Settembre, the rising star of the Italian music scene, is ready to captivate audiences at the 75th edition of the Sanremo Music Festival 2025. The Naples-born artist, whose real name is Andrea Settembre, will showcase his evocative song "Vertebre" as one of the four finalists competing in the New Proposals section.
Settembre's participation is especially significant as it marks his return to Sanremo after last year’s entry in Sanremo Giovani. His song "Vertebre" has already made waves, garnering over six million streams on Spotify, indicating strong public interest prior to the competition. The emotional depth and autobiographical nature of the track resonate with many, especially his contemporaries.
Scheduled to perform on February 12, Settembre shared his reflections on "Vertebre" during an interview with Sky TG24, describing it as "a fundamental piece". He explained, “I wrote it because I needed to articulate what was on my mind—thoughts about my generation and what it means to be twenty. Everyone has gone through it; it’s not easy for anyone.” This sentiment strikes at the heart of his artistic mission, which is to translate the complex feelings of youth through music.
Throughout the interview, Settembre revealed the emotional challenges facing his generation, noting the difficulty of managing feelings of fragility. “Perhaps it’s even harder now to navigate emotions compared to previous generations,” he remarked. “At twenty, you’re not quite an adult, but you’re also far from childhood.” This struggle for identity and place is central to his song's message.
Settembre has built his career on various musical platforms, honing his skills through participation in talent shows like X Factor and The Voice of Italy. His experiences have shaped his artistry, allowing him to connect with fans on multiple levels. He participated with the song "Lacrime" during his time on X Factor, where he collaborated with Dargen D’Amico. Each performance helped him refine his craft, leading to his current acclaim.
The inspiration behind "Vertebre" is rich with emotional and societal commentary. Settembre likened the song to "a sort of building with many rooms," each room symbolizing different aspects of life’s experiences. He believes it speaks not only to his generation but transcends age, allowing anyone to find common ground within its lyrics.
“It’s a sincere and emotionally rich piece,” he asserted. “That’s why I think it has reached people’s hearts so directly.” This authenticity is evident from the lyrical content of "Vertebre," where he candidly explores complex emotions associated with youth. Lines such as, “No one ever told us how to cry at our age,” lay bare the struggles often unspoken among young adults.
For Settembre, Sanremo carries deep personal significance. It’s been a centerpiece of his musical upbringing alongside his family, watching the festival on television as a way to come together. He expressed excitement and nerves about performing live, stating, “I’ll be at the Ariston stage telling the story of part of myself to millions.” One of his aspirations extending beyond the festival is to connect with his audience through live performances, indicated by his upcoming concerts on March 8 at the Auditorium Parco della Musica in Rome and April 11 at the Casa della Musica in Naples.
Not only is Settembre eager to share his music through Sanremo, but he is also appreciative of the platform it provides for artists to voice their uniqueness and connect with fans. He praised the festival as “a moment of unity,” linking music and shared experiences for the public. It’s clear he views Sanremo as more than just a contest; it’s part of his musical narrative.
Indeed, Settembre's song combined with his expressive performance style suggests he could become more than just another contestant. His talent has already garnered accolades, including the IMAIE Enzo Jannacci award for his unique vocality and engaging communication style. “Every note of my song carries the fears, hopes, and emotions I’ve experienced over the years,” he said, demonstrating his impactful connection to music. He thrives on authenticity, believing it is the core of great music and art.
Settembre’s diverse influences and experiences emanate from his early days studying singing and dance, winning contests like Io Canto at age ten, and eventually transitioning to the larger stages of Italian music. His fusion of Neapolitan dialect with Italian singer-songwriter tradition gives his sound depth and originality.
On the eve of the festival, fans and critics alike are eager to see how Settembre will channel his introspection and artistic flair on the Sanremo stage. The backdrop of historic significance and strong competition adds to the intensity of the moment as Settembre aims to leave his mark at the festival. With his heartfelt lyrics and palpable energy, he certainly embodies the spirit of the New Proposals category this year.
Come what may, Settembre’s aspirations to resonate broadly with audiences and express emotions many experience but seldom articulate shine through. The Sanremo Music Festival should not only showcase his musical talent but also help him forge lasting connections with fans who feel the same.