Matteo Bocelli’s voice embraces ease and elegance. Audiences adore him. Applauses greet him. He is only 24 but his vocal range defies age, perhaps it is the influence of his father, the legendary Italian operatic tenor Andrea Bocelli. Matteo is preparing to visit India, working on an album, and is constantly being seen with the who’s who of the music world. He can switch between Caruso and a brilliant pop song like Solo effortlessly. Here’s more from the man who’s constantly changing gears between pop superhighway and a more classical path.
Your father made his debut in India only five-six years ago, conducted by his very dear friend Zubin Mehta. What’s bringing you to India? What is it about India you love most?
Well, this is my first trip to India so I’m excited to explore this part of the world. Certainly being Italian I’m curious to try the real Indian cuisine. I’m hopeful I’ll have some free time to see the sites of Mumbai, the Gateway of India. I’d love to watch some cricket too.
What comes to mind when India gets discussed?
Rich, vivid colour and warmth spring to mind. Warmth of spirit.
Balancing classical and pop music awakens critics in both worlds. How do you tackle unwanted criticism?
Classical crossover isn’t new and these days it’s a pretty recognised subgenre, but everyone is always going to have an opinion. Whatever you do, there will always be someone that doesn’t like it, so it’s best to focus on making the work that feels true to you.
Andrea Bocelli has been one of the greatest opera singers of our generation. What has your father taught you about life first and then music?
My father taught me discipline and the importance of a good work ethic. If you want something it’s not going to fall in your lap. Apply yourself to your music practice. Apply yourself to your personal relationships. You can’t expect great outcomes if you don’t give things your time. As a kid I watched him work hard so that we had a good life, and so that I would have choices about what to do with my life. That was a really important lesson to learn first-hand.
Matteo Bocelli with his father, the legendary Italian operatic tenor Andrea Bocelli
You explore opera as much as ballads. Opera is full of romance and the tragedy that comes with romance. What has opera taught you about love?
Wow, that is a big question!
Most operas about love don’t end well. In opera we often see love being met with jealousy and betrayal. While I enjoy opera as an art form I’m not sure I’d want to draw too many lessons from the themes, or I might end up quite disillusioned with life.
When you perform something like Caruso, I can’t help but recall your father singing it too. Both of you appear emotional. Do you ever get emotional while performing?
I can. It depends what else is going on at the time, the particular setting. When I first played Madison Square Garden with my father, it was a huge thing for me. I’d watched him play there so many times and now I was on the stage with him. It was hard not to feel emotional that night.
Expanding on the question, how do you relate to venues? Some of these have been venues for your father and you have sat in the audience once upon a time...
It’s been incredible to perform on stages where I once stood in the wings and watched. Sometimes I can’t believe it’s real. I’m extremely lucky to have these opportunities.
Classical music audiences in Europe are very enthusiastic, more enthusiastic than people in the US. How does your music inspire different reactions in the US and Europe, or for that matter, in other parts of the world?
To be honest, both European and American audiences have given us a lot of warmth and emotion. I don’t see a lot of difference between the two. I’m extremely lucky with my global fans and look forward to getting to know my fans here in India too.
What is the inspiration for your songs? Can you talk about your songwriting?
Most of my songs start with me in the studio, messing about on the piano or an acoustic guitar. I really enjoy a writer’s room setting — having a few collaborators to bounce ideas and parts of melodies around. I’m classically trained, so I really like what pop songwriters and producers can bring to a session — we all bring something different to the table. Inspiration can come from anywhere — something happening in my life at the moment, something another songwriter mentions in the session. Then we unpack the themes and see what comes out. Sometimes you know you’ve got something good from the start. Other times you have to let it percolate.
You and your father obviously love music. But is there anything on which you and your father have a difference of opinion on?
Yes, horse riding! I’m not into horses or horse riding at all but my dad loves it. He’s been trying to get me to ride with him for years, but I’m only interested in the horsepower you get from engines. Cars are my thing.
The biggest challenge of being a member of Andrea Bocelli’s family...
Getting some peace and quiet!
What’s next in way of music for you?
I’m finishing up my debut album and I have a couple more singles in the pipeline too, so stay tuned.
More about Matteo Bocelli
Who’s that man?
Matteo Bocelli, 24
Performed at: Madison Square Garden, the Hollywood Bowl, the O2 in London. TV shows like The Kelly Clarkson Show, Good Morning America, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Dancing with the Stars.
Seen at: A few months ago, he joined his father Andrea Bocelli, Camilla Cabello, the Jonas Brothers, Norah Jones, Eric Church, Pentatonix, and others for the In Performance at the White House: Spirit Of The Season special.
Andrea Bocelli on his son: “I think that, in music, Matteo has that special something that you cannot learn, which is talent. But his determination, hard work and spirit of sacrifice will be just as important. He will develop his skills and attitudes in his own time and refine his artistic abilities.”
Matteo’s recordings: Close, Dimmi, Fall On Me
