Ego is the iconic new single by Mavìlle, a Roman band releasing a bright, danceable, and engaging track that blends dance and funk-rock to make us groove (out everywhere from September 12). But inside, it carries a powerful message. The song is the musical testimony of a strong human and professional bond, written together by four friends who decided to form a band. It is the result of meticulous work on sounds and timbres.
This is a track played with an artisanal care that is rare today; nothing is prefabricated. That’s why the friendship within Mavìlle is so unique. The connection between the members of a band is much deeper than a simple acquaintance. There is an invisible thread that binds them, born from the shared need to make music. Only the four of them can push beyond, like a natural life mechanism, similar to breathing. Despite their individual differences, they are united by passion and the desire to convey emotions through their compositions. And since every craft hides fatigue, sweat, and tension—and music is no exception—in their union the Mavìlle find an additional strength that allows them to keep the wheel of destiny turning effortlessly. Here is the interview with Roberto, the singer.
What are the difficulties of being an independent band in such a demanding music scene?
Probably the biggest challenge is to stand out and be heard. Today’s music scene is very demanding, and perhaps more than a matter of quality, it’s about quantity. You always have to be present. Always on point. Always with something new to release.
What do you think about the fact that if you don’t have big numbers (which is especially difficult at the beginning), the record industry doesn’t move?
At first, the numbers can be intimidating. But then we realize why we make music, and it’s not for numbers, money, or fame. You do this job to transmit something, to leave a message to those who listen to you. Numbers and everything else come as a consequence. If you have numbers but nothing to say, you won’t last long.
Do you have a background in singing or music studies?
Some of us do, some don’t—like Gioele (who was born with this wonderful gift that still amazes us). But we Mavìlle all agree that studying for its own sake is of little use if you don’t have the courage to set aside what you’ve learned to bring out who you really are.
How did you find your bandmates?
Gio and Edd (keyboardist/bassist and drummer) used to play together in another project. I (Rob, the frontman) was busking on the streets of Rome when Gio, just out of university, came up to me saying he wanted to play together. Funny thing is, it felt like a movie scene. That day I didn’t even want to go busking, and Gio usually keeps his car windows shut blasting metal music. Well, that day we both did something unusual and—poof—like magic, we met.
When I first met Edd in the rehearsal room, the first thing I thought was, “This guy hits the drums like an animal, I like it!” You could already see the chemistry between him and Gio. Musically, they understood each other perfectly, as if speaking the same language. Red (the guitarist) came in last, and with him we immediately found our way of communicating. It was love at first sight, so to speak.
How do you decide which single to release? Who takes the artistic lead?
We’re lucky to write a lot, so we often choose one track over another, but never without first discussing it all together. Usually, Gio and I have clearer ideas at the beginning, since we write the songs and bring them to the others in the rehearsal room. But after trying them together, we make decisions collectively. If we had to nitpick, we could say that the “artistic director” role is in Gio’s hands, since he often already has a basic idea of a new arrangement even before I write anything on it.
Where do you see yourselves in a few years?
At one of our homes writing songs (ahaha). Like I said before, you don’t choose to make music for numbers but for personal need. And if it’s true that those who don’t give up eventually make it, well, you’ll see great things from us!
Will there be an album?
We have a concept in mind for a possible album and no shortage of songs. But we don’t know anything for sure yet (or maybe we do?). The only thing you can do is wait—we can’t wait to tell you more!
Jimmy Rabbitte, the son of a fanatic of Elvis was born in Dublin in 1970. He graduated in sociology, she is always fond of music, he enjoys among small bands and journalistic collaborations. He lived in Rome for more than 15 years and not miss a concert in San Lorenzo in Testaccio , from Pigneto to Portonaccio Rome districts.
Jimmy Rabbitte, the son of a fanatic of Elvis was born in Dublin in 1970. He graduated in sociology, she is always fond of music, he enjoys among small bands and journalistic collaborations. He lived in Rome for more than 15 years and not miss a concert in San Lorenzo in Testaccio , from Pigneto to Portonaccio Rome districts.