Tommaso Primo's new album “Vangelo Secondo Primo” is released today.
An album that is more than a simple collection of songs: it is a concept that oscillates between social criticism, introspection and a plurality of musical influences. To discover the background of this work, we spoke directly with the artist.
THE INTERVIEW
The album title, “Gospel According to Primo”, is quite bold. What does it represent for you?
It is a speech that could be irreverent, and I apologize if it offends anyone's sensitivity. I don't think it's a blasphemous record, but a personal and contemporary rereading of the Gospels. I transport figures and stories into the contemporary world, trying to savor other nuances and propose a vision different from the canonical one.”
How did the idea of creating a concept album of this type come about?
It was an idea that I had inside me for a long time. I have always been a singer-songwriter who loves concept albums, a sort of rebellion in the era of singles and musical hyperproduction. As a child, losing a parent, I found in religion a way to face certain chasms. But that concrete risked becoming a cage. I found my way in spirituality and music, which helped me confront the demons of life.”
Musically, the album mixes tradition and modernity. How did you achieve this balance?
The album was born from a singer-songwriter approach that could be heard on guitar and vocals. Then, thanks to the work of my team, Trigger and Alessandro Aquilini, we found a more modern dress. It is an album that ranges between pop, urban and latin, but maintains a strong singer-songwriter soul. I trusted everyone's skills and I'm happy with the result.”
Among the tracks, there are references to figures and stories from the Gospels. How did you approach this reinterpretation?
I try to transport the characters into the contemporary, writing variations that explore what their impact might be today. For example, in “Flowers in the Sahara” I talk about two lovers in an internal and external desert, overwhelmed by destructive forces. I believe these dynamics are universal and timeless.”
Were you inspired by other artists or works for this project?
Surely. I think of De Andrè's “La Buona Novella”, Kanye West's records such as “Jesus Is King” or the book “Gospel According to Jesus Christ” by José Saramago. It is not a new idea, but a need that manifests itself cyclically for those who feel the need to deal with these issues.”
The album cover is very striking. Can you tell us about it?
It is a portrait created by Francesco Filippini, under the creative direction of Luca Mazzoni. They told me to face it, literally. It represents the inner journey and responsibility for the themes covered in the album. I wanted something symbolic, but it was right to take on this responsibility. Through this image, the artist takes full responsibility for the irreverent title and the themes addressed, leaving the public the freedom to interpret the work as social criticism, existential analysis or collection of pop, urban and Latin songs.”
What are your future plans? Will you be back playing live soon?
I hope to return to the clubs soon, after a year and a half of absence. This album needs direct contact with the public. I want to create a debate, break down the barriers between stage and audience and share not only the music, but also the ideas and emotions with those who listen.”
LISTEN TO THE RECORD
THE CONCEPT
The first single “Jesus Christ Super Saiyan”, written by Tommaso Primo with the collaboration of Gianluigi Capasso and produced by Gianmarco Grande, is the opening song of the singer-songwriter's new album “Vangelo Secondo Primo”.
In the text, Tommaso addresses current issues such as politics and consumerism and through the Neapolitan dialect reinterprets the figure of Jesus Christ in a contemporary key. “Jesus Christ Super Saiyan” is a song that contains urban-rap, reggaeton and latin influences, creating a sound that brings back the Neapolitan tradition. “Blue Angel”, the second single also written by Tommaso, is a ballad and tells the impossible love story between an angel named Blue and the devil, who decide to challenge the supreme laws imposed by the “Patron” by seeking refuge among the human beings.
ABOUT TOMMASO
Tommaso Primo, born in 1990, was born in Naples and began writing songs at the age of thirteen, mainly using the Neapolitan language. His first single, “Canzone a Carmela”, was released in 2011, followed by a tour that took him to perform in Italian squares.
In 2013 with the song “Gioia” he emerged in the Campania music scene, obtaining over a million views on YouTube. In 2015 he released his first album “Fate, Sirene e Samurai” and in 2018 his second album “3103” was released.
The following year the singer-songwriter moved to London and collaborated with the Irish producer Pete Briquette. During the pandemic, in 2020, he wrote and recorded “Favola Nera”, a concept album that addresses themes of sexuality and tells stories of Naples.
Three years after the last album, Tommaso Primo returns with “Jesus Christ Super Saiyan”, the first extract of a new concept album, continuing to explore social and cultural themes through his music.
