Damiano David, the heartthrob Italian musician and Måneskin frontman, is taking a bold step into the spotlight with his first solo project. This isn’t your typical pop star debut; David is unveiling his album one song and video at a time, creating an immersive experience that’s as captivating as it is intriguing.
September saw the release of the epic ballad “Silverlines,” a powerful introduction to David’s solo sound. Now, the broody-ish “Born With a Broken Heart” has arrived, a poignant track that showcases David’s vulnerability and artistic maturity. With lyrics like “Baby, you can’t fix me / I was born with a broken heart,” he delves into the complexities of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, drawing listeners into his world of raw emotion.
These two tracks alone reveal a clear evolution in David’s musical style. He’s carved out a unique niche for himself, seamlessly blending grand, stadium-ready melodies with intimate moments that allow his distinctive voice to shine. Adding a touch of whimsy to the project is “Zombie Woman,” a playful song inspired by Tim Burton’s *Corpse Bride*, showcasing David’s versatility and love for the macabre.
Beyond the music, David’s style transformation has been equally striking. He’s moved away from the glam rock and BDSM aesthetics of his Måneskin days, embracing a more tailored and retro look that reflects his personal growth and the evolving narrative of his solo project. His recent appearance at the Vogue offices, clad in a bleached leather jacket, studded and padded shoulders, and loafers, signified a conscious shift towards a more mature and refined aesthetic.
“It’s a result of what I did internally,” David explained. “I feel like I’ve matured a lot and I feel like I’m completely owning my age. I want my image to project that idea that I now kind of have of myself.” This newfound confidence is evident in the meticulously crafted visuals accompanying his music. “Silverlines” features David in a sharp, strong-shouldered jacket, high-waisted pants, and a thin tie, while “Born With a Broken Heart” finds him in a more casual, Hollywood-inspired look of khakis, a white shirt, and laced shoes. Both videos showcase David’s growing interest in performance, drawing inspiration from Broadway musicals.
The themes of vulnerability and self-discovery run deep throughout his work, and David doesn’t shy away from confronting challenging emotions. Songs like “Born With a Broken Heart” and “The Bruise” explore the complexities of love, loss, and growth, reflecting his own personal experiences. He candidly reveals that the urge to write this album stemmed from a deep-seated need to share his thoughts and emotions with the world, a desire to break through the emotional flatline he was experiencing.
His journey to Los Angeles, a city known for its dreams and possibilities, further shaped his artistic vision. Leaving behind the familiar comforts of his homeland, David embraced the uncertainty of starting anew, and in doing so, he discovered himself. “I don’t think it’s because of America, it’s because I was in a place that is not home for me, and I was alone,” he explained. “I found myself again because I had none of the demands that I usually had… I came with a dream and I kind of made it happen.”
Inspired by icons like Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly, David is confidently navigating a stylistic journey that seamlessly blends eras and influences. This approach echoes his friendship with Alessandro Michele, former creative director of Gucci, who once styled Måneskin. David attended Michele’s Valentino debut, hoping to collaborate with him again in the future. He’s also the first-ever global ambassador for Diesel, a partnership that reflects his bold and edgy aesthetic.
While the title “Born With a Broken Heart” might suggest sorrow, the song itself transcends those initial emotions. It’s a journey of self-discovery, leading listeners through darkness and towards the light. David’s approach to music is one of transformation, turning the difficult and painful into something beautiful. “There’s a lot of reasons why I make music, but I think the main one for me is that it gives me the chance to take things that are not as happy or positive, and kind of maneuver them in a way until they look pretty and they represent something beautiful.”
As Damiano David embarks on this new chapter, his solo career is poised to captivate audiences with its blend of vulnerability, artistic ambition, and a captivating evolution of style. His music and his story offer a glimpse into the heart of an artist who is unafraid to embrace the complexities of life and translate them into art that resonates with the soul.