About this episode
Damiano David is in the kitchen! From illegally busking in Rome with his band, Måneskin, to launching his powerful solo career, Damiano opens up about his emotional new record, the relationship between music and fashion, and his thoughts on that iconic “Rock and Roll never dies” moment at Eurovision. He shares stories about writing 72 songs for his debut album “Funny Little Fears’, working with Labrinth, and the differences in writing songs in English vs. Italian. Plus, he plays “Silver Lining Them Up,” a high-stakes elimination showdown where he chooses the next artist he’ll collaborate with. Episode Breakdown: • 00:00 - The hosts recap their week, including a Counter Melodies–inspired drink and singing with Rachel Zegler. • 02:00 - Welcome Damiano David! The hosts introduce the Grammy-nominated artist and his upcoming solo album. • 04:00 - Damiano shares his basketball-to-band pipeline and the origin of Måneskin. • 05:30 - Illegally busking in Rome. The police came 2–3 times a day, but the band just circled the block and kept playing. • 07:20 - Damiano’s Disney debut. He chats voicing “Jeffrey” in the Italian dub of Cruella and fills us in on his acting ambitions. • 08:45 - Old Hollywood inspiration. Damiano explains why he’s drawn to classic tailoring and crooner-era aesthetics. • 10:00 - Fashion and fast fashion. Why Damiano avoids fast fashion and how his personal style evolved with his solo era. • 12:00 - Clothes and songwriting. The connection between mixing fashion pieces and musical influences. • 12:40 - 72 songs, 14 made the album. Damiano talks about writing over 70 songs and the sounds that didn’t make the cut. • 14:15 - The song he fought for. Why he insisted on including “Tango” on the album despite label hesitation. • 15:30 - Born With a Broken Heart vs. Silver Lines. Where each song fits in the sonic direction of Fine Little Fears. • 16:00 - Labyrinth collab backstory. Damiano wrote “Born With a Broken Heart” on day two of his first writing sessions. • 16:45 - The songwriting rule. “We don’t leave the room until the song is done”—even if it takes all night in Joshua Tree. • 17:30 - The realest collaborators. Damiano names his tight circle of trusted co-writers, including Sarah Hudson and Jason Evigan. • 18:25 - Writing in English vs. Italian. Why writing in English helps him express raw emotion without overthinking phrasing. • 20:00 - “I’ll lick your tears.” The now-iconic lyric from “Next Summer”—and why the room let him keep it. • 21:30 - Rock and roll isn’t dead. Damiano clarifies his viral quote and explains why pop has always been a part of his sound. • 23:20 - Will Måneskin return? Damiano shares how the band is on indefinite hiatus—but in a good way. • 25:00 - Inside the industry. Why Damiano refuses to “live” in the music industry, even while working in it. • 26:45 - How he stayed grounded. Launching at 16, his proudest achievement is keeping his head on straight. • 27:15 - What to expect from tour. No two cities will be the same. Each crowd’s energy will shape the night. • 28:00 - Game time: Silver Lining Them Up. A rapid-fire round of ultimate dream collabs—from Benson Boone to Bruno Mars to Taylor Swift. • 31:00 - Where to find Damiano. Tour info, social handles, and where to stream Fine Little Fears. Follow Damiano’s Journey: Stream the new singles and pre-save Fine Little Fears, out May 16, at damianodavid.com (https://www.damianodavid.com/) and follow him @damianodavid on all socials. Socials: Follow the hosts for more fun content! @AnthonyGargiula @JonathanTilkin @CounterMelodiesPod Listen and Watch: https://tinyurl.com/CounterMelodiesPod Credits: Executive Producer/Showrunner/Editor: Louis Gargiula Consulting Producer: Renee Colvert