Francesco Gabbani, rhythm and smiles: "I take whatever moves me."

Tonight at 9 pm, the Arena della Regina lights up with Francesco Gabbani, making his Cattolica stage debut. An evening of rhythm, smiles, reflections, and above all, lots of music, for a show full of energy and surprises.

Is there a song in 'Dalla tua parte' that you feel closest to at this moment in your life?

"Actually, no. I like to draw a little bit from everything that moves me. Every song has its moment, and I'm very emotionally variable: that's my heterogeneity."

How does a Gabbani song come to be?

"Always following instinct. I've been writing since I was a teenager and have never had a real method. Sometimes it all starts with a phrase, other times with a melody. I don't force myself to write, but I always remain receptive."

When inspiration strikes, do you use your phone or your notebook?

"Even though I'm a bit old-school, I now use my cell phone for convenience. I immediately record melodies in voice notes: I have so many I could make four albums."

Your songs alternate between irony and reflection. Is it harder to make people laugh or think?

"Good question. Today, many people listen to music just for fun, so maybe it's easier to make them smile. But that's also my way of being: I never stop laughing."

What music are you listening to these days?

"A bit of everything. I come from a soul background. As a kid, I used to play Stevie Wonder with my dad, but then came the Beatles, AC/DC, and now I'm obsessed with Celtic music. I don't set limits or rules for myself."

And what about books?

"Same thing. I'm currently getting interested in organic farming. But my most influential author remains Tiziano Terzani: he changed my way of seeing things and also influenced my writing."

An artist you would have liked to duet with?

"There are many, but Franco Battiato holds a special place in my heart. He's a great role model for me. Luckily, I met him in 2017: I'll make do with that."

Sanremo: first the victory, then the comebacks. What was the experience like?

"Winning was crucial: success came after a long apprenticeship. I wasn't expecting it, but it allowed me to reap the rewards of years of work. When I returned, I approached the experience more calmly, without the anxiety of having to impress."

Have you ever felt like a prisoner of 'Westerners' Karma'?

"No, not a prisoner. I still sing it today and have a loyal audience. Sure, it was a bit misunderstood at first: for many it was just the monkey song, but in reality it had two interpretations, somewhere between irony and social criticism. In the end, though, I was the one who brought that monkey on stage, so that's okay."

What awaits the Cattolica public?

"So much excitement. I've never played in this venue, so it'll be special. No frills, no backing tracks: just the music, even some lesser-known songs. It'll be a very popular concert, just the way I like it."