Gianfranco Pescetti is a composer and producer who currently resides on the Hawaiian island of Maui. Hailing from the Tuscan Island of Capraia he previously lived in France for a few years before moving to the United States to continue his music career. Pescetti draws inspiration from a diverse range of musical genres, including chill wave acts like Tycho, Aphex Twin, and Boards of Canada, as well as legendary artists such as Depeche Mode and The Cure. His sound has been favorably compared to Flying Lotus, Thundercat, Aphex Twin, and Jean Michel Jarre. Pescetti's artistic background is diverse, having studied ballet and danced professionally while also pursuing his love of music through music lessons and recording in his late teens.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Kamil) Hey Gianfranco Pescetti, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?
Hey Kamil, thanks for chatting with me!
From as far back as I can remember, music has always been my safe place where I could escape to a world of fantasy and find solace. I've always perceived it as a magical medium. I can't pinpoint the exact moment I realized that I had to pursue the sounds in my head, but I do know it was during my teenage years when I began taking piano and voice lessons.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music?
Aside from music, I enjoy gardening and hiking. Cooking is also a passion of mine - it's a creative outlet that I love to share with others.
Your latest song is 'The Wake'. Can you tell us more about the making of it and if there were any unusual things happening during the process?
Through this track, my intention was to explore the theme of melancholy, specifically related to the passing of time, the idea of death, and new beginnings. Unfortunately, during the process of creating it, a painful personal experience occurred, adding a profound emotional dimension to the piece, but also made it very challenging to complete it.
Can you reveal the recipe for a musical hit?
I am a good cook -so they say- but obviously I don't have that recipe lol.
What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as an artist?
I am at a point in my music journey where I feel that it is crucial to continue developing my own language, and doing so in a way that is authentic to me. Only then do I believe that others will be open to and appreciate it, but I do pay a lot of attention to what's happening out there as everything has something good in it.
What inspires you as an artist? Could it be the sea, the weather or something else?
Growing up on a small island in the Tyrrhenian Sea has undoubtedly shaped my personality and influenced the sources of my inspiration depending on my mood. For instance, a moody sky with crashing waves on rugged rocks, the scent of rosemary after a rain, the moonlight, starry skies... the list goes on, but also life events, both positive and negative.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
You have the power to achieve anything you set your mind to - I know it's sounds like a cliche, but it's true. Don't let anyone else dictate what you can or can't do, but most important always treat others with kindness, respect, and empathy. Everyone has their own struggles and challenges.
Do you have a mentor or coach?
As a young boy my ballet teacher was an incredible mentor who left a lasting impression on me. She not only taught me the art of ballet but also instilled a sense of belief in myself. Through her guidance and encouragement, she opened up a world of fantasy and beauty where I could express myself freely through dance and music. When I decided to pursue music instead of dance, she supported me and reminded me that everything in life is connected.
Do you think it's easy to become established in the music world, or is it difficult?
With the evolution of technology and the rise of streaming platforms, it has become easier for artists to release their music independently and reach their audiences directly. However, with the ease of release, the competition has also increased, and there is an overwhelming amount of music available to listeners been released every day, making it harder for new artists to stand out and get noticed without the backing of major record labels. So, while technology has made it easier for artists to exist independently, it has also made it more challenging to cut through the noise and establish themselves in the music world.
What accomplishments do you see yourself achieving in the next five to 10 years?
I'll be releasing new albums, remixing an old one, and working on exciting collaborations like writing music for a ballet. Additionally, I'd love to score a soundtrack for an old silent movie that's in the public domain.