Interview - Tommy Cash: "Espresso Macchiato" was born by chance, like all beautiful things

Eclectic, provocative, desecrating. Tommy Cash is ready to surprise Europe with “Espresso Macchiato”, the song that will lead to the race at the Eurovision Song Contest. Among irony, baroque aesthetics and references to contemporary art, he told us what is behind his new catchphrase.

How was “expressed stained”? There is a very Italian imagination behind …

He was born by chance, as often happens with the best things. I had never thought of making a song in Italian. But we had this name, “expressed stained”, which sounded very well. It was my birthday, I was in Florence with my girlfriend, we had a coffee. And at some point I understood: I am coffee, pure taste. So, unconsciously, the song took shape.

Do you feel under pressure for all the imagination you are building, especially in Italy?

The pressure gives birth to diamonds. So I welcome it. I don't feel real pressure, on the contrary, everything is very exciting.
I am preparing like a fighter: I have my training camp, I have to be strong in the body, in the mind, in the voice. Every part of me must work.

Is there any Italian artist you particularly like?

There are many. But while we worked with stained, I thought of a certain type of Italian man. I grew up listening to Pavarotti with my family. It is a model, a legend. And perhaps one day Tomaso (i.e. me) can also be only 5% of him.

How many coffee do you drink per day?

Today four. It's not bad, right? It will be a long day … I'm almost Italian by now!

Your image goes far beyond music. How was it born?

It has been built over the years. I've always wanted to create something bigger than me. In the end, the line between who you are and who you want to be faded. There is no more distinction between Tommy and Tomas. It's all melted.

What does Italy represent for you?

All. Italian is a musical language, the design are fantastic, the cities are beautiful. We wanted to start with a minimalist aesthetic, but also playful. Andy (Kane) ate a hamburger and I had a coffee … so everything started.

What is the role of art in your path? Do you have precise references?

Art is fundamental. I also wanted to take it to the Eurovision. This is why we did things like John Cage's “4'33” remake, the silent song. There are 300 million people watching the show: why not give them something more?

Did you expect such a great success for “stained express”?

Nobody ever knows what level a song can arrive. Of course, I always hope so. But this time it came really everywhere. The title also helped: a word that you hear once and don't forget anymore.

How important is irony in your music?

It is everywhere. I don't take life too seriously. I face it with irony, lightly. I want people to ask: “Are you kidding? Is it serious? What is you thinking?”. I want to leave questions, not answers.

Are you afraid of the Eurovision competitor? Is there anyone who is curious to meet?

I don't fear anyone. I'm a quiet guy, I want to greet everyone. I still don't know all the artists, but it seems to me that Lucio Corsi is very interesting.