Nicol: "We must give time for things to align"

"Sensitive, very introverted, and paranoid" are the words Nicol uses to describe herself when we welcome her, on a sunny yet chilly morning, into our space. The singer, who made her acting debut in Adorazione, a highly anticipated Netflix series based on the novel by Alice Urciuolo, is now facing the challenge of Sanremo Giovani and has a bright future ahead, almost as bright as the sunlight streaming through the windows.

One step at a time, though. Let's start with Sanremo Giovani, which will conclude in December after four episodes in which young artists will compete. Only four of them will take the stage at the Ariston in February. Nicol, however, on the eve of her participation, feels ready and motivated: "I expect to have fun. To sing well. I'm trying to let my more paranoid side out now, during the preparation. I record myself every day, I do practice runs in my room with the mic stand, and I take notes of the things I don't like, making sure not to repeat them," she confides. "I'm letting my paranoid side loose so I can enjoy the moment there."

Nicol: Her Musical Beginnings and the Adorazione Experience

"Being a young and emerging artist in Italy today is difficult," she adds. "One thing I've recently realized is that you have to be patient; you need to give things time to fall into place. Let me share an anecdote that illustrates this well," she continues, giving us a glimpse behind the scenes of her work: "One day, Fabri Fibra went to the studio with Canova and asked him to play some of the projects he was working on. Canova played a demo of mine that he was producing. Fibra asked for a copy and added a verse. I was in Puglia working as a waitress when Canova told me he had a surprise and sent me the track. I would have released it two seconds later, but I waited. In the meantime, Fibra became the music director for a Netflix series and suggested our song. The director heard it, got curious, and asked to meet me. That's how I ended up becoming an actress in the TV series. Three years have passed."

The series is, of course, Adorazione, which not only brought her many new opportunities but also opened up an unexpected path for her in acting. She describes it this way: "It was a wonderful, unforgettable experience. First and foremost, for the people I worked with. Stefano Mordini, the director, is a human being with an extraordinary sensitivity. I still have a relationship with the crew and the production team, who treated us with unconditional love. The actors I worked with have become friends. Plus, we were in this beautiful place; we filmed in Sabaudia, off-season. We had the beach to ourselves, with crystal-clear water. You could see the silhouette of the Circeo promontory from the shore," she says, and adds: "Acting was a surprise for me. I didn't think there was something that could move me like music. It was love at first sight for someone who doesn’t believe in love at first sight. It was amazing." As for her future in this field, no spoilers, but plenty of enthusiasm: "I hope there will be more because I had so much fun. I'm a very shy and introverted person, and acting gave me the chance to step into a role and do things I would never do in real life. I'm fascinated by the idea of being a different person every time. I've done a few auditions, so fingers crossed."

She felt an immediate connection with the Netflix series, even in terms of themes, which align closely with those in her songs. "The topics I explore – like those in Adorazione – are everyday issues," she explains, and when she talks about what she's passionate about, her shyness disappears and eloquence takes over. "When I played the song Viscere – which will be featured in the series with Fabri Fibra – to the cast members in Sabaudia, some of them cried, and everyone was moved because they saw their character’s story in the song. I also talk about my own experiences, for example, in Come Mare, which I'm performing at Sanremo Giovani. I address mental health, something I have experienced and continue to see in many people close to me, so I think it's crucial to discuss it." Her inspiration, then, comes from real life, but can also be found "in songs, photos, performances. Individual works. Another source of inspiration was Fabri Fibra, who advised me to stay in Milan. I was so proud, I told him I was about to move to Piedmont, to a house with a garden. He convinced me to stay, and it’s thanks to him that I still live in this city," she concludes, proud and satisfied.

We wrap things up with a series of quick questions. Products she can't live without? Hair products, which she constantly wets "risking a cervical headache." Dream collaboration? Mogol and Olly, bridging past and present. What advice would she give to someone wanting to follow her path? "Be yourself and have lots of patience. Fall in love with your songs first and foremost, don’t abandon them. Some need time."

1st Look:
Shirt SEFR, trousers DEPARTMENT FIVE, shoes 21.23.
2nd Look:
Shirt AURALEE, tie stylist's own, suit SANDRO PARIS, shoes GIULIA TADDEUCCI.
3rd Look:
Sweater OUR LEGACY, trousers PT_TORINO, shoes GIULIA TADDEUCCI.