In this interview feature, we get to know the most radicalist up and coming stars on the planet.       

This time we speak with Alessandro Ciminata, the hopeless romantic indie-pop troubadour with a unique sound and intimate lyrics.

Over the past few months, we’ve fallen head over heels for this London-based Italian songwriter who has emerged from relative obscurity with three tantalizing singles ‘Signs’, ‘Wasted On Each Other’ and ‘Lovers’. With each new release, Ciminata has found more listeners who are drawn towards his swoon-worthy pop hooks, emotional diversity and intricate productions. What we now have on our hands is Ciminata’s debut EP, titled Over And Over’, which presents a confident and well-rounded collection from this surefire one-to-watch.

We chat about the EP, our favourite List Picks, moving to London and more below.

TMR: Congratulations on the release of your debut EP. What does this release signify for you?

Thank you! This EP signify for me the start of a new chapter of my musical journey. I always wanted to do things to appeal to the industry but I think now is the right time to just be myself, write what I feel and be as much creative as possible. As I’m growing up I’m realising that I don’t need to be made for someone, instead, I need to be able to express myself in the most transparent way as possible. I feel so excited for what’s to come! :)

TMR: Here at TMR we’ve covered all the singles in the run up to the release, aside from title track ‘Over and Over’. However, what we’d like to know is which song is your favourite? And why?

Aaaaaa I hate this question haha! I would say ‘Over and Over’. I’m emotionally attached to the first verse.

TMR: Let’s talk about the first track we featured, ‘Signs’. It’s a love song with an unexpected twist in that it’s inspired by the bond that your grandparents had for 60 years. Do you typically find inspiration in the relationships that you see around you or those of older generations who seem so different to modern courtships?

I certainly like to write about real life experiences. Life is raw, so is my music. I want people to feel something and connect somehow to my lyrics. I don’t look back at old generations (ours has already got enough interesting problems to talk about haha) however, I do look back at my grandparents all the time. They have been and still are my definition of love. 

TMR: After ‘Signs’, we covered ‘Wasted On Each Other’, a commentary about the double-edged sword of being alive today. Was there a pivotal moment or event that triggered this song?

I’m strongly convinced that our generation could really change this world. We are witnessing and slowly cleaning the mess that has been created in the past. Social media have had a huge impact on today’s social life and I’m sure, if used in the right way, we have all the tools to make a change. Could you imagine if instagram was a thing in the 70s??  

TMR: Next came a return to your favourite topic of romance with ‘Lovers’. Why is it that the emotion of love rules much of your songwriting?

I don’t know really, I guess that’s because if I don’t write love songs my girlfriend would probably kill me? haha

TMR: What’s your favourite love song of all time?

Mmmm I have so many…probably Alex Vargas ‘Howl'



TMR: Thinking back to your youth in Milan, what was the music culture like there?

I grew up in Biella, a small town near Turin. Played guitar in various cover bands, going from soul to metal…yes, could you imagine me playing Iron Maiden? haha well I did that! I was lucky enough to meet great and supportive musicians who helped me understand what I really wanted to do. When I was 19, I then moved to Milan and I have to say the music culture was great, just not what I wanted though! 

TMR: Was the pursuit of new musical horizons the reason that you moved to London?

Exactly. I wanted to get closer to my idols and pursue my dream. I am forever grateful to London!

TMR: London is evidently an epicenter of new music and creativity, and so who are some of your favourite emerging acts from around the city?

Well said! There are soooo many, I am very lucky to be surrounded by talented musicians friends and they all have great projects! Watch-out for MwS, Nancy, Matilda Eyre and Sophie Kilburn!

TMR: What’s next for you? Any gigs coming up?

Yes, I’ll be playing my biggest headline show to date on a new rescheduled date which is, October 1st at The Grace! A&R people you are more than welcome to come along haha

Honestly, I can’t wait that all this corona-madness is over and that we could finally go back to enjoy live music like we used to…or even more!

By Hannah Thacker