ITALIAN DISH OSVALDO SUPINO SERVES US POP AL DENTE
By DJ FR8-O
Photos by Sara Busi & Marco Stella. www.studiolesetoiles.it
Styling by: Giovanni Pio Supino
For centuries. Italy has blessed us with many delicious gifts – tasty lasagna, cutting-edge fashion, Joe Manganiello – all of which have warmed our hearts or our hard drives many times over. Well, Italy has done it again! The big boot’s latest export recently made his Florida debut on the 2016 Miami Beach Gay Pride stage. His name is Osvaldo Supino and he is one of the most talked-about recording artists in Europe. The openly gay singer has been dominating headlines lately with his provocative style, sharp hooks and fearless videos that highlight the ups and downs of gay relationships, both sexually and emotionally.
Throughout his young career, Osvaldo has already worked with big name producers like Charlie Mason (Miley Cyrus, Conchita), Leeyou & Danceey (Lady Gaga, Leona Lewis) and Ferras (Katy Perry, Adam Lambert); resulting in two albums, one EP and seven singles that have snatched spots on the iTunes Top 10. The accolades don’t end at the charts though. His video for “Infinity,” the latest single off his album Behind the Curtain, was recently named Best Music Video at the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival Awards. He’s also the first Italian artist to be nominated for three BT Digital Music Awards in the UK.
When he’s not busy filling his mantle with trophies, he’s one of the most involved Italian celebrities in human rights and LGBT initiatives. He has performed at World Pride in London and was featured in a U.S. campaign against bullying. Now that he’s finally wrapping up his Behind the Curtain world tour, Osvaldo is back in the studio working on his next album. The multi-talented artist (who turns 32 this month) took a time-out from recording to dish with me about fame, his next album, and what it was like to take on the Miami Beach Gay Pride stage for the very first time.
DJ FR8-O: When did you first start singing professionally?
Osvaldo Supino: I started when I was very very young; I think around four or five-years-old. I was singing all the time. My parents were desperate! I just grew up with this big love for music, but everything became serious when I moved to Milan at 18. I left my little hometown with this dream of making music, and I moved to Italy’s biggest city all alone. It’s been a very intense challenge for me, but within a few months I signed with my first producers. Courage always pays.
DJF: Who are your biggest musical influences?
OS: Although I sing in English and my music doesn’t sound typically Italian, I listened to a lot of Italian music at first. Then at 17 years old, I took my first trip to the U.S. and I completely fell in love with American pop: Justin Timberlake, Britney, Madonna, and of course, Michael Jackson. He’s always been my No. 1.
DJF: Were you ever worried that being openly gay would have a negative effect on your career?
OS: Yes, at first I was terrified. Italy is a beautiful country, but we’re a little bit late in terms of gay rights and gay culture, and I was so young. Eventually, after leaving my first producers, I decided to be myself and be transparent with my fans. I will never, ever again do something that is not 100 percent me or act differently. Before trying to become “someone,” you have to learn to respect the public, and being honest with them is the first step.
DJF: What was it like performing at Miami Beach Gay Pride for the first time?
OS: When my manager told me about performing at Miami Beach Gay Pride, I first said “no.” I was very scared. I mean, such an important event with Iggy and Jordin Sparks? I had never performed in Florida and I didn’t know what the audience’s reaction would be. Then my brother said “They believe in you. You have to as well! Believe in yourself!” So I told my manager “Ok. Let’s do it, but on one condition. I have to do this all by myself.” Usually I have six or seven people traveling with me – my dancers, manager and assistant. And so I did it and it has been one of the most significant experiences of my life. I had to prove to myself that I could do it, and I did. I learned a lot about by myself and of course the show was incredible. The energy of the audience was incredible, and all the people who made it happen were so nice to me. Stupendo!
DJF: What was your favorite stop on your “Behind The Curtain” World Tour?
OS: We’ve been in a lot of different cities I’d never seen before, so it’s hard for me to choose. Germany is always very nice to me, Spain too, and Latvia was magical. Probably the show in Cardiff. It was really “Oh my god!” I really did not expect so many people.
DJF: What can you tell us about the album that you’re currently working on?
OS: I think that the new work is a coherent result of all the experiences I’ve had in the past two years. Personally I discovered a lot, and musically I really believe it’s a great project. Music has always been a reflection of what I’ve been through, and so is this album. I really haven’t put any limits on it.
DJF: Who would be your dream artist to work with?
OS: I would love to collaborate with Pharrell one day. He’s a total genius! And of course with the Maestro Morricone. He is Italian excellence, and working with him is my biggest dream.
DJF: What is the best thing about being Osvaldo Supino right now?
OS: Having the chance to grow up exploring so many different places in the world while doing what I love the most. And having a beautiful group of people called “fans” – but that I call “lovers” – that never left me alone. They are one of the most important things for me.
DJF: What advice would you give to a gay person who wants to be a professional recording artist?
OS: I think there are no rules other than to be determined and believe genuinely in what you are doing. I know I’m very lucky at this moment in my life to have the chance to perform on the biggest stages in the world, but my love for what I do does not change based on the results I get. If one day I find myself just performing for my friends in a little restaurant, I will still be happy. It’s the music that I really love and that makes me really happy, not fame.
If you’re a recording artist, producer or musician and would like your work featured in TOP TRAX, hit me up at abarrios@wiremag.com.
This article was originally published in Wire Magazine Issue 34.2016
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