[INTERVIEW] Italian-Born Pop Artist Edo Ferragamo Talks Building His Music Career in America

If you’re passionate about fashion, “Ferragamo” is a name you’re probably very familiar with.

Singer, songwriter, and recording artist Edo Ferragamo is, in fact, from that Ferragamo family, and even though he’s not following in the footsteps of his renowned grandfather Salvatore, he still has the same creative blood flowing through his veins.

Instead of fashion, music is Edo’s passion, and it’s a calling he discovered thanks to the movie School of Rock starring Jack Black. By the time he entered high school, he formed his own band, and when it was time to go to college, he eventually convinced his family to allow him to move to the United States to attend Boston’s Berklee College of Music.

Born and raised in Florence, Italy, the budding pop artist is now based in New York City, where he is continuing to pursue his musical dreams. Learning all sides of the business, including producing, he is starting to build his catalogue with songs like “Common People,” his new single featuring Cayenne Noluck.

Musical Notes Global recently talked to Edo about his new single, his move to New York, Sanremo 2019, and more. Check out the full interview below.

MNGBlog: Congratulations on the release of your new single "Common People"! What does the song represent for you?

Edo Ferragamo: Thank you! ‘Common People’ is a very uplifting, up to date pop sound with urban influence and a lot of organic sounds. I wrote ‘Common People’ with Cayenne Noluck who's also singing and rapping in the song. The inspiration for the song started by laying down some ideas, mainly acoustic guitars and grooves. I played the music to Cayenne and that inspired the words. ‘Common People’ is an uplifting song that talks about humanity, with all that is happening in the world right now I wish for this song to give some positive energy to those who listen to it.

MNGBlog: How did Cayenne Noluck get involved?

EF: Cayenne is a fantastic rapper, singer and writer. I met him at my vocal class, he is the nephew of the coach, Craig Derry. At one of the first lessons, I brought my guitar and started jamming and grooving. Cayenne started free styling and I thought he was so talented! We did a session the day after and wrote our very first song. After that, so many others came including Common People and other tracks in the upcoming EP.

MNGBlog: How has your sound developed over the years? I know you mention artists like John Mayer, Kygo, and Stevie Wonder as influences, but have any Italian artists influenced your writing/sound as well?

EF: My sound has changed over time of course. I started playing heavy rock when I was young, then when I attended Berklee College of Music I studied more jazz, funk and fusion. When I moved to NYC I started exploring electronic music, and now I think my ultimate sound translates to pop/electro with some urban influences. I love so many Italian artists, but some of my favorites are Andrea Bocelli, Jovanotti, and I discovered recently this guy named Anastasio who won Xfactor last season and he is so so cool. His lyrics are WOW!

MNGBlog: Coming from a fashion-oriented family, how has it been for you to switch paths and pursue a career in music?

EF: My family has been very supportive in my career, it took some time to prove them that I was very driven hard worker and talented but once that happened, they became my biggest supporters. Growing up as a Ferragamo taught me what it means to value the family and what it means to work hard, with attention to details, to achieve your goals.

MNGBlog: What has been one of the most valuable lessons you have learned in moving here to the United States?

EF: Personally, I moved here completely alone. When I moved to Boston at 18/19 years old I didn't know anyone there. So for me a good lesson I learned was to expose myself to meet new people and kind of push through certain uncomfortable moments. Also that there is so much talent around us and you have to work really hard to push through the noise.

MNGBlog: How are you adjusting to life as a musician in NYC? Has it influenced your songwriting in any way?

EF: I love NYC! It’s great for me as it is a very fast paced city. I know for many people it could be a bit overwhelming, but for me it stimulates my creativity as I get so many "informations" all the time from so many different things. Sometimes I need a little break from it just to recap, but then again I miss it after a few days only.

MNGBlog: What lies ahead for you in 2019? Any new music or live shows?

EF: My new EP is coming out soon! Keep a look out! Also my music video for my acoustic version of Common People comes out this Friday, the 15th. Check it out you don’t want to miss this one.

*The music video for “Common People” acoustic version is out now

MNGBlog: Did you follow Sanremo this year and, if so, what was your favorite entry?

EF: I did not too much this time- I'm sorry. I saw my friends performing and it was great! Definitely loved Andrea and Matteo Bocelli performing together. After 25 years from Andrea's first appearance in Sanremo then he performed with his son, I thought it was really beautiful!

Catch Edo perform this Saturday, April 6, live in LA at The Hotel Café. Get tickets here.

For all of Edo Ferragamo’s latest news and updates, follow him on social media:

Facebook: facebook.com/edoferragamomusic

Instagram: @edoferragamo

Website: edoferragamo.com

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