Umberto Bravo is an independent singer, songwriter and composer from Italy. Based in Naples and Rome but travelling all around the world since the beginning of his career as a vocalist and session musician. He has performed in several prestigious theaters accompanying cover bands and, as a vocalist, performing at international music festivals. 'Sacred Sinner' sounds like a love song, and it ends up being one, but it is about a sexual relationship between me and someone who already has somebody to love.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Kamil) Hey Umberto Bravo, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?
Hello Kamil and thanks for having me! Well, It was a jukebox! In the 80's, my parents used to have one at the cafè/lounge bar they owned. That's where my musical ear has been trained.. I was a kid and it made music become my obsession. And it still is.
What is your creative process like?
It varies a lot. Sometimes it starts with a melody in my head, some others with a catchy word that could be a good song title. Musically, I am used to build a song from scratch on my computer but the hard part comes when I try to recreate the mood that's on the demo with my musicians for all the parts that will be really played. The main goal is to try and understand which kind of balance I have to fulfil to get the right sound between electronic and acoustic elements. As for the lyrics, they usually comes later in the process, but the melody is always there in my mind while I am building the backing track for it. The mood of the instrumental is, of course, influenced by the topic or by the experience that the song will be about.
Your latest song is 'Sacred Sinner'. Can you tell us more about the making of it and if there were any unusual things happening during the process?
The demo for Sacred Sinner is a song idea I had somewhere since a long time ago. There are 3 different versions for it because, while working at it with Luca Bizzi who - apart from being the director of my videos - is also a genius music producer, and we immediately felt that there were too many ways to express in music what the lyrics suggested. And that, I think, is quite unusual to happen when you already know the topic the song is going to explore to be a distinct one. Sacred Sinner sounds like a love ballad, but maybe it's much more than that or not at all. This, I guess, depends on the listener...
What was the most difficult challenge you faced?
In life in general, my insecurity demons. They held me down for so long. They made me think I was 'only' a vocalist and they tried to kill the songwriter and the music producer in me. But I won. I am not saying they are gone for good but I have my fans now to remind me I am on the right track now.
What is the biggest mistake you have made within your career to this point?
There are too many, I guess. If I have to recall one in particular I would say being in search of constant approval, which is a trap for your ambitions and it keeps them from taking off. I think by now I am making up for it quite well anyhow. I am making my own music as an independent artist and I don't really care if it fits the market or what kind of music is around at the moment.
Are there people who help you with the production of the songs?
Of course! You always need someone else at some point for something you cannot do on your own. Luca Bizzi, as mentioned before, is the only one who understands my sound vision. I can't recall how many times we've been sending each other all the changes we were bringing to the song. That's why I ended up choosing to have three different versions for 'Sacred Sinner', but the official one is the one already out.
What are your long term goals?
My intent is to keep on making music that I like and that surprises the listener everytime. To achieve a unique sound. To be original.
What do your fans mean to you? What do you value most in them?
Knowing that there is someone waiting for your next single is a driving force for my need to make music. They are like throwing fuel on fire without even realizing it. Their support will be soon returned with something special for Valentine's day.
What memorable responses have you had to your work?
They way the market welcomed my first single, 'Real', and its video, both completely self produced, is overwhelming. That has been the most memorable response to my work up till now. Though I've been on many stages all over the world as a vocalist, singing other people's songs, I believe by now that being recognized as a singer, songwriter and music producer is a whole 'nother thing!
Where is the best place in the world you’ve ever been to?
New York, for its vibe. For various reasons it is very similar to my birthplace, Naples, in Italy.