“I think it’s essential to look at ourselves with our own eyes, to be objective, to look in the mirror and accept our limits, and not be afraid of our abilities and qualities. Don’t be afraid to treasure everything that can take us to a higher place, both in life and in our careers. I don’t want to be afraid of being myself anymore. It’s something you learn every day and can never stop learning.” Just like we’re born, we die, and we’re reborn every day. And what is Noemi’s career, if not a wonderful story of rebirths? “Many times in life, we become completely different people, sometimes in just a few weeks. It’s essential not to get bored, to find new challenges. You should never be afraid of change—change is an incredible wake-up call. When it happens, you instinctively know it’s connected to our animal side, our survival instincts, even artistically.”

Changing to survive seems to be Noemi’s motto, both as a singer and as a woman, and perhaps that’s what makes her so long-lasting and beloved. “You always have to find a new way to tell your story, to add new notes, new colors, and new sounds. It’s essential to stay contemporary. Music has the power to reflect the time we live in; it’s a mirror of society. Whether it’s full of ideas or feels empty, that still tells us something. It’s natural to rise from our own ashes, and we shouldn’t be afraid of that. We might lose our balance for a moment—that’s the real thrill—but then we find our footing again and take a new step. That’s the most exciting part, for better or worse.”

It’s clear that music is fundamental to Noemi—for learning, living, and expressing herself. But there’s also fashion: “They say clothes don’t make the person, but I don’t think that’s entirely true,” she says, laughing. This conversation has just started, and it’s already so rich. “Clothes are another way to tell your story, to express your project, and sometimes to challenge yourself. When you wear something you’d never usually wear, or try different makeup or hair, you get the chance to become someone else. It’s a great journey, a way to explore yourself and then present yourself to others in a new way. When I was younger, I didn’t play with fashion. Maybe I was more insecure, more focused on my voice. Now, I’ve opened up to a new form of communication. I’m not alone in this, in music. I think of Grace Jones, who was a supermodel before making amazing records. Her album covers are stunning. I think of David Bowie, and how music and fashion have always inspired each other. It’s another color in my palette, and I’m happy to work with stylists who treat fashion as an art form, referencing painting, sculpture, and architecture. The layers of meaning increase, and I feel enriched. I’ve added another piece to the puzzle.”

Noemi has many references, and they come to her easily. When we ask who she would collaborate with in an ideal world, her list is ready, long and eclectic: “I really like Adele, I even went to Munich to see her. I love The Weeknd and Teddy Swims, who wrote Lost Control. I’m a big soul fan—can’t you tell from my voice? He wrote this beautiful album where soul meets rap. There’s a very modern phrasing to it, and I love his grit and authenticity. I’m a huge Lady Gaga fan, too.”

Our last question is the classic one: what advice would she give to a young person starting a music career? Noemi, who began on X-Factor and reached the heights of the Sanremo Festival and the top of the charts, has a lot to share. She’s lived it herself, of course, but she’s also an intelligent and thoughtful person who chooses her words carefully, someone who observes not only herself but also her field and how it’s changed around her. “The most important thing is to perform live a lot, to write, and not be afraid to tell your story and be yourself. Lately, there’s a big trend of following what’s popular, and it can be positive to be part of a certain flow. But you should never give up your own personality—you need to find your own voice. Do it your way, because that’s what lasts. It goes beyond trends. If you live music your own way, you can’t go wrong.”