The Italian rockers of Måneskin return tonight on the stage of the Eurovision Song Contest, which, thanks to their know-how, takes place in Turin last year. Few acts have been as successful after their victory in recent years as the band, but how did their fairytale begin? We go back five years, to the local version of talent show X Factor†
Although the musicians were only about 18 years old, they already made a deep impression on the jury. Frontman Damiano David’s band was also quite idiosyncratic in 2017, a year after its formation. Contrary to usual, the group did not play a song by another artist at the audition, but their own song.
The band, further consisting of Victoria De Angelis (bass), Thomas Raggi (guitar) and Ethan Torchio (drums), knew with Chosen to convince all four judges. They eventually came second in the final, but did get a recording contract. The audition song became the title track of their first EP, which became a big hit in their own country.
The band also sang their own version of Madcon’s pop song Beggin during the X Factor era:
Revenge
It was the beginning of a triumphal march full of sold-out halls, hits and performances in the biggest TV programs. For Damiano, it was also the ultimate revenge. He often heard from teachers that little would come of him. “I will show off to all the teachers who said I would do nothing in life,” he told Italian media earlier.
The money that the band members earned at that time went to their outfits, among other things. For example, they liked to scour markets. “And there’s my grandfather’s basement, he’s 88 years old and has a lot of cool stuff,” said Damiano, stressing that the public will never see him without an eye pencil.
The band likes the superlative anyway. “Because the public in Italy is tired of the good blue-eyed man who doesn’t swear and doesn’t smoke,” Damiano said. “I think it’s time for the rock star who destroys hotel rooms.”
After the win at the Eurovision Song Contest, the band worked internationally; they recorded a song with icon Iggy Pop, Nikkie de Jager did Damiano’s make-up and Victoria took to the internet with her topless photos. Tonight they sing their new single supermodelfor which they themselves have not rehearsed on site.
Also listen to the AD Songfestival Podcast:
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