Matteo Setti got his big break from Luciano Pavarotti. He also sang lead in a Queen cover band. Which is to say the Italian vocalist can handle a wide range of styles.
Now, the performer is turning his attention to swing for the Christmas season--having released his first holiday EP, Home for Christmas.
Matteo Setti took some time to speak with Classicalite prior to his December 10 show at Chris Noth's Cutting Room.
Classicalite: Let's start at the beginning, so to speak. Your father, Franco, was a professional singer in Northern Italy during the '60s. Growing up, what did you glean from him--as well as that time and place--specifically?
Matteo Setti: This is a nice story. My father was a professional singer from the time I was 17. He continued until I was 27 years old. Then, he stopped because he felt it was the right time to have a family. When I started to sing, I was 27. Life is a little strange sometimes, see? My father never pushed me--he used to play guitar and sing with me, then I'd go outside and play with my friends...but I'd always come back to him. He never forced the music on me, and deep down, I always loved it too.
C: To this day, your "Non Abbiate Paura" ("Have No Fear") remains the only song for which the Vatican has authorized the use of Pope John Paul II's voice. With both the church and the Catholic Writers Guild having been so kind, I'm curious, then, what's your take on the new pope, Francis?
Matteo Setti: When I took the opportunity to record that song, I never did it because of the money or fame. I decided to do it because he was the Pope for my life. I thought, 'This chance is a gift. Someone in the sky is looking over me.' Pope John Paul II, like Pope Francis today, was one of the best leaders for the people in the history of Christianity.
C: And speaking of Jesus, let's talk Christmas. Following up on 2012's "White Christmas" single, Home for Christmas just came out last month. Alongside traditional numbers like the title track, there are some interesting new tunes, too. For our English readers, what's the inspiration for a ballad like "Caruso?"
Matteo Setti: Ah, yes. "Caruso" was a special moment for Lucio Dalla, the man who wrote it. It's a love story looking back at his life, and when he started to write it, he was deep inside himself. When I sing "Caruso," I feel the greatest part of my heart from Italy--my past, my father, my culture. It's the best song to sing from the bottom of my heart and the most honest part of my voice.
C: Finally, be it musical theater, sacred music, the songs of Christmas (or even your Queen cover band, Radiogaga), at the end of the day, how do you reconcile such diverse--dare I say "catholic"--interests?
Matteo Setti: Today, I keep the dream of doing another musical. But with swing, it's the best melting pot of everything I've learned in the past 15 years, and it's how I express myself today. A crooner is a little bit actor, a little bit singer, a little bit entertainer.
Ryan Book, of Music Times, contributed to this article.
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