An aqua green beret, a sequined shirt and a shocking pink nail polish. It’s eleven in the morning when we meet on Zoom, yet it’s as if Andrea Di Giovanni was already ready for a gallant evening: he replies from his home in London, the city in which he has lived for seven years with his friend Serena, a musician like him, and could not be happier. Both why Rebel, his first album, released on March 26th, is going very well, and because, between the opening ceremony of the World Pride in Copenhagen in August and, subsequently, that of the Pride in London, there are many events that will see him protagonist in the next season.
He hasn’t returned to his Rome for about a year – the day before the flight that would have brought him back to his family for the Christmas holidays, they prevented his travels – but, above all, living in London, says Andrea, is the best thing that has ever happened to him, to the point that, when he returns to Italy, he manages to endure a maximum of two weeks, no more. “At 19 I felt the need to leave, to savor a freedom that I did not have before: on the street in London no one judges or looks at you, and I feel free to express what I have inside. In Italy, I sometimes dress in a certain way to avoid looking at me: I don’t like people to look at me badly, because they make me relive things I’ve already experienced and that have hurt me ».
In Italy, the debate on the Zan Bill is open, while a law to punish discrimination related to hatred in England already exists.
“It was approved last year. The Zan Bill is a starting point to try to make our country more inclusive but, of course, the problem will not disappear as if by magic. For people like me, gender non-compliant, leaving the house must be safer and more protected. In London one evening it happened that two little boys bothered me and that a gentleman took my defense to tell them to leave me alone: seeing someone who intervenes makes you feel good and, when there is a law, it becomes even easier ».
He talks about the bullying he suffered as a boy in a song by Rebel, Stand Up.
«As a child I attracted attention: I had effeminate ways, I liked to go to dance and do things that normally did not fit into the typical male, like playing football even if, paradoxically, today I follow him with my father. We are Inter fans ».
Two Romans cheering Inter Milan?
«Eh I know, what can I do. When in 2010 we were at the Santiago Bernabéu on the occasion of the Champions League victory I was so elated that I hugged the gentleman next to me without realizing that he was Fedele Confalonieri ».
The important thing is that he has always had the support of his parents: which is not at all obvious.
«That has never been lacking. I waited 21 to tell my mother because before I was confused and I wasn’t sure of my identity either, so much so that I had girls until the end. From my parents there has always been a great opening right from the start, and this still makes me feel very lucky today ».
How much of his life is there in Rebel?
“So much so I was torn about calling him Rebel O Roots. I wanted to tell my story and do it through particular images. Type in Stand Up, when I say that we queer have to open up to those who are closed, and like in Holy Water, when I talk about a very strong sexual experience. Rebel it’s my business card because I’ve always gone against the grain and I’ve always said uncomfortable things. However, I was interested not only in dealing with personal but also social issues such as environmental pollution. I’m a bit of an alien who comes from the future and tells the human race that if this continues the planet will explode. “
Was a Balduina child with a dream of music a bit of an alien?
«The alien has a positive connotation for me because it represents what we will be in the future, a sort of oracle, a mirror towards humanity».
Did this oracle predict that his future would be music?
«I was very shy and introspective even if, slowly, I realized that this was going to be my path. The first piano lesson I did at the age of 3, around 8 I started singing and it was the moment I most expected of the week. Music allowed me to express everything I had inside, as if it were therapy. Music is my subconscious, my conscience ».
When did you start writing instead?
“Around 19 years old. The first song was dedicated to my father and our relationship: it was fundamental because it allowed us to get closer and rediscover ourselves since, from the separation with my mother, we had distanced ourselves ».
What did she want to become when she grew up?
«The pop star, a dream that has never changed. I knew I wasn’t going to stop until my body and head let me, and it did. ‘
In fact, at 19, he follows the path of talent and enters ad Friends. What experience was it?
«A very useful experience to open my eyes to the world of industry and to make me understand that there was more to me. And then Friends that I decided to move to London: I had started trying to write something in Italy but I felt that something was missing. Enrolling in a completely musical university and starting over was incredible, everyone was curious to discover my story ».
Is there a bit of shyness left today?
“A little bit yes but, compared to before, I am much more focused on identity and sexuality. There is an inner tranquility that helps ».
Do you see your future in London or in Italy?
“I think you can do both. I will probably stay in London forever, but returning to Italy at a time like this, especially to help all queer people who don’t have many role models to meet, would be nice ».
Do you believe in fate?
“Absolutely. The universe works in a mysterious way, but you have to try to be ready and seize opportunities when they come. You cannot wait for things to come to you, a small seed today could become a tree tomorrow ».
Any seeds for a dream still remain?
«Making sure that my music is heard by more and more people. And then, of course, the Grammy, a nice duet with Lady Gaga and the arenas and stadiums, like the Palalottomatica in Rome where I saw my first concert, that of Laura Pausini. Being able to go on a stage like that, look at my mom in the audience and say “look where I am now” would be more than a dream: I believe it, one day it will happen ».
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