Ainé - Generation soul

We meet Arnaldo Santoro, known as Ainé, fresh off his second album with a major label deal and appearances in high-profile projects (the latest being a duet on Giorgia's cover album). Santoro is a young musician, and he's finally ready to have his say with all the means necessary. Backed by an excellent range of studies and experiences, the Roman talent has certainly not let such an opportunity go to waste, giving life to an album rich in vintage soul references and supremely smooth sounds, seizing the moment to fully realize his ambition. The young musician reveals to us, without excessive preamble, the making of this important work and everything that shapes his varied musical world.

How did "Ormai" come about? And what were the places, the spaces, in which you gave birth to this new album of yours?

The album came out of research that lasted about a couple of years. It was written in Italy and during my travels on tour with the band. What gave life to the album was listening to a huge number of musical genres, all different from each other, and works distant in time but fundamental, like Nero a metà by Pino Daniele, and then I listened to a lot of Lucio Battisti. It's a work also born from the desire to create this kind of sound. There are soul, pop, rock sounds - it's a very accessible record.

How much, and in what way, do you feel you've changed compared to your first album? What were the changes that influenced you the most?

It all happened very naturally, I'd say clearly. I change often. I change along with what I'm listening to, with what happens to me over time. I'm someone who likes to change and always keep up with the times. I believe change is normal and positive. Mine is, more than anything, a continuous evolution.

Imagine running into a childhood friend you haven't seen in a long time, who doesn't know you're a musician. Which of your songs would you play them to introduce them to your music?

I'd have him listen to "Niente di me", because I think it's a track that represents me a lot, both in terms of sound and mood. Now, if this friend of mine weren't a musician, it would be the perfect track for an untrained ear. But if he were a connoisseur, I'd play him a lot of other things. So, it really depends on the kind of friend.

The album features two big names from the Italian independent scene, like Willie Peyote on “Parlo piano” and Mecna on “Mostri”. What was it like working with them?

There's a genuine personal bond between us, we're all friends. We come from the same roots (we're all from Foggia), so it was a really natural collaboration.

Which Italian soul/r&b artist do you think is worth following?

I really like Ghemon, but I also follow the more "indie" scene a lot, especially Willie Peyote, Calcutta and Franco 126.

You're also a jazz lover - how did that passion come about, is there something in particular that connects you to this genre?

Music was always very present in my family, so of course I listened to jazz, but I also love hip-hop and plenty more. I love music across the board. That said, there are also jazz things I'm not that into. My early studies were obviously in classical music, moving on to jazz and of course the blues. I love all the greats: Evans, Davis, Parker, Armstrong. But I also listen to Queen and Prince. In short, I range around a lot. I've listened to a huge amount of music of every kind in my life.

What are you listening to lately, and who are your musical guiding lights?

I have quite a few, but the one who changed me more than anyone else was without a doubt Michael Jackson.

How are you preparing for the tour, and what should we expect?

I'll be bringing the whole band on stage with me, it'll be a longer show than the previous ones and also more structured, there will be dedicated led screens, a dedicated production team, costume changes - in short, a lot that's new.

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