn’t mesh well. One instance involved a highly renowned individual – a real titan in the field – but he was barely present most of the time. As a result, it felt like an unproductive endeavor. They said, “This big name wants to collaborate,” and I replied, “Absolutely!” Only to find myself working with his sound engineer instead.

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It’s reasonable to assume that you were working within the realm of rock music when collaborating with Måneskin, but on your own, you are exploring the pop genre.

As a cinema enthusiast, I’d argue that when we focus solely on genre classification, it seems reasonable. However, I can’t help but feel that it’s not entirely accurate. Even though our music included distortion and other elements, there’s still a strong pop structure to it in my opinion.

That’s a good term for it.

As the songwriter in both situations, I possess a blend of pop and soul. I’m deeply passionate about the music of my generation, rather than the sounds of yesteryears, which seems to resonate more with the other members of Måneskin. I believe this shared connection is what brought us together harmoniously. On my own, without the dynamic trio – essentially our group – the sound leans more towards pop as it tends to be cleaner and less textured.

The New York Times said Måneskin “play rock music, but operate according to the logic of pop.”

I began exploring conscious music in 2010 as I was born in the year 1999. Growing up, my musical preferences leaned heavily towards pop, which has always been my primary interest.

What was the first band rock band that spoke to you?

As for my earliest musical recollections, they predominantly revolve around R.E.M., Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Soundgarden, as those were the bands my father enjoyed listening to.

I’m wondering, around what age would you have been when Chris Cornell released the album he collaborated on with Timbaland?

Sick. I don’t know about it.

Some found it hard to believe, exclaiming, “This is utterly unbelievable!”, while others admired him greatly, saying, “His singing skills are so exceptional that he could accomplish anything.

In my opinion, it’s likely the second choice. Not all actions aim for exceptional success; sometimes, they are simply pursued out of personal interest or enjoyment.

In recent years, it feels as if the number of popular male singers is dwindling, almost to extinction-like levels. Have you ever felt there was a gap in the music scene that you could potentially fill?

To be clear, I don’t completely agree with that perspective — I’m more of a traditionalist in some ways. However, it’s undeniable that women are making significant strides, and that’s not necessarily a negative development. In fact, it’s quite inspiring to see that the five most prominent figures in today’s music scene are young women. Of course, there are still talented men out there — Benson, for instance, is exceptional. And he’s genuinely good at what he does. It’s refreshing because it feels authentic and not contrived or artificial. I’ve heard that he’s one of the nicest and most down-to-earth guys in the industry.

As someone who greatly appreciates your artistic flair, I must say that the careful consideration put into your visual style is truly evident. Could it be that this solo project allows you to experiment with styles and appearances that might not have been feasible within the confines of a band setting?

From a passionate film enthusiast’s perspective, my journey began at an incredibly tender age with the band. Just like in school where you have the football jocks, basketball stars, and art club aficionados, we belonged to the last group. So, we leveraged our shared love for the avant-garde as a source of power, experimenting with makeup, bold nudity, and eccentric attire that made us feel unique. In this new solo endeavor, however, I’ve matured beyond recognition. No longer the adolescent in an adult-dominated industry, I no longer require the protective shield I once wore. At 26, I’ve embraced my growth and am ready to express myself authentically without those artistic crutches.

To my eye there’s a bit of classic Hollywood to the styling with your record.

To envision myself at my finest, I’d picture myself dressed in a sharp, well-fitted suit, with the collar of my shirt left open.

Television

In their desire for a Flea bobblehead, the director ultimately inspired the production of a music video for ‘Can’t Stop.’ This unique video saw the band portraying as string marionettes in the fourth volume of Netflix’s ‘Love, Death + Robots.’

Did you care about clothes even before you began performing?

I’m all about the unique, not necessarily branded items – things that feel genuinely mine. My parents, being stylish individuals, have always set a great example in this regard.

Stylish.

My mom is very stylish. My dad dresses as a man of his age.

Regarding their physical features, generally, Americans tend to differ from Europeans in that they often have a distinct look.

You’re for comfort.

I appreciate your perspective. Can you describe your experience as you stroll through an American airport, taking in the sights?

At an airport, I find it peculiar when individuals seem well-dressed. Seeing them step off a plane, dressed to the nines – it just seems odd! After all, you’re confined in a narrow space like a tube with only 20 centimeters for your legs. It’s hard to imagine why one would wear a dress under such conditions.

Where did the idea for “Zombie Lady” come from?

I thoroughly enjoy Tim Burton’s film “Corpse Bride,” and I find myself sympathizing with the female zombie character. While watching it with my partner recently, I couldn’t help but wonder what might transpire if I were in a relationship with another woman and she suddenly emerged from a grave.

“The First Time” has a big sax solo.

I believe it surpasses a guitar solo. During our stay at the writing camp in Malibu, we found ourselves immersed in Bruce Springsteen’s music. Inspired by him, we exclaimed, “Let’s create something similar!” I feel confident that we achieved it. The composition carries an energetic, driving-on-Route-66 vibe.

Was Springsteen someone you cared about when you were young?

My father didn’t have me as his biggest fan, but nevertheless, Bruce Springsteen held significant importance for him. In fact, by the time Springsteen’s career was at its peak, I was just two years old.

Did you go to concerts as a kid?

I’m not a big concert person.

Even now?

I struggle to discover individuals who I believe truly capture the brilliance of the entire project, as it often consists of four or five exceptional tracks followed by ones that leave me questioning their quality. However, it’s worth noting that I’m not particularly fond of large crowds – they tend to be overpowering for me.

It caught my interest when you mentioned during your conversation with Zach Sang that you’re committed to creating stunning art, regardless of whether the subject matter is unpleasant or ugly. I’d love to learn more about this perspective.

It’s challenging for me to locate artwork that solely addresses a gloomy subject matter without any positive or uplifting elements. However, there are numerous pieces depicting grim topics like assassinations and war, which we often admire as masterpieces due to the artist’s skill in transforming something inherently negative into something aesthetically pleasing and meaningful.

Ugliness can’t be an artistic virtue? I’m thinking about a band like the Sex Pistols, for instance.

Attending a Sex Pistols concert was arguably the most exhilarating event of that decade. They embodied rebellion and defiance against conventions, which some might find provocative, but isn’t that an essential part of freedom? Is it really so ugly?

You sing in English on this album. What’s Italian about the music?

My emotional state is quite intense and volatile, and I tend to show this openly. This dramatic side is quite characteristic of me, and it’s something that comes naturally from my Italian background. I wear my heart on my sleeve, and I’m not one to hide my feelings or passions.

Though I do think you’ve got a bit of rock-star mystique about you.

The reason for this is the intricacy involved, as I’m not just the Måneskin singer but also the person portrayed in this album. I am a positive individual, yet I’ve experienced phases of depression as well. This multifaceted nature is something that cannot be fully captured, even across ten records.

Which song on this album would surprise the you of five years ago?

In a way I’ve never confessed before, this individual has captured my heart completely. She’s the muse behind this album, the emotions she stirs within me. It’s a degree of candor I wouldn’t have dared to exhibit. Previously, in interviews, I might have been more tactful, hinting around the subject: “If there’s a person…” Now, I proudly declare, “This song is dedicated entirely to my girlfriend.

Sometimes you wear a mustache, but not today. What shapes that decision?

How I feel in that moment. It’s not strategic.

Walking around Coachella last month, I think I saw more guys with mustaches than without.

Maybe that’s why I don’t. Since everyone started having a mustache, I stopped.

You told Vogue you listen to podcasts in the shower. Which ones?

European football podcasts. Comedy stuff.

Which comedians do you like?

I don’t think I can say the ones — I like the harsh ones.

Are you interested in marriage and children?

At some stage in my life, I’d like to experience marriage. However, I don’t envision myself having children in the future, but then again, I’m only 26, so who knows what lies ahead?

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2025-05-28 20:01

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