Michele Merlo
‘I have stories to tell, and there’s people who recognise themselves in these stories: this is the one and only reason why I write songs’.
These are the words of a singer-songwriter from Vicenza that you’ve already heard of. His name is Michele, he’s 27 years old and got known by the general public on the stage of the most popular talent shows, such as X-Factor and Amici. If you want to find out everything you need to know about Michele Merlo and his album ‘Cuori Stupidi’ (in English, ‘Stupid Hearts’, E.D.), read on!
First of all, when did you begin to sing?
I started playing the guitar when I was 12 years old. At the time, I was a chubby 90’s rock enthusiast. That said, I’ve been singing for just over three years now.
'Credici Sempre' (in English, ‘Always believe in it', E.D.): it's the anthem of my life, I also got it tattooed!
Michele, how would you describe yourself to those who still don't know you?
I’m a romantic rebel, I’m afraid of public transportation, and I feel a sense of nostalgia for eras in which I have never lived. I think these are the first three things I’d say…
With that said, when did you realise you wanted to start a career as a singer?
Never, not even today. Having said that, I have stories to tell, and there’s people who recognise themselves in these stories: this is the one and only reason why I write songs.
From Mike Bird to Cinemaboy and Michele Merlo, how have you changed since you walked on the stages that made you famous for the first time?
The sounds have changed, so has the language. I used to sing in English and play with the memory of the emotions I experienced in the adolescent age. I subsequently became aware of the fact that, if I wanted to make a place for myself in the music world, I had to sing in Italian...and, in Italian, everything sounds better!
What are the obstacles you’ve faced along the way?
A lot of competition, the prejudice that comes with being in a talent show, record companies, bureaucracy. Everything that has nothing to do with my music hinders it.
From X-Factor to Amici, you made quite your apprenticeship on television. What do you still remember from these particular experiences? In this regard, what do you think the success of talent shows is about?
I remember a lot of sharing and many condensed emotions. Then the effect disappears, and you want more, until you hit your head. I think talents are great dream distributors, I was the first one to believe in them.
What prompted you to write 'Cuori Stupidi' (in English, 'Stupid Hearts', E.D.), your first album in Italian?
The need to tell everyone what I have inside, whether they like it or not. In the end, an 'I love you' said in Italian is much more worthy than any English song. I gained the need to tell my story to those who follow me.
Michele, what’s the song, among the others on this album, you’re most attached to?
'Credici Sempre' (in English, ‘Always believe in it', E.D.): it's the anthem of my life, I also got it tattooed!
Taking a step back, are the lyrics of 'Cuori Stupidi', the song that gave the title to the album, autobiographical? When you write, what’s your main source of inspiration?
Yes, it’s autobiographical. After all, I only write what I feel is mine. For me, it must all be drenched with truth. Otherwise I don't believe in it and, if they ask me to sing, I get embarassed. It's been like this since I was a kid.
Michele, you have 261K followers on Instagram. Do you feel a sense of responsibility towards fans and followers?
Yes, of course. For sure, there are singers who are more followed than him on Instagram. Anyhow I have a wonderful fan base, that always wants new songs and to laugh, or cry, with me. It’s important to send real messages, whether positive or negative: people should never be deceived.
In your musical project, how important is your image? How could we describe the outfit that represents you the best?
Aesthetics are important. Plus, I love fashion and, in particular, to wear a T-shirt, a pair of tight jeans and Saint Laurent boots, which I'm very fond of.
Michele, what’s the song by another singer-songwriter that you wish you wrote?
'Ma il cielo è sempre più blu' by Rino Gaetano.
Going back to my first questions, what was your biggest dream as a child?
As a kid, I wanted to play basketball. I dreamed of being able to do a slam dunk, but I never succeeded...
Despite your success, do you have any regrets?
Yes, I would’ve liked to treat my ex-girlfriend better. When I was 20, I had an important relationship, which I ruined for no reason. Ah, and I wish I never started smoking.
Make a wish!
I'd like to quit smoking.
Let’s end on a lighter note. Do you have a secret talent you’d be willing to share with us?
No, my art is my talent, as is my writing. So, what you see is who I am. The things you don’t see, I just haven’t shared yet...but someday I will.