Hiya Francesca, thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today. Grab a brew and take a seat.
Thank you for having me! I’ll grab an espresso—classic Italian, right? Let’s dive in.
What made you decide that music is a thing for you?
Music has always been my thing, my greatest passion. For years, I enjoyed the process of learning and creating behind the scenes—studying music, forming bands, and working as a vocal coach to help other artists.
When my mother became ill, everything shifted. I realized I wanted more—I wanted to connect with people through my music. I had a story to tell, and it was time to share it with the world.
Introduce us to you and your musical history.
I’m Francesca Pichierri and I´m a singer-songwriter, vocal coach, and human rights researcher. I’ve been making music since my teenage years, exploring a range of different genres like blues, soul, folk, jazz, funk, and alternative rock. For a long time, I worked behind the scenes, helping other artists find their voice as a vocal coach, while also releasing two albums as part of independent projects.
Now, I’m stepping into the spotlight with my solo project. My latest work is a concept album called “Cellule Stronze” (“Bitchy Cells” in English), inspired by my mother’s journey with cancer. It’s an intensely personal collection of songs that I wrote, composed, and recorded in my childhood bedroom, with the tracks arranged and produced in collaboration with musician and producer Stefano Iuso. The album is a raw and poetic exploration of sorrow, resilience, and love, mixed with experimental sounds.
I’ve been releasing singles from the album throughout 2024, and the support has been amazing. The full album will be released in spring 2025, and I’m grateful to share this journey with the world.
What’s the live music scene like in Italy right now? Anyone we should be looking out for (bar you, of course)?
The live music scene in Italy is alive and thriving. We have such a rich and diverse landscape of artists blending traditional and contemporary styles. Two acts that stand out for me are Daniela Pes, who merges Sardinian influences with innovative sounds, and La Rappresentante Di Lista, a brilliant band with a unique and captivating approach to music.
I’ve seen a lot of people struggling for support recently online. What’s your view on the industry?
It’s indeed tough for emerging artists. Nowadays, there are so many tools available that allow musicians to create, express themselves and take more control of their craft. But, despite these advantages, the market is incredibly crowded. The music industry has also shifted in a way where labels are no longer looking for raw talent to develop. They want artists who already have a following, so they can build on that foundation.
Live performance is key—being online isn’t enough. Artists need to create memorable live shows to truly connect with audiences. It’s not just about having great tracks online; it’s about being a strong performer, having creative ideas for your shows and forge a real connection. On top of that, artists today need to wear many hats. You have to understand budgeting, contracts, and the business side of things.
It’s a lot to handle, but at the end of the day, I believe the focus should always be on making authentic music. The journey takes time and effort, but staying true to your vision makes it all worth it.
Where do you feel you currently sit within the music industry?
If the music industry were a beautiful farm in the south of Italy, I’d be sitting at the foot of a giant olive tree, enjoying the shade. For now, I’m focused on growing, connecting with people, and doing the work. When the sun shifts to the right position, maybe I’ll step into the light.
While I’m proud of my debut, I know this is just the start of a much longer journey.
Tell us two truths and a lie about you.
I love swimming at night during summer; I would love to invite Florence Welch and Laura Marling to my house, pick vegetables from my garden and cook together; and I enjoy waking up in the morning and gargling whiskey after brushing my teeth.
Do you ever worry about people taking things the wrong way? Discuss….
Yes, it’s something I think about. As a songwriter, authenticity is my priority, but I know that words can land differently with each listener. Music is such a personal and subjective experience; it’s impossible to control how every lyric will be interpreted. My goal is always to strike a balance—being true to my vision while remaining respectful of others. At the end of the day, I hope the honesty in my work shines through, even if it sparks different perspectives.
Do you sign up to any conspiracy theories? If not, why not?
No, not really. But my neighbor does look a little like Elvis… so who knows?
What was your best experience on stage?
One of my best experiences on stage was at a venue in Perugia with my old alternative rock band. The crowd was so engaged, they were singing along to every song, and there was this moment where it felt like everything just clicked. It was like an out-of-body experience, hard to describe but incredibly powerful. I felt deeply connected to the audience, almost like we were all part of the same story for those few minutes. It’s those magical, unexplainable moments that remind me why I do this.
What was your worst experience on stage?
I was at a venue with a stage that wasn’t very high. There was someone in the front row who kept staring at me in a way that made me feel really uneasy. It threw me off for a bit. Thankfully, I managed to get back into the zone, but it was a reminder of how important it is to feel safe and comfortable on stage.
Tell us something about you that you think people would be surprised about.
I find grunting, the vocal effect, very relaxing. It’s like a meditation technique for me!
What are the next steps you plan to take as an artist to reach the next level?
Right now, I’m focused on completing the journey of my concept album “Cellule Stronze”. My fourth single, “Sperarci Due Eroi,” is out now, with another single coming in March and the full album set to release in spring. This album is such a personal project, and my goal is to continue raising awareness about its themes while deepening my connection with listeners.
The response to my music so far has been incredible, with blogs using beautiful words to describe my work—praising its originality, depth, and creativity. It’s been so meaningful to see how my music resonates with people, and I’m determined to build on that momentum. You guys, for example, have been extremely supportive, saying that if I continue to channel such personal themes with this level of depth and artistry, I could firmly establish myself as a unique voice in alternative pop. That’s exactly what I’m striving for—to affirm myself as a bold and distinctive voice in the alternative pop and avant-garde music scene.
Live performances are a major priority at the moment, and I have some exciting events lined up in February that I’m thrilled about. I also plan to continue honing my skills as a producer, and keep pushing forward on this creative path.
Can you tell us more about your new song?
Yes! “Sperarci Due Eroi” is an honest and raw reflection on the power of love to carry us through life’s uncertainties, to support and sustain us even when the outcome is unclear. Dedicated to my parents, the song draws on mythic imagery and is framed by the ethereal beauty of the Northern Lights. Musically, it’s an alternative pop piece, blending rock and electronic textures.
What was the recording process like?
The recording process was fascinating and a real journey of discovery. I worked mostly in home-recording for the whole album, which was both intimate and challenging. Collaborating with Stefano was an entirely online experience for much of the project, which meant having to communicate everything virtually. Working alone in my bedroom had its perks—it gave me the freedom to experiment and capture very personal moments—but it also came with technical limitations. It’s not just about the performance; you’re also managing the recording process itself, troubleshooting equipment, and trying to make the best of the space you have.
When we finally met in the studio for the last stages of production, it was such a refreshing contrast. Recording additional instruments and sharing that creative energy in person reminded me of how special the collective aspect of music-making can be. There’s a kind of magic that happens when you’re physically in a room with someone, sharing ideas and creating music together.
Overall, it was a huge learning experience—one that challenged me technically and creatively while allowing me to grow as an artist.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes?
For me, the biggest learning curve was using my native language, Italian, for the first time in my songwriting. It was an incredibly enriching but vulnerable experience. Writing in Italian felt so much more personal—it’s the language I associate with my deepest emotions and memories. This made the process both rewarding and challenging because every word felt so exposed.
The real learning curve wasn’t just about the language itself, though—it was about balancing emotional vulnerability with control. Writing and performing such personal songs demanded that I let myself go, fully embracing the rawness of the emotions, while still maintaining the focus and discipline needed to deliver a powerful performance. It’s a delicate balance: allowing the music to take over without losing yourself entirely.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
No, I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m proud of what I’ve created.
Of course, by the end of the creative process, you learn so much that you might approach things differently next time. But for me, this album isn’t about perfection—it’s about authenticity.
The album addresses an uncomfortable topic: cancer. It’s not meant to be easy or safe—it’s meant to tell a story and remind us of what matters most. Honesty can inspire empathy and kindness, and that’s what I hope my music does.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
That I promised myself to drink only deca and here I am, with an espresso cup laying on the table, ready to run a marathon. Life’s too short for regrets—or bad coffee. Just like it’s too short not to chase your dreams. Keep an ear out—you’re going to hear about me.
Thanks for joining us today.
FOLLOW HER HERE
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