October 9, 2011

Il Volo interview: 'We're nothing like Il Divo'

Say hello to Gianluca, Piero and Ignazio, who form Italian operatic pop trio Il Volo.

After a hectic 12 months which has seen them release their self-titled debut album around the world, break the Top 10 in the US and perform on American Idol, they've decided the time is ripe to take on the UK charts.

With said LP out later this month, we met up with the teenage stars to find out how they're handling their rise to fame.

You've released your debut album in lots of countries already; are you confident about its chances in the UK?
Piero: "The last place we're releasing the album is in Spain, but we're so excited to get it out here. England is the most beautiful country...after the US! They've been very good to us out there - we've been on American Idol, The Ellen DeGeneres Show and Jay Leno."

Sounds like a hectic year; are you tired out yet?
Gianluca: "No, not at all! We are ready for this."
Ignazio: "We are still only 17 - we have a lot of energy! If we don't do this now, we might lose our chance forever."

Have people confused you with Il Divo yet?
Gianluca: "Yes they have. We are very different, though! They are over 30 for a start."
Piero: "It's the same kind of music, but it's a different kind of project. It's like Justin Bieber - people don't compare him to every male pop artist. It's the same thing."

You perform Nat King Cole's 'Smile' on the album in English. How many languages do you speak?
Piero: "We record songs in so many different languages - we're even releasing a completely Spanish version of this record next."
Gianluca: "For live performances we can sing in German, French and English as well as Italian. We're learning Chinese and American English at the moment, which means it's hard to understand a British accent!"

Were you all fans opera music before you formed the group?
Gianluca: "We all like rock and pop music, but my parents introduced me to opera music from a young age too."
Ignazio: "We are teenagers, so we like music that's current, but I'm also a fan of Andrea Bocelli, Michael Buble and Pavarotti - it's an influence passed down from my grandad."

Would you ever collaborate with a more mainstream pop artist?
Piero: "We'd love to collaborate with Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez and Celine Dion. We love Celine Dion! She is crazy in a good way, but she's so funny. Everyone we've met has been funny, Usher, Justin Timberlake, Pink... Paris Hilton."

You were put together on a talent show in Italy; how do you feel about those who criticize that particular path to fame?
Piero: "We met on the show two years ago, and we'd never met each other before that. I understand that, but in my opinion we're completely different. Like Il Divo or Andrea Bocelli, you could sell our album today or in 30 years' time. This music is completely different."

Have you started thinking about your next album yet?
Gianluca: "Yes we have! After this album we are releasing a Christmas EP, which we're really excited about. We recorded it back in July - it was a bit strange singing 'Jingle Bells' in the middle of summer!"

You're all still teenagers; is singing what you've always wanted to do?
Piero: "We all dreamed to be singers, but never at this age! I would like to have been a piano player or a sports car driver."

What's been the highlight of the last 12 months?
Gianluca: "American Idol was great, but honestly, everything is a highlight - we never expected any of this. After today we're back off to New York, it's incredible!"

Il Volo release their self-titled album on October 31. Their Christmas EP follows later this year. Pre-order the album at: http://zaphod.uk.vvhp.net/v-v/110922141911

Source: digital spy

1 comment:

  1. Il Volo is fantastic - I saw them live at Foxwoods in Connecticut, USA. I met them afterward as well. They are sweet and ever so polite and humble. They are worth every penny spent on their concert tickets!!

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