Francesco Gabbani, the charismatic Italian singer-songwriter, has once again captured the public’s attention, not only with his music but with a refreshingly candid philosophy on life, success, and the pursuit of genuine happiness. In a recent interview, he delves into the inspirations behind his latest album, “Dalla tua parte,” and explains why he chooses to live among olive trees rather than in a luxurious Milan penthouse.
The “Carrier of Positivity” and His Inner World
Gabbani, known for his infectious smile and upbeat lyrics, acknowledges his role as a “carrier of positivity.” However, he emphasizes that this is a conscious choice, not a reflection of a life devoid of challenges. “The communicative interface that starts with a smile and is reflected in my lyrics doesn’t mean that I don’t have dark sides of suffering or restlessness,” he explains. “I have chosen positivity as a modus vivendi.” This nuanced perspective offers a deeper insight into an artist who, despite his public persona, grapples with the complexities of existence.
His journey to this philosophical stance is rooted in his early experiences. Growing up in a musical instrument shop, Gabbani’s path seemed destined for music. He recalls playing drums at age four and forming a blues band in high school. “I worked in my parents’ shop practically until Sanremo 2016,” he says, highlighting his grounded upbringing. His father, in particular, encouraged his artistic freedom while urging him to “stay grounded.” This blend of artistic passion and practical grounding seems to have shaped his approach to life and career.
Success and the Shifting Music Landscape
Gabbani expresses a degree of surprise at the success of “Dalla tua parte,” especially in an era dominated by streaming. “I have a realistic perception of the current recording scenario, which relies heavily on streaming, from which I am a bit excluded compared to younger artists,” he notes. Yet, the album’s top position in physical sales charts is a testament to the strong bond he shares with his audience. “It’s a sign of affection from my audience, with whom I have a relationship of mutual trust.” This success underscores the enduring appeal of his music and his authentic connection with listeners.
Reflecting on his Sanremo experiences, Gabbani credits Carlo Conti for believing in him from the start. “Carlo Conti brought his way of doing entertainment: he put music at the center of a drier festival, with fewer frills,” he observes. His gratitude towards Conti is palpable, as the director gave him the opportunity to express himself when he was still relatively unknown, both in 2016 with “Amen” (which won “New Proposals” and the “Critics’ Award” for best lyrics) and in 2017 with the winning “Occidentali’s Karma.” Conti’s decision to feature Gabbani again this year, with a song of a very different style, further demonstrates his appreciation for the artist’s evolution.
The Search for Meaning: Nature, Parenthood, and the Fear of the Unknown
Gabbani’s latest album delves into existential themes, marking a significant step in his personal and artistic maturity. “It’s a stage in an existential journey, which has recently been extending towards inner research,” he explains. “I look more inside myself than around, and my songs are more reflective and introspective.” This shift suggests a deeper engagement with life’s fundamental questions, moving beyond superficial observations to a more profound self-exploration.
His chosen lifestyle reflects this introspection. Opting for a small Tuscan village surrounded by olive groves, Gabbani finds happiness in the “harmonic vibrations of natural elements” and the “emotional synergies created with the people I love.” He explicitly states, “I wouldn’t find happiness in a 300 sqm penthouse in Milan, or in a luxury car.” This rejection of conventional markers of success in favor of a more grounded existence speaks volumes about his values.
Despite his embrace of positivity, Gabbani admits to a lingering fear: “What I don’t know. That’s why, even today, I’m afraid of the dark.” This vulnerability adds another layer to his persona, demonstrating that even those who project an image of light and joy have their own struggles. He also touches upon the idea of parenthood, viewing it as a natural progression in his search for meaning. “I’m looking for the meaning of my existence. If I look at it in an evolutionary sense, there is also procreation. I’m not rowing against it.”
The Wisdom of “I Know That I Know Nothing”
Gabbani’s philosophy is deeply influenced by Tiziano Terzani, particularly his book “The End Is My Beginning.” He found it illuminating how an educated man, having experienced diverse cultures, “destroyed all superstructures to end up saying, ‘I have no answers. Perhaps this is the only answer I have.'” This resonates with Gabbani’s own acceptance of the “non-sense” in “Viva la vita,” a song that, despite its apparent simplicity, carries a profound underlying message. “In the passage ‘I love life as it is,’ there are all the things I can’t find answers to,” he explains. “I found meaning only in knowing that I know nothing. Socrates teaches.” This embrace of uncertainty and the wisdom of not knowing forms a cornerstone of his worldview, allowing for a liberating acceptance of life’s inherent mysteries.
Francesco Gabbani’s journey is a compelling narrative of an artist who has found his voice not just in music, but in a thoughtful, introspective approach to life. His message, delivered with a smile but rooted in deep reflection, encourages us to seek authentic happiness, embrace the unknown, and find meaning in the simple, profound act of living.
