Track of the Day: Stefano Manotti – Borsa Nera (2023)
With coverage from Terzapagina Magazine and Rock It, to Radio Top Charts and Top Music Japan, Stefano Manotti is turning heads in his native Italy, Andorra and Asia. For just over two years, the Italian singer-songwriter, composer and guitarist began garnering a following with critically acclaimed music. In 2021, his debut single ‘Scorte d’amore’ started the wheel rolling which led to the well-received EP Ideale and an association with Paolo Schianchi’s international exchange programme bringing together the best young Italian acts. Not only is he making waves through studio releases, but his confident stage performances have people cheering along. The latest addition to his discography is the single ‘Borsa Nera’.
Following his EP Ideale, Manotti blasts into 2023 with the bold single ‘Borsa Nera’. Produced with Giulio Carmassi (arrangement and mixing) and Paolo Schianchi (mastering), ‘Borsa Nera’ retains Manotti’s soothing pop ballad tone. Showing the beauty of simplicity, the rich vocals meld with an acoustic piano enhancing a barebones aesthetic. Interestingly, while the song is minimalistic in nature, it is completely kaleidoscopic with the rises and falls in the melody. A strong rock-inspired guitar crashes into the tune adding a hint of drama before falling away to the raw intensity of the song.
As with Ideale, ‘Borsa Nera’ is soothing and gentle; however, a melancholic power lurks beneath the ballad. Manotti’s vocals traipse along the melody sending shivers down your spine, grasping at your heartstrings, and then comforting you with a warm sonic hug.
Truth be told, I have no idea what Manotti is saying in ‘Borsa Nera’ but honestly, I don’t care. In fact, I don’t know if I want to know. Italian is such a beautiful language and Manotti enhances its delectable nature with the poetic execution. I could listen to this song on repeat without considering its theme, however, the slight melancholic tinge captures its theme of human fragility. Filled with vulnerability, your heart breaks as he reflects on human relationships, existential precariousness and eternal instability.
For more from Stefano Manotti, check out his Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
