ANDRO: "Studying a classical instrument has been the most important investment I've ever made"

Andro is a music artist, producer, and DJ, best known as the keyboard player for the renowned Italian pop-rock band Negramaro. Trained as a classical pianist, he has gradually shaped his identity into a versatile and multifaceted produ-cer. With a deep passion for electronic music, fashion film soundtracks, and sound design, Andro has collaborated with prestigious Italian and international arti-sts, producers, labels, and brands. Currently, he works closely with Zamna Records, where he has released several tracks, including the acclaimed remix of Benny Benas-si's "Satisfaction," which garnered widespread success and recogni-tion.

How did your passion for classical piano begin, and how has it evolved in your role as the keyboard player for Negramaro?

The piano has been the instrument that allowed me to connect all the different experiences that have shaped my path in music, music production, and the music bu-siness. I began studying at the age of seven, training at the Conservatory in my hometown before quickly joining the Negramaro project, which over the years gave me the chance to live incredible experiences across Italy and around the world. Throughout this journey, / had the opportunity to grow professionally and come into close contact with producers, record labels, publi-shers, as well as much of the Italian clubbing scene.

In what ways does your classical training influence your approach to music production and electronic music?

I must admit that studying classical piano, and in particular harmony, has helped me enormously to specialize in many different areas. Even in electronic music, this background of study and research has often made a real difference, both in live contexts and in the production phase. It has been, and continues to be, a constant source of inspiration during arranging and com-posing. I can say that, for me, studying a classical instrument has been the most important investment I've ever made.

What has been the most significant moment in your career with Negramaro so far?

It's very difficult to single out just one moment. My career has been truly full of significant milestones and unforgettable experiences. I can mention a few essential ones: winning our first MTV European Music Award in Lisbon in 2005, becoming the first band ever to perform at San Siro in 2008, composing the anthem for Italy at the 2014 World Cup, and then many gold, plati-num, and diamond records, plus countless chart-top-

You've worked with many international artists and brands: which collaboration left a special memory for you and why?

Over the years, I've had the chance to collaborate with incredible arti-sts. As a DJ, I toured with The Prodigy in 2010, and I've also opened for acts like The Chemical Brothers, Fatboy Slim, Jeff Mills, and Dead-mau5. Many brands have also relied on my musical vision. One standout experience was with Samsung: / worked as musical director for the biggest laser show ever staged in Europe for the launch of one of their smartphones. It was a massive project that gave me truly unforgettable moments.

How would you describe your personal style as a producer and DJ?

My passion for electronic music comes from a period when / was listening to artists like Air, Massive Attack, Portishead, Notwist, The Prodigy, Squarepusher, Radiohead, Boards of Canada, Tricky, Daft Punk, Justice essentially all the artists tied to that incredibly prolific and inspiring global music scene of the late '90s and early 2000s.

This means I've always enjoyed moving freely among different styles and cross-pollinations. / don't favor one genre in particular; instead, I try to interpret and build sonic worlds that instinctively draw from my musical background and sensitivity.

What elements do you try to integrate when combining electronic music with pop rock sounds in your work?

This was quite a challenging "mis-sion," especially in the early years when / was trying to blend my more electronic and experimental tastes with classic pop-rock sounds. But after gaining more experience, it all became very natural. Over time, technological progress and technical solutions have simplified many pro-cesses. Through the use of synthesizers and effects, especially analog ones, I've been able to add increasingly distinctive and personal elements to the band's sound.

What are the biggest challenges in balancing your role with Negra-maro and your work as a producer and DJ?

These two worlds have always coexisted perfectly for me. With the band, I have the chance to express musical concepts through many different instruments-concepts that would be difficult to reveal el-sewhere, such as my passion for classical music. When I DJ, I'm alone, without the "support" of an entire band, and that's one of the biggest challenges. Identifying a sonic flow in the most diverse contexts has always been demanding, but / think it's also the most stimulating part of being a DJ.

What motivated you to explore the world of fashion films and sound design?

My very first productions were heavily influenced by the music I mentioned earlier, electronic music that could easily belong in films or, more generally, be enhanced by visuals. From there came my first projects for fashion films, short films, installa-tions... Everything came very naturally.

How do you see the evolution of electronic music in Italy, and which new trends excite you the most?

For many years, Italy has been the source of musical trends that have influenced the world. Italians continue to play a crucial role in global music production. We know that many Italian artists are more famous abroad than in Italy, and this perhaps reflects an issue within the local recording and publishing in-dustries. It's an incredible resource that isn't supported enough and has often caused a sort of "brain drain," as in so many other fields. Music has always moved through trends that come and go, so I find it hard to "get attached" to anything specific. I believe house music, in general, and techno still have a lot to offer together, opening new paths and generating interesting evolutions. In my opinion, they remain at the core of every evolutionary process.

What future projects do you have planned, both with Ne-gramaro and as a solo artist or collaborator?

With the band, we'll be doing a summer tour starting next June, and then we'll take a well-deserved break after many incredible years. As for my personal path, I've always relied on instinct, supported by a lot of studio work. I created my own space in Milan (Waveforms Studio) which allows me to interact daily with artists of all kinds. I've had the opportunity to work in the studio with some of the best producers around, and for me, that's the foundation of every project, whether it becomes a release or a gig. Meeting people, meeting artists, sharing experiences, exchanging ideas, and imagining new worlds. For now, that's what / envision: true sharing. And for me, that's.

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