To introduce him ever so briefly, Fabio Cinti is an Italian musician who, without much in the way of promotion, has been received on the underground Italian music scene as a breath of fresh air and has dedicated listeners who ask for more when he plays live. His LP "L'esempio Delle Mele" is an eclectic mix of sounds and thoughts expressed through diverse sounds and beautiful lyrics, which, yes, are mostly sung in italian but the craftman ship of his music means that you are not excluded. He is currently working on a project that is gaining much attention in the gay communities of Italy and is being fronted by a cheeky electro ditty called “I’m Waiting for my Bear”.

Now, if you are sitting comfortably, let’s meet him.

 

Describe your music.

It’s very difficult to describe something that is a part of myself; like telling whether we are good looking or ugly, or charming. Regarding my music I can say that when I feel like writing a song I am always at a crossroad. On one hand I have the need for experimenting, pushing a little harder while following an obscure direction from which I cannot really see the light. On the other hand there is my instinct, which can lead toward triviality; therefore, it must be directed… I do not doubt that anything new that I compose must be something that I would be listening to with pleasure, something that didn’t exist before, even though it might be similar to something already done. My music is in fact a mix between instinct and experimentation.

 

Where does your inspiration come from for life?

It happens very often; when I share thoughts with friends about things, people and events and people in general, when they listen, say that I am “strange”. Well, maybe I have an uncommon approach to life; like thinking in opposites, thinking small prints are big or the other way around…and maybe I should be wearing glasses! Inspiration cannot be controlled or manipulated and most importantly I cannot go look for it. Sometimes I do things in extreme ways, not like climbing a mountain naked but I tend to take situations to the borderlines. For example, surviving with as little as possible or living with a strong desire of gaining something without actually ever getting to it and keeping that desire alive. All these thoughts bring me transversal visions.

 

And secondly for your music?

I cannot really divide inspirations between life and music. Writing songs and composing is like a physiological need. If I were to start a very boring assignment tomorrow, a different job, I know I would keep writing my songs – they might be a little sadder but I would still keep writing. Inspiration doesn’t always come from other music or songs by others. On the contrary, very often a song comes to me from pure imagination, or cruel reality, or both together.

 

How would you describe your approach to your creativity?

I have never believed creativity is bound to loose living or confusion. I am a very normal person, rather shy and bashful. I think creativity has nothing to do with “being human”, but I do believe there is a line that connects us with a “common sense” where beauty resides. Sometimes artists can walk down that line, like tightrope walkers; sometimes they fall, bringing out beauty. I don’t know yet whether I am gifted like that, but I like to think so.

 

What environments do you work best in?

I like tranquility and being secluded but in an ordered and neat way. I do not distinguish between day and night when I work and I do not look at my watch unless I have something important to do. As soon as I am done with my work I am overexcited at the idea of sharing it as quickly possible, like describing a dream you just had or showing the pictures of your last trip. During that trip though I like being alone, in a comfortable cozy environment, and away from people and noise.

 

What is it you want to communicate to your audience?

I have more than one thing to say, but I would only be able to explain what I intend on communicating at this moment in my life. Reading the news, I see there is so much arrogance, presumption and self-importance and, generally speaking more violence, - and not only the physical. I try, in this time of my life, to share kindness and sweetness. Everything can be said with gentleness, without changing the meaning or intent of it. Like a bad word out of a child’s mouth… it’s mostly funny and makes you laugh.

Do you have any annoying habits when in your creative mode?

Sometimes I forget to eat, so I devour a pack of candies and then I hear my stomach screaming in pain.

 

When are you happiest?

I am happy when I feel harmony within a group of people, my collaborators for instance or friends. It’s not necessary that I am in a good mood and I do not want to be playing the saint. It just happens that clarity and truthfulness make me happy while giving me self-confidence. However, I feel subterfuge, lack of clearness, whenever people are looking for trouble, or try to take advantage of situations; everything becomes more difficult. I don’t like it and it keeps me down, it hurts. Seeing people with a relaxed smiling face, even during a very hard time in their life, that is what I really like. Happiness doesn’t answer to the euphoria of winning.

 

Why should we listen to your records?

Good question! It’s not mandatory, but some strangers contact me to let me know my records are a good placebo to use for relaxing whenever they are stressed out. And I am not even close to a new age singer! Is this a good reason?

 

What have you learned this year?

This year I have learned to count on myself. This doesn’t really imply I do not appreciate help (I actually am grateful for all of the help I am receiving) but until there is only the help of others we are unsolved. Finally having a conscience means being there for the others, this is a responsibility, which bounds us to this planet. Then there are dreams - connected with planets and the imagination, and maybe even to previous lives, that are everything we believe in. But on this planet we must be what we are, human beings.

 

How do you challenge yourself?

I challenge myself every time I look in the mirror and wonder what the heck I am doing here. It’s a battle I cannot win and never could. I have often broken even, but it’s difficult. Sometimes I decide to go against myself and my beliefs to make a point just to see what happens. Then I realize I am a good guy. And Myself deceives Me. And I start all over again.

 

Now if you are wondering just what his sound is like then I suggest that you check out the two videos below that couldn't be more different in their approach to visuals. The eclectic attitude towards his expressive nature is something that really intrigues me about Fabio Cinti and I feel that these answers only scratched the surface. For more information about Fabio then check out his details after the jump.

For more info and links to iTunes visit the awesome website of Fabio Cinti click below:

 http://www.fabiocinti.it/ 

for more music on Swide:

 

Written by Ben Taylor