Following on from his highly-praised studio album 'Timing' in 2020, renowned singer-songwriter Bruno Brocchi is back once again to deliver his vibrant comeback single 'Underground Love'.
Bringing back more of that rich and sprawling indie-rock aesthetic he is known for, 'Underground Love' makes for a dazzling return for the artist at the helm. With his bright and uplifting vocal performance spread across a lofty production throughout, he is returning to the fold with one of his most engaging efforts to date here.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The first instrument I fell in love with was a 1970s Brazilian acoustic guitar I saw at my grandmother’s house. It used to belong to my mom when she was a teenager. I'd sneak into the room, pull it from the closet, dust it off, and pretend I knew what I was doing. I remember being in awe of every little piece of the instrument—the wood smell, the cracks in the coating, and the way the chords sounded. But the first instrument that made me really want to learn to play was seeing Slash with his Gibson Les Paul during the early Guns N' Roses phase. After you get hooked on guitars, you’re in it for life. As Mark Knopfler says, it becomes your best friend.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
My first memories are a mix of children’s story records merging into rock and pop albums I’d steal from my parents’ collection to play on my kid’s record player. I loved the 80s pop and rock sounds like Queen, Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Phil Collins. I’ve always loved all kinds of music, but melodic rock has always struck a special chord with me.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I remember “borrowing” Queen’s "The Works" vinyl from my parents and playing it endlessly on my Mickey Mouse red record player. I would play "Radio Ga-Ga" on repeat, and it still brings back memories. Once CDs came on the scene, I remember the first CDs I bought at 12 years old were: Guns N' Roses’ "Appetite for Destruction," Queen's "Live at Wembley," and Ramones' "Loco Live."
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
I think I’d have to choose a Bruce Springsteen song, and I’m going to go with "Thunder Road." A true classic!
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I usually just let the inspiration flow. When it hits, I either immediately record the melody and initial lyrics on my mobile or, if I have a guitar nearby, I grab it and try to come up with a structure to work on later. I prefer to write lyrics in a notebook, but I record all my ideas on my mobile to make sure I don’t lose them in the ether!
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
They’re not necessarily new kids on the block, but I’ve been listening to Butch Walker, Jesse Malin, and Ryan Adams. Great songwriters and live performers. And despite Springsteen being my all-time favourite, I’ve been listening to a lot of Dire Straits these past couple of years.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
If I could dream big, I would open a Bruce Springsteen concert. Just being on the same stage would be magical!
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
When someone else relates to a song I’ve written—that is very rewarding. And playing live. I believe in a real connection with the audience, no matter its size, so playing live is an experience that compares to almost nothing else.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Breaking through the noise can be tricky. There are so many entertainment alternatives and gadgets, apps, and things fighting for people’s attention that discovering new music may not be on everyone’s priority list. But if you love creating music, there’s no escaping it—it’s in your blood forever.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Something I’ve heard from musicians I respect is to follow your own beliefs and creative passion, not trying to sound like anyone else or follow any trend. Do your thing and, if it’s true (and hopefully any good), someone out there will connect with it, and the magic will happen.
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Bruno Brocchi's new single 'Underground Love' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.