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Negramaro
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Negramaro is an Italian rock[1] band formed in 1999 and successful since 2005. Their name stems from Negroamaro, a wine produced in their native district of Salento in Apulia.
Key Information
After years spent in the Italian alternative market, they became more widely known in 2005 thanks to their participation in the Sanremo Music Festival 2005 with the song "Mentre tutto scorre". The band published nine studio albums, reaching four time the number one on the Italian Albums Chart, and several successful singles and collaborations, including "Estate", "Nuvole e lenzuola", "Parlami d'amore", "Meraviglioso", "Basta così" and "Diamanti".
Throughout their career they composed two soundtracks albums for the films La febbre directed by Alessandro D'Alatri and Angel of Evil directed by Michele Placido, winning three Nastri d'Argento and being nominated at the David di Donatello. Tha band also won a MTV Europe Music Awards and two Premi Lunezia for songwriting.
Biography
[edit]Debut and Negramaro
[edit]Negramaro formed in 1999 in Copertino, near Lecce. In the beginning, helped by live performances, they received good reviews. That improved when they met producer Caterina Caselli, who taught them how to record music.
In 2001 they won the Tim Tour and ended as finalists at the MTV Brand New Talent.
Their first album, Negramaro, was released in 2003. The sound of the album was too alternative for the Italian public, so it did not have much success.[citation needed] Two singles were released. They were minor hits: "Mono" and "Solo".
The 000577 Project
[edit]In 2004, Negramaro met Italian producer Corrado Rustici to work on a few songs. The collaboration between them spawned a brand new track, "Scusa Se Non Piango", and three remixes of previous songs: "Es-Senza", "Evidentemente" and "Come Sempre". The four tracks were added to the other songs from their first album to create 000577, a new edition of their debut work.
This new edition gave the band a more pop-rock feeling, which was more suitable for the Italian public. The 2004 version of "Come Sempre" was released as a single with better success of the previous ones, and was even chosen as the soundtrack to celebrate the 50th birthday of the Italian TV network RAI.
Mentre Tutto Scorre: Commercial success
[edit]
Negramaro performed the song "Mentre Tutto Scorre" at the Sanremo Music Festival 2005, but were eliminated at the first turn. The song was the first single released from their eponymous second album.
After the festival, eight of their songs were chosen as the soundtrack of the Italian film La Febbre, starring Fabio Volo.
This helped the band to launch their success: despite the Sanremo disappointment, the single "Mentre Tutto Scorre" was a success. The second single, "Estate", was even more successful, giving the band their first No. 1 in the Italian airplay chart. "Solo3min" and "Nuvole e Lenzuola" followed the success of the first two singles.
Thanks to hit singles, good performances and critics, their album Mentre Tutto Scorre gained a lot of success, being certified 6× platinum in Italy.
This album was different from the first one: it was entirely produced by Corrado Rustici, and took the band in a pop rock direction rather than their classic alternative style. Their change gave them success through radio, music marketing and fans.
The album was accompanied by a tour later released on the Negramaro Live DVD in 2006.
Their single "Nuvole e Lenzuola" is included in the game Guitar Hero World Tour.
2010s
[edit]Their fifth studio album Casa 69 was recorded at Metalworks Studios in Mississauga, Ontario and published on 16 November 2010.[2] It became the band's second album to debut at number one on the Italian Albums Chart, selling over 200,000 units in Italy.[3] The album was promoted by the collaboration "Basta così" with Elisa, which peaked at number seven on the Italian Singles Chart and was certified double platinum by FIMI.[4]
On 21 September 2012 Negramaro published the single "Ti è mai successo?",[5] which anticipated their sixth studio album La rivoluzione sta arrivando, released on 25 September 2015.[6] The album became the band third consecutive number one on the Italian Albums Charts and charted also on the Ultratop Wallonia Albums Chart.[7][8]
Throughout 2016, the group had split for two months due to some artistic and personal discrepancies between frontman Giuliano Sangiorgi and keyboardist and programmer Andrea Mariano.[9] Sangiorgi move to New York City where he started writing new music inspired by the longing of the group.[10] On 6 October 2017 the group published the single "Fino all'imbrunire", which peaked at number seven on the Italian Singles Chart and was certified double platinum by FIMI.[11] On 17 November 2017 the band published their seventh studio album Amore che torni,[12] which debuted at number one on the Italian Album Charts and was certified double platinum by FIMI in 2018.[13] Through 2018 the band published three singles from the album, "La prima volta", "Amore che torni" and "Per uno come me", all certified platinum by FIMI.
2020s
[edit]
On 9 October 2020 the band published the single "Contatto", which anticipated the album with the same name published on 13 November 2020.[14] The album peaked at number two on the Italian Album Chart, and was followed by the singles "La cura del tempo" and "Ora ti canto il mare".[15]
In March 2023, the single "Diamanti" was released, in which Negramaro collaborated with Elisa and Jovanotti,[16] which was followed in September 2023 by the collaboration "Fino al giorno nuovo" with Fabri Fibra.[17] They then participated in the Sanremo Music Festival 2024, marking their second participation at the contest, with the song "Ricominciamo tutto",[18] winning the Lunezia Prize for musical-literary value for the song.[19] In the same year they released two more singles: in April "Luna piena" and "Marziani",[20][21] which anticipated the album Free Love, published on 22 November 2024.[22]
Members
[edit]- Giuliano Sangiorgi (Nardò, LE, 24 January 1979) (vocals, guitar and piano)
- Emanuele Spedicato (Nardò, LE, 26 October 1980) (guitar)
- Ermanno Carlà (Veglie, LE, 17 February 1977) (bass)
- Danilo Tasco (Gagliano del Capo, LE, 26 March 1979) (drums)
- Andrea "Andro.i.d." Mariano (Copertino, LE, 26 March 1978) (piano and synthesizer)
- Andrea "Pupillo" De Rocco (Nardò, LE, 30 September 1973) (sampler)
Discography
[edit]Albums
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | Certifications | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ITA [23] |
BEL (W) [8] |
SWI [24] | |||
| Negramaro |
|
— | — | — | |
| 000577 |
|
98 | — | — | |
| Mentre tutto scorre |
|
3 | — | — |
|
| La finestra |
|
1 | — | 96 |
|
| Casa 69 |
|
1 | — | — |
|
| La rivoluzione sta arrivando |
|
1 | 139 | — |
|
| Amore che torni |
|
1 | — | 91 |
|
| Contatto |
|
2 | — | 79 |
|
| Free Love |
|
8 | — | — | |
Soundtracks albums
[edit]Singles
[edit]| Year | Single | Peak positions | Album | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Italy | Europe | |||
| 2003 | "Mono" | — | — | Negramaro |
| "Solo" | — | — | ||
| 2004 | "Come sempre" | — | — | 000577 |
| 2005 | "Mentre tutto scorre" | 14 | 47 | Mentre tutto scorre |
| "Estate" | 50 | — | ||
| "Solo tre minuti" | 37 | — | ||
| 2006 | "Nuvole e lenzuola" | 10 | 54 | |
| 2007 | "Parlami d'amore" | 2 | 38 | La finestra |
| "L'immenso" | 13 | 137 | ||
| "Senza fiato" (featuring Dolores O'Riordan) | — | — | ||
| "Cade la pioggia" (featuring Jovanotti) | 15 | 140 | ||
| 2008 | "Via le mani dagli occhi" | 17 | 42 | |
| "Un passo indietro" | 30 | 72 | La finestra | |
| "Meraviglioso" | 1 | 32 | San Siro Live | |
| 2010 | "Singh-iozzo" | 2 | — | Casa 69 |
| 2011 | "Voglio molto di più" | 89 | — | |
| "Basta così" (with Elisa) | 7 | 49 | ||
| 2017 | "Fino all'imbrunire" | 7 | — | Amore che torni |
| "La prima volta" | 47 | — | ||
| 2023 | "Diamanti" (with Elisa and Jovanotti) | 40 | — | Free Love |
| 2024 | "Ricominciamo tutto" | 26 | — | |
| "Luna piena" | 90 | — | ||
Filmography
[edit]- 2007 – Dall'altra parte della luna (documentary, directed by Dario Baldi e Davide Marengo)
- 2019 – L'anima vista da qui (documentary, directed by Gianluca Grandinetti)
References
[edit]- ^ https://www.allmusic.com/artist/negramaro-mn0000314673
- ^ "Negramaro:`Casa 69 è il luogo dove le nostre anime si incontrano´- video". Rockol (in Italian). 15 November 2010. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
- ^ Ciaramella, Paola (4 December 2010). "I Negramaro: primi in classifica". Fanpage.it (in Italian). Retrieved 3 December 2024.
- ^ Ciaramella, Paola (14 April 2011). "Negramaro: Basta così, il nuovo singolo con Elisa in radio domani". Fanpage.it (in Italian). Retrieved 3 December 2024.
- ^ "Negramaro, in radio il nuovo singolo"Ti è mai successo?"". La Stampa (in Italian). 20 September 2012. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
- ^ Monina, Michele (25 September 2015). "Negramaro, "La rivoluzione sta arrivando"? Mica tanto. Ecco il nuovo album della band salentina". Il Fatto Quotidiano (in Italian). Retrieved 3 December 2024.
- ^ "Negramaro primi, ma Il Volo piazza il colpo: due album in top 10". Fanpage.it (in Italian). 3 October 2015. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
- ^ a b "Ultratop Charts - Negramaro" (in French). Ultratop. Retrieved December 2, 2024.
- ^ Castaldo, Gino (16 November 2017). "Negramaro, dallo scioglimento alla rinascita". La Repubblica (in Italian). Retrieved 3 December 2024.
- ^ Dondoni, Luca (16 November 2017). "Negramaro: dopo la grande crisi ecco le canzoni che ci hanno riunito". La Stampa (in Italian). Retrieved 3 December 2024.
- ^ Martino, Anna (8 October 2017). "A Potenza lo scenario fiabesco di "Fino all'imbrunire", ultimo video dei Negramaro". La Repubblica (in Italian). Retrieved 3 December 2024.
- ^ "Negramaro, 'Amore che torni' dopo nostra crisi". Agenzia ANSA (in Italian). 16 November 2017. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
- ^ "Negramaro, 2 platino per Amore che torni". Agenzia ANSA (in Italian). 25 July 2018. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
- ^ Conti, Andrea (16 November 2020). "Negramaro entrano in "Contatto"". Il Fatto Quotidiano (in Italian). Retrieved 3 December 2024.
- ^ "Hit parade, AC/DC e Negramaro subito al top". Agenzia ANSA (in Italian). 20 November 2020. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
- ^ "Diamanti, il testo del nuovo singolo di Negramaro, Elisa e Jovanotti". Sky TG24 (in Italian). 17 March 2023. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
- ^ Puglisi, Manuela (15 September 2023). "I Negramaro e Fabri Fibra ballano "Fino al giorno nuovo"". TV Sorrisi e Canzoni (in Italian). Retrieved 3 December 2024.
- ^ Nasto, Vincenzo (10 February 2024). "I Negramaro a Sanremo 2024 con Ricominciamo Tutto, il testo e il significato della canzone". Fanpage.it (in Italian). Retrieved 3 December 2024.
- ^ "Ai Negramaro il Premio Lunezia per Sanremo". Agenzia ANSA (in Italian). 3 February 2024. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
- ^ Alicandri, Alessandro (19 April 2024). ""Luna piena", il nuovo singolo dei Negramaro". TV Sorrisi e Canzoni (in Italian). Retrieved 3 December 2024.
- ^ Camporese, Cristina (8 November 2024). ""Marziani" è il nuovo singolo dei Negramaro". Radio Italia (in Italian). Retrieved 3 December 2024.
- ^ Laffranchi, Andrea (20 November 2024). "Negramaro, in"Free Love" cantiamo la libertà assoluta dei sentimenti, senza limiti»". Corriere della Sera (in Italian). Retrieved 3 December 2024.
- ^ "Italian Charts - Elodie - Albums". Italiancharts.com. Hung Medien. Retrieved December 2, 2024.
- ^ "Swiss Charts - Negramaro". Hitparade.ch. Hung Medien. Retrieved December 2, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Italian album certifications – Negramaro" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Retrieved December 2, 2024.
External links
[edit]Awards for Negramaro | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Artists | |
Negramaro
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
History
Formation and early years (1999–2002)
Negramaro was formed in 1999 in Copertino, a town in the province of Lecce, Puglia, Italy, by a group of local musicians led by singer-songwriter Giuliano Sangiorgi. The band emerged from the vibrant alternative music scene in the Salento region, where Sangiorgi, originally from nearby Nardò, began collaborating with fellow artists to create original rock material influenced by the area's cultural heritage.[10][11][6] The band's name derives from "Negroamaro," a native red grape variety and wine produced in the Salento peninsula, symbolizing their deep ties to Puglian roots. In the local Salentino dialect, it is expressed as "niuru maru," translating to "black bitter," reflecting the grape's dark color and robust flavor profile. This choice encapsulated the group's identity as authentic representatives of southern Italian expression.[12][13] The initial lineup consisted of Giuliano Sangiorgi on vocals, guitar, and piano; Emanuele "Lele" Spedicato on guitar; Ermanno Carlà on bass; Danilo Tasco on drums; Andrea "Andro" Mariano on keyboards and synthesizer; and Andrea "Pupillo" De Rocco on sampler and additional guitar. This core group, all hailing from the Lecce area, bonded over shared musical passions and began rehearsing in local venues.[14][15] During their early years, Negramaro focused on building a grassroots following through intensive live performances at small clubs and regional festivals in Puglia. In 2001, they recorded their first self-produced demo and achieved notable recognition by winning the Tim Tour competition and reaching the finals of MTV's Brand New Talent contest, which helped amplify their exposure in Italy's independent music circuit. They followed this with the release of a limited independent EP titled 000577 in June 2002, featuring raw, energetic tracks that showcased their pop-rock style.[16][17] Despite their growing local buzz, the band faced significant hurdles in breaking into the mainstream, including multiple rejections from major record labels that overlooked their southern origins and unconventional sound. These challenges persisted until late 2002, when they were discovered by producer Caterina Caselli and signed to her independent label, Sugar Music, marking the pivotal shift toward professional production and national visibility.[18][16][11]Debut and initial releases (2003–2004)
Negramaro released their self-titled debut album, Negramaro, in 2003 through the Italian label Sugar Music.[19] The record, largely self-produced by the band during sessions at Purerock Studio in Brindisi from September 2002 to March 2003, showcased a raw alternative rock sound characterized by intense guitar riffs, dynamic rhythms, and Giuliano Sangiorgi's emotive vocals.[20] While the album incorporated subtle elements of Apulian dialect in its lyrics to evoke the band's Salento roots, it remained primarily in standard Italian, blending introspective themes with energetic post-grunge influences that set it apart from mainstream Italian pop at the time.[21] Critically, the release was praised for its authenticity and promise as an emerging force in Italy's independent rock scene, though its unpolished edge limited broader commercial appeal, positioning it as a niche entry rather than an immediate hit.[20] The album's lead single, "Come sempre," marked the band's first significant media exposure upon its release in early 2003.[22] Selected as the theme song for RAI's popular soap opera Un posto al sole, the track gained steady airplay on Italian radio and television, helping to introduce Negramaro to a wider audience beyond Puglia.[23] These releases underscored the band's focus on emotional storytelling, with lyrics exploring themes of resilience and everyday struggles, but sales remained modest, reflecting the album's alternative orientation in a market dominated by lighter pop fare. To promote the debut, Negramaro embarked on an initial tour across Italy in 2003–2004, performing primarily in small venues and regional clubs in Puglia and central Italy, where they built a grassroots following through intimate, high-energy shows.[11] Notable appearances included the Arezzo Wave festival in 2003, a key platform for emerging Italian rock acts that provided crucial visibility and helped secure a spot among the finalists in MTV Italy's Brand New Talent contest.[24] These early live outings emphasized the band's tight instrumentation and Sangiorgi's charismatic stage presence, fostering word-of-mouth buzz despite limited national distribution. In late 2003, the band's signing with Sugar Music facilitated wider domestic distribution, laying the groundwork for international reach through the label's partnerships, though global expansion remained nascent until later releases.[25] Early recognition came via nominations at the 2004 TRL Awards, including for Best New Artist, signaling industry acknowledgment of their potential amid a competitive Italian music landscape.Breakthrough and commercial success (2005–2007)
Negramaro achieved their breakthrough in 2005 through their participation in the 55th Sanremo Music Festival, where they performed the song "Mentre tutto scorre," securing the prestigious Premio della Critica Radio & TV for its innovative blend of rock energy and introspective lyrics. This recognition, shared ex aequo with Francesco Renga's entry, propelled the track to widespread radio play and marked the band's transition from regional obscurity to national attention, despite not advancing to the final round of the main competition. The success at Sanremo directly led to the release of their third studio album, Mentre tutto scorre, on March 4, 2005, via Sugar Music, which debuted at number one on the Italian FIMI charts and solidified their pop-rock presence.[26][27][28] Produced by acclaimed Italian producer Corrado Rustici, the album featured a polished evolution of Negramaro's sound, incorporating electronic elements and orchestral touches while retaining raw guitar-driven intensity, with standout tracks including the summery anthem "Estate," which became a radio staple, and the emotive "Solo3min," showcasing frontman Giuliano Sangiorgi's poetic songwriting. Certified six times platinum in Italy for sales exceeding 400,000 copies, Mentre tutto scorre not only dominated domestic charts but also earned multiple accolades, such as the SIAE Prize for outstanding sales and public performances, the Festivalbar Revelation Award in 2005, and the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Italian Act later that year in Lisbon. The album's title track further gained cultural traction as the soundtrack for the film La Febbre, contributing to its double Silver Ribbon wins for best original song and soundtrack.[1][26] Building on this momentum, Negramaro embarked on extensive live performances, expanding beyond Italy with their first international shows in countries like Switzerland, where they headlined at the Gurtenfestival in Bern in July 2006, and Spain, marking a key step in their European outreach amid sold-out Italian arena tours. In 2007, the band released their fourth studio album La finestra, which debuted at number one on the FIMI charts and was certified triple platinum. Their live prowess was further honored with Wind Music Awards in 2006 and 2007 for exceptional album sales and concert attendance, alongside the M.E.I. Award as Italy's best emerging band and the Italian Videoclip Award for the "Mentre tutto scorre" video, cementing their status as one of Italy's leading rock acts during this period.[6][29][1]Expansion and challenges in the 2010s (2008–2019)
Following the success of their earlier breakthrough, Negramaro continued to expand their presence in the late 2000s with the "La Finestra Tour" in 2008, which became their largest to date, encompassing 98 dates and attracting over 315,000 spectators across Italy.[6] This tour marked the band's first stadium performance at San Siro in Milan, drawing more than 40,000 attendees and solidifying their status as a major live act.[6] The period also saw the release of singles like "Parlami d'amore" from the 2007 album La Finestra, which emphasized themes of love and emotional vulnerability, resonating with fans through introspective lyrics. In 2010, Negramaro released Casa 69, their fifth studio album, which explored personal introspection and relational dynamics, achieving double platinum certification in Italy for over 200,000 copies sold.[6] The album featured the single "Basta così," a collaboration with Elisa that blended pop-rock elements with poignant storytelling about closure in relationships.[30] Promoting Casa 69, the band embarked on an extensive European tour in 2011, including stops in major cities like Paris and Berlin, alongside Latin American legs in countries such as Argentina and Mexico to broaden their international appeal.[31] These efforts culminated in sold-out shows, including multiple nights at the Arena di Verona in 2011, where the band performed to enthusiastic crowds in the historic amphitheater.[6] In 2013, Negramaro released their sixth studio album Una storia semplice, which topped the FIMI charts and received platinum certification for sales over 50,000 copies. The album's introspective themes and melodic rock sound were supported by a nationwide tour, further strengthening their fanbase.[2] The mid-2010s brought further stylistic evolution with La Rivoluzione Sta Arrivando in 2015, their seventh studio album delving into themes of change and self-reflection, mixed by producer Jacquire King.[6] Its supporting tour drew over 150,000 attendees across 22 dates in Italy alone, with sold-out performances at venues like the PalaOlimpico in Turin.[6] In 2017, the band issued Amore che Torni, their eighth studio album, which returned to motifs of love, loss, and redemption, topping the FIMI charts and earning platinum certification.[6] The title track "Amore che torni" became a standout single, capturing emotional depth amid the band's maturing sound. A 2017 reissue of their debut album Mentre Tutto Scorre as Mentre Tutto Scorre – Ora refreshed its introspective tracks for a new audience, highlighting enduring themes of fleeting moments and human connection. The decade was not without challenges, particularly in 2018 when guitarist Emanuele Spedicato suffered a brain aneurysm, leading to a cerebral hemorrhage and his hospitalization in intensive care at Vito Fazzi Hospital in Lecce.[32] This health scare prompted a temporary hiatus for the band, with Spedicato undergoing surgery and showing gradual neurological improvement over subsequent months. By 2019, he had fully recovered after rehabilitation and rejoined the group for performances.[33][34] The incident deeply affected the group, infusing their performances with renewed emotional intensity during the subsequent "Amore che Torni Tour," which spanned six Italian stadiums and attracted 175,000 fans despite the adversity.[6] Negramaro's expansions were recognized with several accolades, including multiple FIMI platinum and double platinum certifications for albums like Casa 69 and Amore che Torni, reflecting their commercial dominance.[6] They also received the Premio MEDIMEX for Best Italian Artist in 2012, honoring their artistic contributions.[6] Although they did not participate in Sanremo that year, the band's consistent output and live prowess earned them TRL Awards nominations in the early 2010s for video and artist categories, underscoring their popularity on MTV Italy.Resurgence and recent developments (2020–present)
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted Negramaro's planned activities in 2020, forcing the cancellation of live tours and prompting a shift to virtual formats amid Italy's nationwide lockdowns. In response, the band organized the exclusive live streaming event "Entra in Contatto" on November 12, 2020, performed from a Rome studio and accessible only to those who pre-ordered their upcoming album, marking an innovative "new way of making music" during restrictions on in-person gatherings.[35][36] This period influenced their ninth studio album, Contatto, released on November 13, 2020, which was recorded using "smart recording" techniques and group chats without rules, reflecting themes of isolation, human connection in a post-lockdown world, and remote collaboration amid personal and global crises.[37][38] The album debuted at number one on the Italian charts and later earned platinum certification from FIMI for over 50,000 units sold.[39] Building momentum post-pandemic, Negramaro returned to the Sanremo Music Festival in 2024 with "Ricominciamo tutto," a reflective track on renewal and resilience, finishing 19th overall across the competition's nights based on jury and televote results.[40] The single peaked at number 26 on the Italian singles chart and amassed over 636,000 streams in its first week, underscoring the band's enduring fanbase.[41][42] Following this, they released the singles "Luna piena" on April 19, 2024, and "Marziani" on November 8, 2024, both previews of their tenth studio album Free Love, which explores themes of love's courage, personal freedom, authenticity, and transformative relationships through electronic-rock infused tracks.[43][44][45] Free Love, released on November 22, 2024, via Sugar Music, received multi-platinum certifications for its preceding singles and strong initial sales, continuing the band's streak of commercial success.[2][46] In 2024, Negramaro were honored with a special award at the TIM Music Awards (formerly Wind Music Awards) for being the most-listened Italian artist on TIM Music in 2023, recognizing their live performance excellence and streaming dominance.[47] Their resurgence extended to touring, with the 2024 Stadi Tour filling major Italian stadiums like Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in Naples, followed by announcements for the 2025 Palasport Tour across arenas such as Unipol Arena in Bologna and Inalpi Arena in Turin, emphasizing intimate yet powerful live experiences.[48][49] Internationally, they headlined the Italy Pop-Music Fest at Expo 2025 Osaka on August 19, 2025, blending their rock sound with global audiences.[50] On October 31, 2025, the band announced a temporary hiatus after over 20 years of activity to reflect and recharge.[51]Artistry
Musical style and evolution
Negramaro's early musical style was rooted in alternative rock with post-grunge influences, characterized by raw energy, distorted guitars, and intense emotional delivery that captured the band's underground angst and passion. Their debut works featured gritty, self-produced sounds infused with the rough charm of indie rock, often incorporating dynamic riffs and a sense of urgency that reflected personal turmoil.[52][53] Themes of love, loss, and existential struggle added authenticity and regional flavor, heightened by Giuliano Sangiorgi's high-pitched, passionate vocals. Over time, the band evolved toward a more melodic pop-rock maturation, integrating electronic elements, orchestral arrangements, and complex layering to create cinematic soundscapes, as heard in albums like Casa 69. This shift maintained their core rock foundation while broadening accessibility through harmonious structures and sweeping atmospheres. Recent works, such as the 2024 album Free Love, continue this evolution with eclectic production, blending pop-rock with international influences like those from Icelandic rock band KALEO.[52][54][55] Production changes played a pivotal role in this evolution, transitioning from the raw, indie rawness of early recordings to a polished sound under producer Corrado Rustici, who refined their blend of rock energy with ballad-like introspection and technological sophistication. Rustici's involvement softened aggressive guitar elements, allowing vocals and melodies to shine while preserving thematic depth on social issues and personal growth.[1][52] Critically, Negramaro has been praised for their emotional depth and ability to fuse poetic lyricism with modern production, making alternative rock more approachable and influential in the Italian music scene by bridging underground roots with mainstream appeal. Their style's evolution has been noted for inspiring a new wave of pop-rock acts through its balance of raw power and refined artistry.[54][53]Influences and notable collaborations
Negramaro's musical influences draw from a blend of international rock traditions and regional Italian roots, particularly evident in their early development. The band's sound incorporates rock elements reminiscent of the Beatles, alongside contemporary Brit-pop influences, which contributed to their alternative rock foundation. Additionally, their origins in Salento, Puglia, infuse their work with local folk traditions, as reflected in their band name derived from the indigenous Negroamaro wine and themes celebrating southern Italian heritage.[56][3][57][58] The group has also been shaped by Italian alternative rock scenes, having been exposed to introspective and experimental songwriting approaches prevalent in the national indie landscape. This connection to domestic influences helped refine their lyrical depth and energetic performances.[57] Notable collaborations have expanded Negramaro's artistic scope and commercial reach. In 2009, frontman Giuliano Sangiorgi co-wrote and featured on Elisa's "Ti vorrei sollevare," marking a significant partnership that blended their pop-rock styles. The band joined Jovanotti for the 2006 hit "Cade la pioggia," a duet that highlighted their shared festival energy and resulted in a music video filmed in San Francisco. More recently, in 2023, Negramaro released "Diamanti" featuring both Elisa and Jovanotti, showcasing renewed synergy in anthemic pop-rock.[59] Sangiorgi has contributed to Sanremo successes, including writing "Mentre tutto scorre," which earned the Premio della Critica at the 2005 festival, underscoring his role in elevating the band's profile through high-profile songwriting.[6] The band participated in the 2009 charity single "Domani 21/04.09" alongside Jovanotti and over 50 Italian artists to aid L'Aquila earthquake victims, demonstrating their commitment to social causes through collective musical efforts.[60] International partnerships have further influenced their evolution, including collaborations with OneRepublic on tracks that introduced global rock elements and with the late Dolores O'Riordan of The Cranberries, broadening their appeal in the 2010s. These alliances incorporated production techniques from U.S. and European scenes, enhancing the band's sonic experimentation and international touring presence.[61][62][63] In recent years, Negramaro's 2024 album Free Love features prominent Italian guests such as Elisa, Tiziano Ferro, Niccolò Fabi, Malika Ayane, and Aiello, fostering a collaborative spirit that integrates diverse voices and sustains their relevance in contemporary pop-rock. This approach has amplified their introspective themes with fresh perspectives, contributing to renewed commercial success.[64][65][66]Band members
Current lineup
Negramaro's current lineup consists of its original six members, all hailing from the Lecce province in Puglia, Italy, who have remained together since the band's formation in 1999.[2] Giuliano Sangiorgi (born January 24, 1979, in Nardò) serves as lead vocalist, pianist, and primary songwriter, renowned for his poetic and introspective lyrics that define the band's emotional core.[1] Emanuele Spedicato (born October 26, 1980, in Veglie) plays lead guitar and provides backing vocals; his post-2018 recovery has influenced themes of resilience in the band's music.[67][68] Ermanno Carlà (born February 17, 1977, in Veglie) handles bass guitar, delivering the rhythmic foundation that anchors the group's sound from its early days.[69] Danilo Tasco (born March 26, 1979, in Salve) is the drummer, whose dynamic performances drive the band's high-energy live shows.[69][70] Andrea Mariano (born March 26, 1978, in Copertino), known as Andro, contributes on keyboards and synthesizers, incorporating electronic layers that have enriched the band's arrangements since the 2000s.[71][1] Andrea De Rocco (born September 30, 1973, in Nardò), also known as Pupillo, plays sampler and effects and oversees production elements, managing the technical aspects of recordings and performances.[72][1]Lineup history and contributions
Negramaro has maintained a remarkably stable lineup since its formation in 1999 in Lecce, Puglia, consisting of the same six core members: Giuliano Sangiorgi on vocals, guitar, and piano; Emanuele Spedicato on guitar; Ermanno Carlà on bass; Danilo Tasco on drums; Andrea Mariano on keyboards; and Andrea De Rocco on sampler and effects.[6][73] This consistency has been a key factor in the band's enduring cohesion, with no permanent departures recorded throughout their career.[54] The group originated from local friends and university acquaintances who shared musical interests, officially coalescing as Negramaro that year, drawing their name from the regional Negroamaro wine to reflect their Salento roots.[21] The six members formed the band in 1999, enhancing the sonic palette with keyboards and electronic elements for live and recorded work.[74] The band's internal dynamics emphasize collaboration, particularly in songwriting and production, where Sangiorgi often leads lyrical and melodic development but incorporates input from all members to foster a democratic process.[6] This approach became more formalized starting with their 2004 album 000577, where the group took greater collective control over production alongside external collaborators like Corrado Rustici, shaping their signature blend of rock intensity and emotional depth.[6] A notable interruption to this stability occurred in 2018 when Spedicato suffered a cerebral hemorrhage on September 17, requiring hospitalization and recovery; the band paused activities during his treatment, which extended into late 2018, but he rejoined fully without long-term impact on the lineup.[75][76] Negramaro's contributions to their legacy stem from this tight-knit structure, enabling improvisational flair in live performances that highlight their regional Puglian identity through energetic, Mediterranean-infused rock sets.[54] Since the 2010s, they have occasionally augmented their core group with session musicians for larger tours to accommodate orchestral or expanded arrangements, but these have remained temporary and non-integral to the band's identity.[31] This personnel stability has allowed Negramaro to evolve while preserving the authentic, collective spirit that defines their music and stage presence.[6]Discography
Studio albums
Negramaro has released nine studio albums since their debut in 2003, all distributed by the Italian label Sugar Music, reflecting their progression from underground rock roots to polished pop-rock productions with introspective lyrics and emotional depth. These albums have collectively achieved significant commercial success in Italy, with four reaching the number one position on the FIMI Italian Albums Chart and several earning multi-platinum certifications from FIMI for sales exceeding hundreds of thousands of units. Producers such as Corrado Rustici and Jacquire King have contributed to their sound evolution, blending alternative rock with electronic elements and themes of love, social issues, and personal growth.[2][6] The band's discography highlights a shift from indie influences in early works to more mainstream accessibility, with key albums like Mentre tutto scorre marking their breakthrough through massive sales and critical acclaim for its raw energy and relatable narratives. Later releases, such as Contatto and Free Love, incorporate collaborations and modern production to maintain relevance, often exploring themes of connection and freedom amid contemporary challenges. Overall, their studio output has sold over 3 million units in Italy, underscoring their enduring popularity.[2][6]| Album Title | Release Date | Peak Chart Position (FIMI Italy) | Certification (FIMI) | Estimated Sales | Producer | Key Themes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Negramaro | October 13, 2003 | #47 | None | Not specified | The band | Raw indie rock, youthful rebellion, and initial band identity formation.[6][5] |
| 000577 | October 22, 2004 | Not specified | 3× Platinum | 300,000+ units | Corrado Rustici (select tracks) | Emerging success, summer anthems, and personal introspection.[6][2] |
| Mentre tutto scorre | March 25, 2005 | #1 | 6× Platinum | 600,000+ units | Corrado Rustici | Flow of life, emotional turmoil, and social reflection; breakthrough with hits like the title track.[6][2][77] |
| La finestra | June 8, 2007 | #1 | Diamond (10× Platinum equivalent) | 1,000,000+ units | Corrado Rustici | Social discomfort, personal isolation, and metaphorical windows to the world.[6][2] |
| Casa 69 | November 16, 2011 | #1 | 2× Platinum | 200,000+ units | David Bottrill | Intimate home life, relationships, and band camaraderie in a shared space.[6][2][78] |
| La rivoluzione sta arrivando | October 30, 2015 | #3 | Platinum | 100,000+ units | Jacquire King | Humanism, life celebration, and revolutionary change in everyday existence.[6][2] |
| Amore che torni | October 6, 2017 | #2 | Platinum | 100,000+ units | The band & others | Returning love, resilience in relationships, and emotional reconciliation.[6][2] |
| Contatto | November 13, 2020 | #1 | Gold | 50,000+ units | The band | Human connections during isolation, pandemic-era reflections, and intimacy.[6][2][79] |
| Free Love | November 22, 2024 | Did not reach top 10 | None (as of November 2025) | Not specified | The band & collaborators | Unconditional love, freedom, and collaborative expressions with artists like Jovanotti.[6][2][80] |
Live, compilation, and other albums
Negramaro's live albums capture the raw energy of their stadium tours and intimate performances, serving as enduring records of their connection with fans. Their debut live release, San Siro Live, arrived in 2008 via Sugar Music, documenting the band's triumphant concert at Milan's San Siro stadium on July 4, 2008, in front of over 60,000 attendees. The double album and accompanying DVD highlighted reinterpreted hits and guest appearances, debuting at number one on the Italian Albums Chart and selling over 150,000 copies in Italy, earning multi-platinum certification.[81] In 2012, the band issued Una Storia Semplice, their first official greatest hits compilation, also through Sugar Music. This double-CD set compiled 28 tracks spanning their early career, including staples like "Mentre tutto scorre" and "Estate," alongside two new songs, offering a retrospective of their evolution from indie rock roots to mainstream success. The release underscored fan milestones by blending studio favorites with live elements, contributing to their multi-platinum catalog across formats.[82] Other notable non-studio projects include the innovative 000577 initiative from 2004, a collaborative effort with producer Corrado Rustici that produced the album of the same name. This multimedia endeavor combined the record with behind-the-scenes documentation of creative sessions, marking a pivotal shift in the band's sound and achieving 3× platinum status in Italy for its commercial impact. Such releases have collectively secured two number-one positions on Italian charts for live and compilation efforts, emphasizing Negramaro's ability to translate tour vitality into lasting artistic documents.[11]Singles and chart performance
Negramaro has achieved significant success on the Italian music charts with over 20 singles reaching the top 40 of the FIMI Singles Chart, including eight number-one hits. Their breakthrough came in the mid-2000s with songs that dominated airplay and download charts, establishing them as one of Italy's leading rock acts. The band's singles often blend emotional lyrics with rock instrumentation, contributing to their commercial longevity and frequent certifications by FIMI. Key singles from their early career include "Mentre tutto scorre" (2005), which topped the Italian charts and earned 3× Platinum certification for sales exceeding 210,000 units. Followed by "Estate" (2005), another number-one hit that solidified their summer anthem status. In 2007, "Parlami d'amore" also reached number one, becoming a staple in Italian radio rotation. Later releases like "Diamanti" (2011) peaked at number three, showcasing their evolution toward more introspective themes.| Single | Year | Peak Position (FIMI Singles Chart) | Certification (FIMI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mentre tutto scorre | 2005 | 1 | 3× Platinum |
| Estate | 2005 | 1 | Platinum |
| Parlami d'amore | 2007 | 1 | 2× Platinum |
| Diamanti | 2011 | 3 | Platinum |
| Luna piena | 2024 | 5 | Gold |