Gianni Negri interview. E staje cu Mme
Some artists sing with their voice, others sing with their soul. Gianni Negri is definitely among the latter. His new single "E staje cu Mme" is a declaration of love in music, a song that embraces the language and emotions of the Neapolitan heart. In this exclusive interview, we discover a more intimate and profound side of the artist, delving into his roots, courageous choices, and true passion.
If you had to describe yourself with an emotion and a sound, which would you choose and why?
I choose nostalgia as an emotion, and the sound of an acoustic guitar in the evening, when everything stops and only the voice of thoughts remains. For me, music is about evoking, remembering, feeling.
"E staje cu Mme" is your first song in Neapolitan. What prompted you to use the dialect to tell this love story?
Neapolitan has a unique emotional power. I wanted the words to go straight to the heart, unfiltered. It's the language of roots, of the soul. Telling love in Neapolitan is like baring it.
Was there a specific moment in your life when you realized that music would be a necessity, and not just a passion?
Yes. It happened during a difficult period when words were no longer enough. Only by singing could I release what I felt inside. From then on, I understood that music was home.
The song tells of a relationship that endures despite difficulties. How much of the lyrics are autobiographical?
A lot. Maybe everything. Every word comes from a lived sensation, from a glance or a silence I've experienced firsthand. It's a sincere song, without any extra layers.
What was the biggest challenge in creating this song, both technically and emotionally?
Technically, it was finding the balance between simplicity and intensity. Emotionally, it was baring myself before the listener. Saying "stay with me" isn't just a phrase, it's a prayer.
If you could choose a city or place in the world to perform "E staje cu Mme" live, where would it be and why?
Without a doubt, Naples, at night, by the sea. But also Paris, on a bridge, among strangers. Because the love I sing about has no borders.
Your voice has a warm, authentic timbre. Do you draw inspiration from anyone in particular or have you followed your own personal vocal journey?
I've always listened a lot, but I never wanted to imitate anyone. My voice grew with me, between empty rooms, small live shows, and big dreams. It's my way of being true.
In a world often frantic, you choose intimacy and sentiment as your protagonists. How do you live this contrast in your daily life?
I live it as a conscious choice. I try to slow down, to stay connected to the real things. Music is my refuge from the speed of the world.
How do you envision your artistic future: more tied to your homeland, or open to international collaborations?
I'd like to combine the two. To carry my homeland in my heart and voice, but also to open myself to the world. Music is a bridge, and I want to cross it.
If you could send a direct message to someone listening to your music for the first time, what would you truly want them to feel?
I would want them to feel truth. To recognize themselves, to stop for a moment and say: "this song also speaks to me." If that happens, then I've hit the mark.
