Damiano David discusses debut solo album, celebrity girlfriend, and memorable Springsteen encounter
Rock sensation Damiano David confidently entered a bustling hotel bar in downtown Los Angeles, clad in a striking brown leather bomber jacket. Seating himself at a table discreetly positioned at the back, he requested a refreshing orange juice with his distinct Italian flair. At just 26 years old, the Roman singer first gained widespread recognition in 2021 when his band Måneskin achieved global success with their rendition of the Four Seasons’ classic “Beggin’”. Prior to this, the group had already triumphed at the Eurovision Song Contest with their hit “Zitti e Buoni” and had secured a spot in the top 10 of the UK singles chart with “I Wanna Be Your Slave”. It’s worth noting that Måneskin collaborated with rock legend Iggy Pop for an alternative interpretation of the latter track. Despite these accomplishments, David’s primary focus during our meeting was his inaugural solo project, “Funny Little Fears”.
Crafted in collaboration with a team of industry experts including Jason Evigan, Sarah Hudson, and Amy Allen, the album diverges from Måneskin’s signature glam rock style, embracing a fusion of pop and synth reminiscent of icons like Harry Styles and Benson Boone. The LP boasts several standout tracks such as the emotive “Born With a Broken Heart”, which has garnered over 100 million plays on Spotify, and the ethereal ballad “Sick of Myself”, penned in dedication to David’s girlfriend, the multi-talented Dove Cameron. Notably, “Zombie Lady” showcases a cameo by Cameron herself, with the pair in the midst of transitioning to a new residence as we catch up.
Juggling his time between Rome and the City of Angels, David is set to embark on a summer tour featuring appearances at esteemed festivals like Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza before headlining a show at the renowned Wiltern venue in November. During our exchange, David disclosed, “We’re getting furniture and all that bull—,” alluding to the personal integration process amidst his bustling schedule. Asked about his partial relocation to LA, David expressed, “It’s mainly for my partner…I started everything here, so it made sense to have a life here.” Reflecting on his experience in Los Angeles, the artist commended the city for its sunny atmosphere and emphasized the importance of personal connections, remarking on the close-knit community he has cultivated with fellow creatives.
Detailing his approach to selecting collaborators for his solo endeavor, David humorously likened the process to speed dating, stating, “Basically, I speed-dated every songwriter in L.A. for two months, then I made my selections based on guts and personal feeling and how much we would click with each other.” Ultimately, David found his creative cohorts, fostering strong relationships marked by shared dinners and ongoing communication.