Following the release of a string of impressive lockdown pop singles, we caught an interview with artist and songwriter Steve Marinangeli, to talk all things creativity, song-writing, inspiration, and plans for the future. Here’s how it went.
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Hi Steve – thanks for the interview! For those who don’t know, where are you based, and how long have you been making music?
It’s a pleasure, thanks for having me. I am based in Luxembourg, in a city called Esch-sur-Alzette. I was born and raised in this city and still live there until today. I’m not really long into making music, I only started writing songs in April 2020.
You often bring together organic instrumentation – stylish guitar work – with electronic rhythms and pop-inspired song-writing. What would you say were the first songs or artists / bands to inspire you in your younger years?
The first band ever that inspired me was an Irish boyband called Westlife. I listened to them since I was very very young. Their music plays a really big part in my life and it got me through so many things over the years. Until today, they are my biggest inspiration.
I also got inspired by One Republic, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Bruno Mars and many other pop stars. Since I am a songwriter, I also have a few songwriters I look up to like Ryan Tedder, Steve Mac, John Shanks, Max Martin and Wayne Hector for example. I also love other genres like Rock, Rap, RnB, but those artists and genres weren’t really an inspiration until now for my own music. Maybe in the future.
Given the eclecticism on your tracks, musically speaking, what instruments do you generally play – and which is your go-to when writing?
I sadly can’t play any instrument very good. I had guitar lessons when I was younger but I stopped. Now I’m trying again to play the guitar and the piano. One of my fav instruments is the drum and hopefully, I will have my own drum set at home and just enjoy playing it.
Are you professionally trained, or self-taught?
At the moment, I’m self-taught and trying to teach myself with the help of videos. I would love to get professionally trained, because I think that you could make a faster progress. Unfortunately, I don’t have the time at the moment for this.
What can you tell us about the song It’s You?
The song It’s You is a modern, up-tempo pop song which gives you some dance vibes. Technically, it’s a love song, but a song that can put you in a good mood and make you want to dance.
I actually wrote this song in a day. The lyrics are certainly a part of the song that some listeners could identify with.
There’s a lot of intimacy and relationship warmth in your music. Are you naturally drawn to love songs, or is this simply reflective or where you are in your life lately?
Generally, I like love songs or ballads. A lot of artists I look up to and inspire me have a lot of love songs, so it’s certainly an inspiration and something that shows in my own written songs.
Does your creativity manifest itself in any other ways than music?
Until now, not really, but I hope I will find other ways to show my creativity. It was a bit random how I discovered my creativity for writing songs, because we had the lockdown, and I was looking for things to do so I wouldn’t get bored being at home nearly all day. So that‘s also how I discovered that I can write song lyrics.
Has 2020 proved challenging for you in terms of the live scene and building your presence as an artist, or have you taken the time to work on other areas of your music?
2020 wasn’t really challenging in a music or songwriter point of view, because I just started and every beginning will be hard, so I don’t really put myself under pressure. 2020 was challenging in other ways for me as for everyone else too. Lockdown also gave me the chance to try and play the guitar and piano again.
What would be your dream venue or event to perform at?
Well, since I’m not the singer of my own songs, I don’t really know if I will ever perform at any stage or venue. I’ve done some backing vocals on some of my songs, but I’m not really a good singer at all. I would love to take vocal lessons and maybe in a few years perform my own songs live in front of a crowd. If I would be successful, there are some venues I would dream of playing like for example the Madison Square Garden, the Royal Albert Hall in London (UK) or even play in any stadium, but this will only remain a dream I think.
If you could sit down and chat with anyone at all, past or present, who would you choose – and what would you ask them about?
That‘s a really good question. From the past, I would love to sit down with Michael Jackson! I’m not sure if I would be able to ask him anything because I would probably be so star-struck that I couldn’t even talk. I would loved to know where his inspiration for his songs he wrote came from. From present, I would love to meet Westlife for sure but also talk to Bruno Mars. I would love to ask Bruno Mars if he could teach me how to dance, haha.
What’s next for you, what does 2021 have in store?
I’m currently working with producers and singers on an album which will get released 2021. I can’t really say when it will be out, but I hope it will be done around April, May 2021.
Is there anything else we should know?
Yes, you should know that like I said earlier, I’m not the singer of my own songs yet, maybe in the future. I’m very grateful for every one who listens to my songs and can identify with them. Thank you so much for your support!
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Check out Steve Marinangeli on Facebook & Instagram.
