Issue #120
Roberto Mancinelli
Il Cre-Attivo
I was born in Castelvenere (BN) 1970 but Milan was my home before coming to the Usa. It was the autumn of 1988 when, sitting in front of the microphone, I flicked a switch and the first record started playing on a Radio Station. It was “Tomorrow People” by Ziggy Marley. After that I was a journalist, an Artistic Director for CGD/Warner, Sony Music and a publisher for Sony Atv.
I have worked in music since I was a teenager. Dj, radio host, journalist, A&R or Publisher. It’s always been a lot of fun. But is it fun to work or it is my work fun? I’m a bit confused and that confusion is the meaning of my life.
New challenges are essential to my life. Living and working in NYC was the goal. I thought it was time to take the risk and jump. I wanted to try to be a New Yorker. And, yes: a hot Pretzel from a street vendor in the early morning was a big attraction too!
On Christmas 2008, I was invited for an Irish coffee on a terrace in Midtown. It was like a movie. I felt a strong energy coming from viewing the city from the top of the building. The lights of the Chrysler Building were like a vision. Now I live in Midtown in a building with a large terrace. Every night I speak with my friend Chrysler and everything he says is goodnight to me…. I’m the luckiest guy, aren’t I?
Music in NYC is everywhere: in the recording studios, in my office, in the hundreds of clubs. But music, the real music is among the people: in the train during the day, mixed with the sound of the city. I could not resist the call, for me NY has become a wonderful necessity… So, I chose a recording studio, my Terrace with a view on my office and the Park and finally a special sidewalk on Chelsea. What else?
ITALIANY is an opportunity for Italians to show that we are more than the stereotypes. It is a window on the reality of a “bella” Italian community in the US.
I am not sure I am an ambassador. But I’m passionate about my work and I deeply respect my roots. I am here to try to create a connection between Italian and American Songwriting. I am fascinated by the ways songwriters with different cultural background work with melodies and lyrics. And I am so excited to witness the ways they come together to collaborate and create something completely new and exciting.
