"Music has always brought along the influences of all people and their own deepest roots. It’s part of their identity. I like to think of music as a simple well-being for the listener. Or even as a sound rebellion. Without burdening it with roles and rules that differs from its own nature."

Daniele Perrino: Soot Songs of Freedom

Born in Vicenza, Italy in 1983, Daniele Perrino's musical journey spans various collaborations and projects. In 2011, he contributed as a lyricist and composer to Mario Biondi's album ‘Due’ featuring in the duet ‘Lullaby’ and joining Biondi's 2012 tour across esteemed Italian theaters. Transitioning to alternative rock, Perrino joined the band ‘Virgo’ in 2013-14, releasing two albums and earning recognition like the ‘Marte Live 2014’ award at M.E.I. in Faenza. In 2015, he formed the duo ‘Ground Poppy Honey Milk’. Their debut album ‘Nowhere Now Here’ (2016) led them to New York's Clubhouse Studio for production by Yaron Fuchs, with contributions from notable musicians like drummer Nir Z, sound engineer Neil Dorfsman and mastering by Emily Lazar. In 2018, Perrino co-founded ‘Biopsy O Boutique’ releasing two EPs. In 2020, he embarked on his solo venture ‘The Soot Songs’ where he solely crafted, composed, and performed. Perrino's versatile career showcases his prowess across genres, from soulful ballads to gritty blues.

(Photo: Daniele Perrino)

Daniele Perrino new album, ‘The Soot Songs’ (2024), is a new chapter with different blues, nu soul and noir jazz flavors, is published by Blue Mama Records, distributed by The Orchard / Sony. The Soot Songs’ is a blues-infused musical work, solely crafted, composed, and performed by Daniele Perrino, imbued with noir atmospheres. Summoning the melancholic tones of Leonard Cohen and the narrative ambiguity of Tom Waits, it draws the listener into a dark and captivating world. Its haunting melodies and evocative lyrics paint images of deserted streets, smoky bars, and Bukowskian tales of damnation. With a unique blend of nostalgia and disillusionment, ‘The Soot Songs’ captures the essence of the human experience in all its complexity and rawness.

Interview by Michael Limnios               Special Thanks:  Lorenz Zadro (A-Z Press)

How has the music influenced your views of the world? Is there a message you are trying to convey with your songs/music?

Music has a sensitive filter. I’m always ready to absorb. But I think that it should be inversely told, in other words I wouldn’t be able to write anything without a general view of life. Music is a consequence of your way of living and of your moods. I don’t think that my purpose is to diffuse a message. But just to make people understand my feelings.

How do you describe your music philosophy and songbook? Where does your creative drive come from?

In my songs I aim to mainly reach intensity, expressivity and atmosphere trying to encircle and project the listener. As I said before I’m inspired by everyday life, by a simple walk, by a title, by a conversation. Music starts from the outside.

Why do you think that Leonard Cohen and Tom Waits music continues to generate such a devoted following? What touched (emotionally) you from Bukowski words and life?

Their music is extremely real. You can feel a complete immersion and devotion. Same thing for Bukowski. No calculations. No strategy. All senses are directed and set towards the most absolute truth and the most genuine coherence.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

The most important thing is to act with sincerity and transparency, leaving a trace of your daily journey. Writing in an honest way and behaving consequently. In all life aspects.

"In my songs I aim to mainly reach intensity, expressivity and atmosphere trying to encircle and project the listener. As I said before I’m inspired by everyday life, by a simple walk, by a title, by a conversation. Music starts from the outside." (Photo: Daniele Perrino)

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

I believe that the approach, intention and reason to make music have changed. The soul is a secondary factor. Now the main aspects are a self-built attitude, fashion and oddity. Everything seems overtone. But there will always be someone to preserve the purest part of writing a song. And also someone who will make it more mechanical.

What moment changed your life the most? What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far?

A particular event of my life made me understand a limit I’ve never reached but that I’m grateful to have lived. Apart from that I’m a very simple person. The starting points of my days are living with love, without regrets and leaving pleasant memories among the people around me. In music I’ve shared many episodes with many artists. Every creation and collaboration is peculiar and memorable.

What is the impact of music on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?

Music has always brought along the influences of all people and their own deepest roots. It’s part of their identity. I like to think of music as a simple well-being for the listener. Or even as a sound rebellion. Without burdening it with roles and rules that differs from its own nature.

Life is more than just music, is there any other field that has influence on your life and music?

I wouldn’t talk about fields but just points of reference. Starting from my blood origins. Those are the bases from which I start to do and think about everything.

Daniele Perrino - Home

(Photo: Daniele Perrino)