Francesco Motta, take off the mask

This article was published in issue 39 of Vanity Fair of 2019

There are those who have defined it in recent years «indie par excellence»even though he has always struggled with definitions. Francesco Motta (or just Motta)singer-songwriter, arrives at Sanremo in 2019 with Where is Italy. Then, in the last few weeks she becomes the protagonist of the gossip columns for a fairytale wedding with the actress Carolina Crescentini. We met him in a bar on the seafront in Livorno, a city that is a point of return for him. He was born in Pisa from parents from Livorno 32 years ago, of which the last three were full of concerts and awards. Homemade cigarettes (lots of them) and slow speech, “because words have weight.” Twice Tenco Award: in 2016 as the first work for the album The end of the twentiesin 2018 as Best Album for Live or die. Closes on September 28th Between those who win and those who lose tours: at the Auditorium Parco della Musica in Rome he will talk about his last years of career. Then he will take a break: «I would like to dedicate myself to teaching in a music high school. My soundtrack for the film will also be released soon Bed number 6Milena Cocozza’s debut film produced by Manetti Bros. A new album, only when I’m ready”. Before, perhaps, a honeymoon.

When did you decide to get married?
«There was a very strong bond right from the start. I asked her to marry me at least ten times then, a year ago, I took her to the place where we met and I got down on my knees handing her the ring. The first answer was not a “Yes”, but a “So you are really crazy”.

A private civil ceremony in Tuscany. How was the party?
«A big party in the countryside. It was celebrated by two of our very dear friends, quite moving. The next day we spent with the guests who remained there with us, laughing about everything that had happened during the night.”

Has something changed?
«We feel even more united than before. Now we are pushing on work, then we will think about a honeymoon.”

The Rome Auditorium awaits you on September 28th.
«For my music, between rock and songwriting, it is the ideal place: it has perfect acoustics. I will live it by letting myself go.”

She often sends messages during concerts.
«Being on stage is a great responsibility and I don’t give up on the idea of ​​saying, for example, that homophobia is dangerous. Unfortunately, in 2019 it is not so obvious.”

Let’s talk about his beginnings.
«I had a more aggressive approach, I played punk. In adolescence you invent monsters to defeat, then you realize they never existed. After leaving the Criminal Jokers, I lived alone for five years.”

Then, the first solo album, The end of the twenties.
«He had a good response immediately. In 2017, however, I found myself in a personal and musical limbo: I had ended a relationship and immediately went to live with Carolina. I spent a short time alone. Music helped me get in touch with loneliness. In Live or die these reflections of mine are perceptible.”

Some might think she’s not “rock”, but she often mentions her parents.
«They were significant for my music. I had a difficult time with my mother during high school because I didn’t study. One day she came to one of my concerts and she said to me: “This is your life”. At the beginning she also supported me financially.”

His father?
“The song My father was a communist it says a lot. He is someone who believes in it: he hopes for the return of people like Berlinguer. To communicate with him, music helped me. In my texts I told him things that I would never have had the balls to confess to him at a table. In friendships or relationships, however, it’s simpler: I don’t keep anything inside.”

Guy?
«I’m touchy. Many of my friends regularly send me to hell. On Instagram they make fun of me because I never smile in photos.”

Would you be a judge on a talent show?
«A year ago I auditioned for X Factor. I was curious, but I don’t agree with those who go on TV as a competitor to make music. I’ve been playing for years, I’ve unloaded vans, eaten in truck stops. One must be prepared for success.”

Have you always had clear ideas about feelings too?
«I’m one for lasting stories. At 20 I got engaged to a Dutch girl. Then I had another long relationship, of which I have fond memories. Finally Carolina arrived: she is something that has never happened to me.”

Guy?
«Let’s be a team. She listens to my songs, I support her when she tests the scripts. I get pissed off when she makes me play two characters: better just one but it’s important.”

Jealous?
“I do, she pretends not.”

A son?
“I feel more ready than before.”

Dreams?
«Playing Frank-N-Furter, the protagonist of the Rocky Horror Picture Show».

PHOTO CLAUDIA PAJEWSKI