Winning Eurovision with Måneskin proved Damiano David to be one of the most captivating performers in the world. As he releases his first solo album, the Italian superstar answers some Big Questions…
What was the defining event of your youth?
It’s tricky to think of one specific event that strongly defined my personality, but I would say that in general playing sports since a very young age shaped my idea of discipline and gave me the ability of putting the project before the single individual, which I think is one of my biggest beliefs still today. I always think that the best skill for a musician is not to let their personal ego overtake the music. Music is the ultimate reason, and musicians are always serving the music, never the opposite. I also believe that music is something precious to be shared, both in the making and when it’s complete.
What music was the biggest for you growing up?
James Arthur, no doubt. I actually performed with him on The X Factor here in Italy, which was pretty crazy. I discovered him at a very young age and since then he has always been one of my favourites.
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I think Stephen Sanchez is one of the most talented singer-songwriters of this generation and is criminally underrated. He really has the ability of creating a crack in time and bringing us to his own era.
What were your big influences?
A part of me always felt unseen or misunderstood and music was the one thing that allowed me to play my own game with my own rules. Writing music has always been a refuge for me. When I was feeling misunderstood, writing music offered me a real sense of solace and clarity and allowed me to process complex emotions, whether they were feelings of isolation, frustration, or simply not fitting in, you know? Through writing, I have been able to channel my feelings into something productive and meaningful. It’s been a process that has really helped me release emotions that are sometimes difficult to express, even to myself. Writing about my experiences and feelings has always helped me gain a better understanding of myself and process what I was going through.
Was there a big film that stayed with you?
This might sound cheesy but The Greatest Showman. Musicals have had a lot of influence on my latest music. What I like about musicals is the way they create a suspension of reality, allowing impossible things to happen without the audience questioning the lack of realism. It’s a magical way to tell a story.
Hugh Jackman in The Greatest Showman. Image: LANDMARK MEDIA / Alamy
What TV show was the biggest one in your household growing up?
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I love Lost. I can’t believe it’s been out for over 20 years, that’s crazy! I started watching it again recently. This series is closely tied to my family and my childhood as my father was obsessed with it, and we used to watch it together during dinner at home. He never missed a single episode each week.
What was the big political issue you remember from your youth?
My first political related memory is the division in the country after the election of Silvio Berlusconi. I wasn’t grown up enough to fully understand everything, but I still remember the intense level of anger in the country.
What do you see as being your biggest success? And failure…?
My biggest failure is anytime I lied or pretended to be someone else to please others or get the ‘easy way out’. I consider my relationships my biggest success, the love and care that we have for each other still amazes me every day, I’m proud of my partner [American singer and actress Dove Cameron] and proud to be hers.
Damiano David with partner Dove Cameron. Image: Sipa US / Alamy
What was the moment where it felt you’d hit the big time?
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I think I’m still waiting for that moment to come, to be honest. I used to really chase it and put so much pressure on myself to reach it, but by doing so I’ve realised it was getting further and further from me.
Biggest regret?
Not taking it slower. I’ve realised that sometimes taking a step back and allowing myself more time to process, reflect, and fully understand a situation can lead to better outcomes.
What is your current big issue?
Honestly the political state of the world right now and the issues related to it scare me a lot, makes me very anxious. I think it’s natural to feel like this about the cultural, social, and political state of the world, especially with the speed at which things are changing and the challenges we face as a community. I feel a lot of uncertainty in the world right now, and it overwhelms me at times.
What is your big idea to save the world?
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I think there should be a cap on the wealth a person can own, something around £2-£5 billion. More than that and it’s dangerous and gives a single individual too much power. Plus, you don’t need it.
Biggest dream?
I just want to have a healthy, long and happy life. I’m working on it.
