Settembre, the rising Neapolitan artist, is set to make waves at the Festival di Sanremo 2025 with his debut performance of the song "Vertebre." This performance marks not only his entry onto one of Italy's biggest music stages but also the release of his first album, aptly titled "Vertebre," which is scheduled to drop on February 14, 2025.
The young artist, known for blending Neapolitan dialect with contemporary Italian songwriting, captured the attention of music lovers, particularly through his viral presence on TikTok. Even before his performance at Sanremo, "Vertebre" achieved over 13 million streams across digital platforms, showcasing his rapid rise to fame within the music scene. Added to this impressive feat, Settembre's song clinched the prestigious NUOVO IMAIE Enzo Jannacci award, recognizing his talent for communicative creativity alongside his raw vocal ability.
Settembre, whose real name is Andrea Settembre, has been honing his craft and expressing the emotional turbulence many young people face today, particularly surrounding relationships. "Vertebre" serves as both personal reflection and generational commentary. He describes the track as "un brano autobiografico, un grido generazionale di denuncia" (an autobiographical song, a generational cry of protest) during his interview with Fanpage.it. He elaborates on the struggles faced during this pivotal age, noting how growing up is fraught with confusion and challenge, and feeling lost is all too common.
The song delves deep, illustrating moments of vulnerability, fragility, and the hardships of youth trying to navigate the turbulent waters of love and heartbreak. Settembre uses the metaphor of "strappami la pelle dalle vertebre" (tear the skin from my vertebrae) to convey his emotional pain, evoking images of deep-rooted suffering. His lyrics resonate with many, as he candidly shares his experiences of isolation and the burdens placed upon him by others. Lines from the song capture hearts and minds, including the poignant reflection, "Tra noi due non so chi vincerà" (Between us, I don’t know who will win), encapsulating the uncertainties of young love.
The album features seven tracks, four of which are new, reflecting Settembre's musical range and personal experiences. The blend of pop, electronic elements, and traditional Neapolitan influences underpins the artist's creative expression. Critical acclaim has noted the beauty of his work, with the award committee praising the song for its fresh vocal tone and dramatic sound exploration.
Settembre's visuals and performances are anticipated to resonate well with audiences, both young and old, asserting his place as a narrative voice of his generation. His ability to capture the raw essence of youthfulness, unfiltered and honest, positions him as a clear stand-out among this year's contestants at Sanremo.
Beyond Sanremo, Settembre's music will reach live audiences, with performances scheduled at the Auditorium Parco della Musica in Rome on March 8, followed by another show at the Casa della Musica in Naples on April 11. These live engagements will allow fans to experience his evocative storytelling firsthand.
Settembre is part of a larger movement of young artists making their mark on the Italian music scene. While the pressures to conform and appear unflappable loom large, artists like Settembre challenge those norms, voicing their vulnerabilities and struggles. The reaction to "Vertebre" sets the stage for what could be just the beginning of Settembre's musical career.
His entry at the Sanremo festival puts forth not only his talents but also provides commentary on the state of youth today—exploring complex relationships, self-discovery, and emotional exploration. Audiences eagerly await to see how this promising young artist will continue to evolve and impact the music world.