ROME, February 25, 2026 – After months of activity at La Town, a cultural hub in Rome and creative headquarters of Leave Music, the ‘Step by Step’ format is taking its first step outside its home base, arriving in Sanremo for a special event scheduled for Saturday, February 28th, at Casa Vessicchio.
A Platform for Emerging Talent
This format is a project dedicated to scouting and artistic development for emerging talents. The open-door live auditions in Sanremo will provide a stage for these artists, offering networking opportunities and direct feedback from industry professionals.
This real-world interaction can lead to a concrete recording project: the production of an EP with Leave Music, distributed by Sony Music. The initiative aims to nurture new voices and emotions, recognizing that every artist can be the soundtrack to a story yet to be written.
How to Participate and the Role of OzApp
For the Sanremo leg, artists can apply through the link published on the official ‘Step by Step’ social media channels or via the dedicated call on OzApp. OzApp is a platform for new talents, conceived by Ferzan Ozpetek, which will document the entire day and support the journey of emerging artists through its social media channels and app.
Ferzan Ozpetek, creator of OzApp, stated, “Music has always been a fundamental part of my cinema. Soundtracks, pieces, songs do not simply accompany scenes; they narrate them, complete them, and sometimes transform them. With OzApp, we want to offer young talents in cinema and music a space to be heard and valued. Participating in ‘Step by Step’ in Sanremo means supporting new voices and new emotions, because every artist can be the soundtrack to a story yet to be written.”
The Impact on the Music Industry
The ‘Step by Step’ initiative highlights the ongoing commitment of organizations like Leave Music and individuals like Ferzan Ozpetek to fostering new talent within the Italian music scene. By providing a direct pathway from audition to potential record deal, the format offers a significant opportunity for artists who might otherwise struggle to gain exposure.
The collaboration with Sony Music for distribution further solidifies the potential for these emerging artists to reach a broader audience. This type of scouting format is crucial for the continuous evolution and diversification of the music industry, ensuring that fresh perspectives and sounds are brought to the forefront.
Future Prospects and Cultural Significance
The success of past ‘Step by Step’ events in Rome suggests a strong demand for such platforms, and its expansion to Sanremo, a city synonymous with Italian music, underscores its growing importance. This move not only provides new opportunities for artists but also enriches the cultural landscape of both Rome and Sanremo.
The project aligns with broader efforts to revitalize cultural centers and create more accessible avenues for artistic expression. As the music industry continues to evolve, initiatives like ‘Step by Step’ play a vital role in identifying, developing, and promoting the next generation of musical talent.
