Damiano David, featured as the face of Vogue Italia’s January 2025 cover, opens up in an exclusive discussion with Pulitzer Prize winner Andrew Sean Greer. The artist, presenting himself in a fresh, new light with a clean-shaven look and a pink jacket revealing his tattoos, shares insights into his life in California, his decision to embark on a solo career, and his relationship with fashion.
Having left Italy, his family, and the Måneskin band, David relocated to Los Angeles to work on his first solo album. He describes the city as initially overwhelming and a true “cultural shock.” The absence of squares, outdoor cafés, and bike lanes, essentials in Rome, made the “City of Angels” feel, at times, like a desolate metropolis. However, he also discovered an unexpected sense of creative freedom.
Reflecting on the pitfalls of fame and success, the musician emphasized the importance of artistic consistency. He remarked that knowing oneself as an artist is crucial, adding that if an album doesn’t succeed, it doesn’t signify a lack of talent but rather a case of bad timing. He expressed confidence in his ability to create something remarkable, advocating perseverance in the face of setbacks.
His new album, preceded by the singles Silverlines and Born With a Broken Heart, is described as an “introspective journey” diverging from aggressive rock to embrace a more mature, reflective sound. With influences spanning multiple genres, the melancholic and somber tones reflect the trasformative phase he is navigating.
David explained how living in Los Angeles, where he was initially unknown, gave him the opportunity to reinvent himself. He described how he built an innovative environment of new collaborators and composers, a process that deeply inspired him and allowed him to set aside his previous work.
Fashion also emerged as a key facet of his personality. He spoke about his appreciation for how clothing can evoke different emotions, referring to it as an effective tool for communication a medium he thoroughly enjoys.
Finally, he expressed admiration for artists like Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, and Mick Jagger, praising their authenticity and humility. In contrast, he criticized those who adopt fake personas to mask personal insecurities, reflecting on how such behavior stems from a lack of confidence in one’s career.
