Måneskin got a whole new wave of fans – including one of the world’s biggest A-listers

Read time 4 minutes

Photography by Francis Delacroix.

The Italian band takes the global stage by storm, blending bold music with a powerful message of self-expression.

When Måneskin’s tickets for their 2022 European tour went on sale, even the band didn’t anticipate the frenzy that would follow. Each member placed bets on how long it would take for the dates to sell out. Victoria de Angelis, the bassist, optimistically guessed a week, but within two hours, the entire tour was gone, including Brixton Academy, which sold out in 25 minutes. “We were like, ‘Fuck!’” de Angelis recalls. This whirlwind success has become the norm for the Italian rockers, whose meteoric rise continues to shatter expectations and redefine rock music’s place in modern culture.

Måneskin, which means “moonlight” in Danish, formed in Rome in 2015 when bassist de Angelis, vocalist Damiano David, and guitarist Thomas Raggi met at school. They later recruited drummer Ethan Torchio through a Facebook post, completing the lineup that would later take Europe—and the world—by storm. Starting as street performers, the band honed their craft by busking on the streets of Rome. From these humble beginnings, they quickly gained recognition, eventually finishing as runners-up on Italy’s X Factor in 2017. Their debut album, Il Ballo Della Vita, became a triple-platinum success in Italy, setting the stage for their international breakthrough.

That breakthrough came in 2021 when Måneskin won Italy’s Sanremo contest, earning the right to represent their country at Eurovision. Their track “Zitti e Buoni” wasn’t the typical Eurovision fare—its gritty basslines, wailing guitars, and rebellious lyrics were far removed from the pop-friendly norm. Against the odds, the song clinched the top prize, making Måneskin the first Italian act to win Eurovision in over 30 years and the first rock band to do so in more than a decade. This victory catapulted them onto the global stage, with music fans and critics alike taking notice of their raw energy and unapologetic style.

Photography by Francis Delacroix.

For Måneskin, rock music is more than just a genre—it’s a way of life. Their influences range from classic icons like Led Zeppelin and Fleetwood Mac to modern rockers like Arctic Monkeys and Franz Ferdinand. The band’s sound, characterized by loud guitars, driving basslines, and powerful vocals, pays homage to the greats while carving out its own space in the modern music landscape. “Rock is not just music; it’s also an attitude,” says Torchio. “It’s about expressing yourself without limits.” This ethos drives their creativity, fueling a sound that feels both timeless and refreshingly bold.

Despite their dedication to rock, the band faced considerable resistance early in their career. As guitars fell out of favor with younger audiences, industry executives urged Måneskin to pursue more commercial sounds. “Everyone was telling us not to do it,” David recalls. “But we believed in ourselves and our music, and we kept pushing.” That persistence paid off, especially as the resurgence of guitar-driven music found a new audience on platforms like TikTok. Måneskin’s music became a viral sensation, connecting with millions who were hungry for the energy and authenticity that rock provides.

The band’s 2017 cover of The Four Seasons’ “Beggin’” became a surprise global hit after it went viral on TikTok. With over 10 million uses on the app and weeks at the top of Spotify’s Global Top 50 chart, the song introduced Måneskin to a worldwide audience. Yet the band has mixed feelings about the track’s success. “It’s like the cringey video your parents show at Christmas dinner,” David jokes. While they appreciate the attention, they’re more proud of their original material, which showcases their growth and artistic evolution since their X Factor days.

Måneskin’s rise is a testament to the power of authenticity in an industry often dominated by manufactured acts. Their bold style, which challenges gender norms and embraces self-expression, has made them cultural icons. Collaborations with brands like Gucci further cement their place at the intersection of music and fashion. “We hope we can inspire people to be themselves,” says David. Whether it’s through their music, their style, or their outspoken advocacy, Måneskin aims to empower others to embrace their individuality without fear.

The band has also used their platform to take a stand on important social issues. During a performance in Poland, David and Raggi shared a kiss on stage to protest rising anti-LGBT sentiment in the country. “Love is never wrong,” David declared, earning widespread praise for their courage. This moment, along with their consistently inclusive messaging, has resonated deeply with fans, many of whom credit Måneskin with helping them feel seen and accepted.

Their sophomore album, Teatro D’Ira: Vol I, released in 2021, solidified Måneskin’s status as rock’s new torchbearers. The record is a defiant statement against conformity, with tracks like “I Wanna Be Your Slave” challenging societal expectations and subverting traditional gender roles. The album’s themes of rebellion and self-expression mirror the band’s own journey, making it a rallying cry for a generation eager to break free from the constraints of the past.

“We hope to inspire people to be exactly who they are, without limits or fear,” says de Angelis. “That’s the power of music—it brings people together, no matter where they’re from or who they love.”

Måneskin’s live performances are electric, showcasing the band’s charisma and connection with their audience. Whether playing intimate venues or massive festivals like Global Citizen in Paris, their energy is infectious. “Performing live is where we feel most at home,” says de Angelis. Their shows are a celebration of freedom, individuality, and the unifying power of music—a reflection of the band’s core values.

Over the past year, Måneskin has achieved milestones that many artists only dream of. They became the first Italian band to have two songs simultaneously in the UK Singles Chart Top 10, and their tracks have dominated streaming platforms worldwide. Yet, despite their success, the band remains grounded, attributing their achievements to hard work and the unwavering support of their fans.

Måneskin’s connection with their fans is one of their greatest strengths. Through their music and message, they’ve built a community that celebrates diversity and self-expression. “Our fans are the reason we’re here,” says David. “We want to give back to them by creating music that speaks to their experiences and makes them feel empowered.

Photography by Francis Delacroix.

Looking ahead, Måneskin shows no signs of slowing down. With plans for new music, collaborations, and more tours, they’re ready to take their career to even greater heights. Their journey from busking in Rome to headlining global stages serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through passion and perseverance.

While Måneskin continues to break barriers and challenge expectations, they remain true to their roots. Their music, style, and ethos are a reflection of the band’s collective identity—one that celebrates authenticity, creativity, and the courage to be different. “We’re just four people doing what we love,” says de Angelis. “And we’re so grateful to be able to share that with the world.”

As Måneskin’s star continues to rise, they stand as a beacon for a new generation of artists and fans. Their story is one of resilience, rebellion, and the transformative power of music. In a world that often demands conformity, Måneskin dares to be unapologetically themselves—and in doing so, they’ve become a symbol of hope and inspiration for millions.

Photography by Francis Delacroix.

Beyond their music, Måneskin has also ventured into collaborations that redefine the role of musicians in popular culture. Their recent foray into film soundtracks and partnerships with high-profile fashion houses underscores their versatility and widespread appeal. From walking the runways of Milan Fashion Week to contributing to the scores of blockbuster movies, the band is proving that their artistry transcends the confines of rock and roll. “We want to explore everything,” says Raggi. “The more creative outlets we have, the more alive we feel.”

As ambassadors for a modern, inclusive Italy, Måneskin’s influence reaches far beyond music charts. Their willingness to embrace their heritage while pushing boundaries has made them cultural trailblazers. Whether they’re singing in Italian or English, their authenticity resonates universally. “We’re proud of where we come from,” says Torchio. “But we want to show that Italian artists can compete on the global stage without losing their identity.”

The future for Måneskin is as boundless as their creativity. They aim to leave a legacy that goes beyond platinum records and sold-out tours—a legacy rooted in the courage to challenge conventions and inspire change. For Måneskin, it’s not just about being rock stars; it’s about being storytellers, innovators, and advocates for a more open and accepting world. “We don’t know where the journey will take us,” says David. “But as long as we stay true to ourselves and our fans, we know it’s going to be incredible.”

Text by
Kelly Barnes

Photography by
Francis Delacroix

Posted
October 25, 2021

Text by
Kelly Barnes

Photography by
Francis Delacroix

August 9, 2018

When tickets to Måneskin’s 2022 European tour went on sale, the members of the band placed bets on how long it would take to sell out the dates. “I was like, ‘OK, maybe one week.’ And (everyone) was like, ‘One week! That’s too little time! We need more time!’” says bassist Victoria de Angelis. “And after two hours, we saw our phones. We were like, ‘Fuck!’” The entire tour had sold out, with the Brixton Academy date selling out in 25 minutes. For Måneskin, it’s just another surprising achievement in what seems to be a neverending string of career wins. On a Zoom call with Dazed, the band members – De Angelis (21), vocalist Damiano David (22), guitarist Thomas Raggi (20), and drummer Ethan Torchio (21) – all sit on a couch, filling in the blanks in each other’s sentences and laughing loudly when one of them cracks a joke, a frequent occurrence.

Måneskin, meaning ‘moonlight’ in Danish (De Angelis is half-Danish), formed in Rome in 2015. David, De Angelis, and Raggi went to school together in Rome and found Torchio through Facebook. Having started out busking in the city’s streets, the group came second on Italy’s version of The X Factor in 2017, releasing their debut album Il Ballo Della Vita (The Dance of Life), a triple-platinum seller in Italy, the following year.

Photography by Francis Delacroix.

In March of this year, the band won Italy’s Sanremo contest, which meant they would go on to compete in Eurovision. Their song, “Zitti e Buoni”, with its blaring bass and wailing guitars, may have seemed an unlikely contender for the pop-friendly competition, but ended up taking home the top prize – making Måneskin the first Italian act to win the contest since 1990, and the first rock act since 2006. Måneskin are dedicated to making rock music, favouring loud, gritty guitar, bass, and sprawling riffs, evoking the glam and classic-rock styles of decades past. Their influences include a mix of older and modern bands, including Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, Nirvana, Franz Ferdinand, Arctic Monkeys, the Sex Pistols, and Slaves. David says that he and his bandmates were drawn to the genre’s “energy and the fact that it allows you to express yourself in many, many different ways”. “It’s not just a kind of music, it’s also an attitude,” says Torchio.

However, Måneskin were discouraged from making rock music throughout their career, as guitars fell out of favour with younger listeners. “We feel like we made everything by ourselves and I think that makes it even sweeter,” says David. “We had to fight a lot for what we believed in because everyone was telling us not to do it. But in the end, we did it and we did it to the top.” Following their Eurovision victory, the band started to take off on TikTok, despite not being on the app themselves. The tag #maneskin now has more than four billion views. “I think that the cool part of TikTok is that any song can go viral, even after years,” says De Angelis, pointing to Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” as an example.

Photography by Francis Delacroix.

Måneskin experienced that first-hand when their 2017 cover of The Four Seasons’ “Beggin’” blew up on the app this summer. The song has been used more than ten million times on TikTok, and claimed the top spot on Spotify’s Global Top 50 chart for four weeks. The band members, who recorded the cover as teenagers during their X Factor run, have mixed feelings about the song’s success. “Of course we were really, really happy (with) what was going on but when we look at the picture on that song, and we hear the mix, we just think that many, many things could have been done better,” says David. “We were very (young) when we made it,” says De Angelis. “(Whereas now) we have other songs we wrote ourselves which we think were done better.” “And other clothes!” adds David. Thankfully for the band, “Beggin’” – which David compares to “the cringey video that your parents show at Christmas dinner… but it’s global” – wasn’t the only song of theirs to perform well. Måneskin became the first Italian band to have two songs – “Beggin’” and “I Wanna Be Your Slave” – in the Top 10 of the UK Singles Chart simultaneously, with the songs peaking at six and five, respectively. Over the past year, charts and radio are proving more amenable to guitar-driven music and rock has surged in popularity, as pop artists like Miley Cyrus, Willow, and Olivia Rodrigo turn to the genre, with Måneskin becoming the leaders of rock’s resurgence.

“Growing up in Italy, which can be a very narrow-minded and conservative country, we experienced a lot (of discrimination), especially in the music industry, with the way we look and everything” – De Angelis It’s not a position the band take lightly. “We feel like we have the power and a huge number of people listening to us,” says David. “So we feel like we can do something meaningful and useful.” Måneskin are committed to using their platform to share their message of self-expression and to empower those who face discrimination. Says De Angelis: “Growing up in Italy, which can be a very narrow-minded and conservative country, we experienced a lot (of discrimination), especially in the music industry, with the way we look and everything. And so it’s just a thing that is part of us and that we feel we can speak about.”

Photography by Francis Delacroix.

Their latest album, Teatro D’Ira: Vol I, released in March, has a running thread of refusing to conform, with recent single “I Wanna Be Your Slave” subverting gender roles. But these messages also come through in the band’s glam style, which landed them a starring role in a recent campaign for Gucci. “We hope we can inspire people to dress as they want and to behave as they want in everyday life,” says David. The members of Måneskin proudly challenge gender norms and encourage others to express their sexuality, taking a stand against homophobia. In June, David and Raggi shared a kiss on stage at the end of a performance in Poland, amid rising anti-LGBT sentiment in the country. “We think that everyone should be allowed to do this without any fear,” said David during the performance. “We think that everyone should be completely free to be whoever the fuck you want… Love is never wrong.” It’s a message which has helped them connect with fans around the world, according to De Angelis: “A lot of people tell us very meaningful things and that we are helping them in many ways and this is unbelievably precious for us.”

Photography by Francis Delacroix.

At the same time, there are many who don’t understand what Måneskin are trying to do, and act “like we were doing something that was too much, too weird, too freak,” says David. But the frontman points out that Måneskin aren’t the kind of band to let reactions like that faze them, instead using them as fuel for their latest track, “Mammamia”. “It’s about doing something great (which) people don’t want to understand and just (make) judgments and bad comments. But in a very funny way, of course. We made fun of haters, basically.” The brash song, with tongue-in-cheek lyrics like, “They ask me why I’m so hot / ’Cos I’m Italiano,” was written soon after the band won Eurovision, and came together quickly. “From the first time, we were like, ‘Mamma mia, this is a good song!’” says Torchio. It’s been a whirlwind year for the band, with their summer filled with festival performances including Global Citizen in Paris – a far cry from the streets of Rome they played as teenagers. When asked about what advice they’d give to their younger selves, De Angelis says, “Nothing. Do exactly what you did. But make a better picture for ‘Beggin’.”

Måneskin’s 2022 European tour kicks off February 6, 2022

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Echoes of Excellence: Pyer Moss Collection 3 Strikes a Bold Note in Tribute to Rock ‘N’ Roll Heritage

Read time 5 minutes

Text by
Kyrie Carlo

Photography by
Balint Alovits

Posted
June 4, 2022

Pyer Moss Collection 3, "Sister," Delves Deep into the Untold Black History of Rock 'N' Roll, Offering Reverence and Recognition to Its Pioneers.

In the electrifying conclusion to the “American, Also” series, titled “Sister,” the spotlight turns to the incomparable Sister Rosetta Tharpe, whose groundbreaking contributions to music paved the way for generations to come. Revered as the black woman who invented Rock ‘N’ Roll, Tharpe’s legacy is honored through a collection of artwork by recently exonerated artist Richard Philips. This final runway event takes place at the iconic Kings Theatre, a legendary concert hall nestled in the heart of Flatbush, Brooklyn, paying homage to the roots of designer Kerby Jean-Raymond.

Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s influence on the music industry transcends time and genre. From her soul-stirring vocals to her unparalleled guitar skills, Tharpe challenged conventions and defied expectations, carving out a space for herself in a predominantly male-dominated industry. Through her pioneering spirit and fearless creativity, Tharpe blazed a trail for countless artists, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music.

For “American, Also; Lesson 3: Sister,” designer Kerby Jean-Raymond draws inspiration from Tharpe’s boldness and authenticity, infusing each piece with elements of her dynamic persona. The collection pays homage to Tharpe’s fearless style and unapologetic attitude, celebrating her resilience and unwavering commitment to her craft.

Richard Philips, a recently exonerated artist, lends his artistic vision to the collection, capturing the essence of Tharpe’s spirit through his evocative artwork. His pieces serve as a visual tribute to Tharpe’s enduring legacy, offering viewers a glimpse into the soul of a true trailblazer.

The choice of Kings Theatre as the venue for this momentous event holds special significance for Kerby Jean-Raymond, whose roots in Flatbush run deep. As a native son of Brooklyn, Jean-Raymond pays homage to his hometown and its rich cultural heritage, while also honoring Tharpe’s connection to the vibrant music scene of the city.

In bringing together the artistry of Richard Philips, the bold designs of Kerby Jean-Raymond, and the legendary legacy of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, “American, Also; Lesson 3: Sister” becomes more than just a fashion show—it becomes a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the enduring power of music to unite and inspire. As the lights dim and the music fills the air, audiences are transported on a journey through time, guided by the spirit of a true pioneer.

Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s remarkable journey began in the heart of the Jim Crow era, where she faced countless obstacles and discrimination as a black woman in the music industry. Despite the challenges, Tharpe remained steadfast in her pursuit of greatness, using her voice and her guitar to break down barriers and defy stereotypes. Her innovative blend of gospel, blues, and rock paved the way for future generations of artists, earning her a rightful place in the pantheon of music legends.

“In Pyer Moss Collection 3, ‘Sister,’ we pay homage to the unsung heroes of Rock ‘N’ Roll, shining a light on their invaluable contributions and ensuring their legacy is remembered and celebrated.”

As the “American, Also; Lesson 3: Sister” collection comes to life on the runway, viewers are treated to a visual and auditory feast that transcends the boundaries of fashion and art. Each garment becomes a canvas for Richard Philips’ evocative artwork, seamlessly integrated into Kerby Jean-Raymond’s bold designs. The fusion of art and music creates a multi-sensory experience that pays homage to Tharpe’s eclectic style and larger-than-life persona.

At its core, “American, Also; Lesson 3: Sister” is a celebration of diversity and inclusion, reflecting Tharpe’s belief in the power of music to bring people together across racial and cultural divides. Through his designs, Jean-Raymond amplifies Tharpe’s message of unity and acceptance, challenging industry norms and championing diversity on the runway. The collection serves as a reminder that music and fashion have the power to inspire change and foster connections that transcend borders and barriers.

Kings Theatre, with its storied history and grandeur, serves as the perfect backdrop for this momentous occasion. As the lights illuminate the stage and the first notes of Tharpe’s iconic songs fill the air, the audience is transported back in time to an era of raw emotion and unbridled passion. The theater’s rich legacy as a hub for live music and performance adds an extra layer of authenticity to the event, reinforcing Brooklyn’s status as a cultural epicenter.

As “American, Also; Lesson 3: Sister” unfolds before their eyes, young aspiring artists and musicians in the audience are inspired by Tharpe’s fearless spirit and unwavering determination. Through her music and her legacy, Tharpe continues to serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations, reminding them to dream big and never give up on their passions.

As the final curtain falls on “American, Also; Lesson 3: Sister,” the audience is left with a sense of awe and reverence for the incredible legacy of Sister Rosetta Tharpe. But the show is more than just a tribute—it’s a call to action to continue Tharpe’s fight for equality, justice, and artistic freedom. As they exit the theater, viewers are encouraged to carry Tharpe’s message forward and use their own talents and voices to create positive change in the world.

As the echoes of Tharpe’s music fade into the night, her legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of all who were fortunate enough to witness “American, Also; Lesson 3: Sister.” Through the power of art, music, and fashion, Tharpe’s indomitable spirit continues to inspire and uplift, reminding us of the transformative power of creativity and the enduring impact of one woman’s extraordinary journey.