The Ariston stage is gearing up to welcome the fierceness and musicality of Rose Villain, the stage name of Rosa Luini, a prominent figure in the Italian female rap scene. Originally from Milan but with a career spanning between the United States and Italy, the artist is set to grace the stage of the 2024 Sanremo Festival, bringing along her track "CLICK BOOM!". «I wish it were tomorrow. The anticipation is nerve-wracking because I am super excited. I can't wait to share a song that I deeply love and that represents me. I maintain a zen approach, while everyone around me seems to be going crazy and keeps asking me if I'm okay. For now, everything is in place.»
Since childhood, Rose Villain has nurtured a passion for music, singing, and art, as well as for books, TV series, and films, especially in the thriller genre. Directors like Fincher, Nolan, and Tarantino have influenced her journey, shaping an artist capable of blending dark atmospheres with a penchant for the macabre. «Since I was a child, I've always felt an inner shadow, a kind of restlessness that, in my opinion, is common to many artists. This slightly more nostalgic, a bit darker part has always been present in me, and I've always channeled and exorcised it through music. Despite being naturally sunny, it is through my musical expression that these nuances emerge. My discography, in fact, is not exclusively painted with positive and cheerful tones.» After graduating, Rose decides to embark on a journey to Los Angeles, studying at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood. There, she starts singing with the cover band "The Villains". «Milan is my home, where my people and blood ties are. Then there's Los Angeles, where I studied. Despite the sun, palm trees, and typical California style, I found it darker than I could imagine. This aspect fascinates me, although I must say it made me run away a bit, so to speak.» Her journey then takes her to New York, where she immerses herself in the theatrical and musical arts studies of Broadway, forging crucial connections in the music and recording industry. «New York is the place where I grew up, from the good old teenage days to becoming a woman. All the craziest experiences I've had were right there. It's my place, it's my energy, let's say there's a kind of perfect connection.»
Since childhood, Rose Villain has nurtured a passion for music, singing, and art, as well as for books, TV series, and films, especially in the thriller genre. Directors like Fincher, Nolan, and Tarantino have influenced her journey, shaping an artist capable of blending dark atmospheres with a penchant for the macabre. «Since I was a child, I've always felt an inner shadow, a kind of restlessness that, in my opinion, is common to many artists. This slightly more nostalgic, a bit darker part has always been present in me, and I've always channeled and exorcised it through music. Despite being naturally sunny, it is through my musical expression that these nuances emerge. My discography, in fact, is not exclusively painted with positive and cheerful tones.» After graduating, Rose decides to embark on a journey to Los Angeles, studying at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood. There, she starts singing with the cover band "The Villains". «Milan is my home, where my people and blood ties are. Then there's Los Angeles, where I studied. Despite the sun, palm trees, and typical California style, I found it darker than I could imagine. This aspect fascinates me, although I must say it made me run away a bit, so to speak.» Her journey then takes her to New York, where she immerses herself in the theatrical and musical arts studies of Broadway, forging crucial connections in the music and recording industry. «New York is the place where I grew up, from the good old teenage days to becoming a woman. All the craziest experiences I've had were right there. It's my place, it's my energy, let's say there's a kind of perfect connection.»
«Ever since I was a child, I have always felt an inner shadow, a kind of restlessness. This slightly more nostalgic, somewhat darker part has always been present in me, and I have always channeled and exorcised it through music. Despite being naturally sunny, it is through my musical expression that these nuances emerge.»
Shirt, sweatshirt, pants LESSICO FAMILIARE, shoes TIMBERLAND.
Top DSQUARED2.
Suit FERRARI, sunglasses BALENCIAGA.
Bra CDLP, necklaces VIVIENNE WESTWOOD.
2017 marks a year of success for Rose, but it's also the year she prematurely loses her mother, an event that profoundly influences her musical production. The pain of loss transforms into a means of expression, and songs like "Funeral Party" become a sort of catharsis to confront the family tragedy. She engages in significant collaborations, such as with Salmo in the track "Don Medellín", and later releases successful singles like "SWOOP!", "Kanye Loves Kany", "Sneakers" and "It's Snowing, Motherfucker". In 2020, Rose takes a significant turn by releasing her first song in Italian, "Bundy", followed by other hits like "Il diavolo piange" and the collaboration with Gué Pequeno in "Chico." In 2023, Rose ranks as the fifth most-listened-to female artist on Spotify, joining the chorus calling for more female presence in music, hoping that, after ten years, a woman can win the Sanremo Festival. The artist emphasizes the importance of recognizing and supporting strong female artists, without penalizing based on gender. Her final message is clear: be herself and hope to win over those who will genuinely appreciate her project. «At first, people couldn't grasp my message, the true essence of my soul. The turning point came when the audience finally understood who I really was. I revealed my sensitivity and the desire to explore the more melancholic side of my art. At that moment, I noticed a change in the people around me. They said, 'Wait a minute, are you really like this?'»
The song with which Rose presents herself at Sanremo, "CLICK BOOM!", represents a fusion of rap and pop, a mix of sounds that reflects her unique style. The song, dedicated to love, explores the dark facets of intense and all-encompassing relationships. «Certainly, there's a strong duality in this song. I often wonder why I have to be like this. Even my name, Rose Villain, represents this duality: sweet on one side and the bad side of stories on the other. At the same time, I live the contrast between a nostalgic and romantic part and another more decisive and strong. The song fully expresses this contradiction that characterizes my personality. On the Ariston stage, I decided to bring what represents me the most, mixing sweetness, nostalgia, romanticism, and a more volcanic and decisive vein.» Rose Villain states that her personal life has significantly influenced the song, sharing the less bright side of strong love. The artistic collaboration with her husband, Sixpm, proves to be therapeutic, although they are both demanding of each other in the creative process. «Being able to celebrate every small victory with him, share frustrations and anxieties, facing them together saves us a bit, or maybe not...» Rose Villain presents herself as an unconventional figure in the music scene. With her blue hair and a direct gaze, the artist is not afraid to express her personality and address controversial themes.
Dress, socks, shoes ANTONIO MARRAS.
The upcoming album by Rose Villain, "Radio Sakura", set to be released on March 8th, is poised to be the ideal follow-up to "Radio Gotham": "'Radio Gotham' represents the record in which I chose to immerse myself completely. I wanted to explore those dark places that have always been an intrinsic part of my artistic identity. And more. My journey through the shadows has become a sort of personal pilgrimage. It was after the release of 'Radio Gotham' that I felt a deep connection with my audience. We shared experiences through music, and I underwent a genuine personal and artistic blossoming. At this moment, I am exploring the brighter and more floral side of myself, delving into this new chapter of my artistic evolution with 'Radio Sakura.'" Her participation in Sanremo 2024 becomes an opportunity to express herself and introduce her style to a wider audience. "I definitely love using fashion as an additional means to express my music rather than my personality. This is part of a complete creative vision. I collaborate with an exceptional team of creatives to expand my 'secret garden,' so to speak, and I enjoy experimenting with different aesthetics. I am a kaleidoscope of identities, with a strong urban and hip-hop vein that often reflects in my outfits. At the same time, I like to explore sophistication and originality; in short, I am passionate about many facets."
Rose Villain faces the challenge with enthusiasm, without worrying about judgments, aware that her music will not be appreciated by everyone, but hoping to win over those who will truly connect with her project. We cheer for her, and in the FantaSanremo 2024, we have included her in our league in collaboration with MyMelody, "Sanremelody": «For FantaSanremo, I am ready for anything within my capabilities, perhaps no pope hat or entering the stage on a tricycle, nothing disruptive compared to the performance. But if being dignifiedly tipsy brings points, I think we could do something.» In addition to her music career, Rose Villain will be a judge on the Netflix show "Nuova Scena – Rhythm+Flow Italia". «The guys participating in the program have the hunger and the right motivation to try to achieve their dream. It will be tough because I know how not easy it is to make music, and the further the program goes, the tougher it will get. From the new scene of Italian rap, I look for ambition to quality, from the search for sound to the search for identity».
Rose Villain faces the challenge with enthusiasm, without worrying about judgments, aware that her music will not be appreciated by everyone, but hoping to win over those who will truly connect with her project. We cheer for her, and in the FantaSanremo 2024, we have included her in our league in collaboration with MyMelody, "Sanremelody": «For FantaSanremo, I am ready for anything within my capabilities, perhaps no pope hat or entering the stage on a tricycle, nothing disruptive compared to the performance. But if being dignifiedly tipsy brings points, I think we could do something.» In addition to her music career, Rose Villain will be a judge on the Netflix show "Nuova Scena – Rhythm+Flow Italia". «The guys participating in the program have the hunger and the right motivation to try to achieve their dream. It will be tough because I know how not easy it is to make music, and the further the program goes, the tougher it will get. From the new scene of Italian rap, I look for ambition to quality, from the search for sound to the search for identity».
«At first, people couldn't grasp my message, the true essence of my soul. The turning point came when the audience finally understood who I really was. I revealed my sensitivity and the desire to explore the more melancholic side of my art. At that moment, I noticed a change in the people around me.»
1st Look:
Suit FERRARI, sunglasses BALENCIAGA.
2nd Look:
Shirt, sweatshirt, pants LESSICO FAMILIARE, shoes TIMBERLAND.
3rd Look:
Top DSQUARED2.
4th Look:
Bra CDLP, necklaces VIVIENNE WESTWOOD.
5th Look:
Dress, socks, shoes ANTONIO MARRAS.
Credits:
Photographer: Simone Biavati
Stylist: Rujana Cantoni
Photographer Assistant: Andrea Rancati
Stylist Assistant: Emily Cervi
MUAH: Cinzia Trifiletti
Interview: Anna Paola Parapini