There is a “southern” memory that binds Loredana Bertè more than ever to our south. A «strong and eternal amarcord, intertwined with this city». It only takes a moment, a minimal solicitation and the memory takes her back to ancient crossings, «to when with my grandmother we left from Reggio Calabria by train for Messina, she sold the eggs and then hid the money in the hem of her very long black skirt». And then it ends up that certain things remain sewn onto you forever. The sea in winter for example. Or the moon knocking on the doors of darkness. Gliding flights and never-ending wars. Friends and absences, amusement parks, strange men, expectations…
The fact is that Loredana Bertè’s life and discography touch each other so often that they overlap, to the point of coinciding. It happens when you choose to be rather than seem. At that point even those who write for you identify so much that they can write down what could be your own words. Author and performer, in tune with the same line. The voice, no, the voice is all hers, it is the entrance door, the way out, it is her and nothing else but her. She who will be just in Messina, on August 2nd at Capo Peloro for the tenth edition of Indiegeno Fest, the only Sicilian date of his 2024 summer tour. He will sing there, on the Strait from where you can also see his Calabria. Here, in this “stupendous Sicily, a land where it is always a pleasure to return”. Over two hours of music strolling through more than fifty years of career, in a “dedicated” concert. From the artist from Bagnara to the audience of the Arena.
Loredana Bertè is a blue princess. But not the female version of those who in fairy tales ran at full gallop to save their beloved even if no one had asked them to. Rather a contemporary heroine who knows how to save herself. Who, showing her legs, talks about the road, about steps back and forward, about dances, about paths, about travels, about returns. About strength, grit, muscles, fatigue, resistance and finally awareness.
The latest collection is called “Ribelle”, the song from Sanremo is “Pazza”. There is an unprejudiced manifesto inside, they are words full of Loredana…
“These are words that have accompanied me in my life, many times I have heard people say in a serious or ironic way “you’re crazy” but you should never be ashamed of what you are. Madness for me rhymes with freedom, that of being yourself. I chose the title of the collection, rebellion must always be cultivated, today more than ever… when so many rights long conquered are being questioned”.
Speaking of the Festival, first night at the top of the press room charts. And then that Critics’ Award named after Mia Martini. Is it the closing of a circle? Were you together on that stage?
«Mimì is always with me and yes, it’s the closing of a circle, we finally brought home that award which for me is THE Award ever».
What does it mean to you that “I’m Not a Lady” has become an anthem for one, none, one hundred thousand women?
«I have always been with women and for women, I am happy that “Non sono una signora” is a hymn to female emancipation, to the courage and determination of women».
Does the sincerity with which she has always spoken about herself pay off?
«Yes, of course, I believe that it is precisely because of my sincerity that the public has never abandoned me».
Is rock a superpower?
“Rock is a lifestyle that breaks the rules imposed on us.”
A dream for the future?
“I live day by day, I’ve learned to love myself a little, I don’t look for perfection anymore because nobody is perfect and that’s okay.”
Will he ever change the color of his hair (which has now become iconic, distinctive)?
«I don’t even think about it yet, children love them too».
Ps. Did Taylor Swift finally figure out whose “You’re Beautiful” is?
“Mine was an ironic video, but “Sei Bellissima” is mine, maybe the very young and Taylor Swift don’t know it and I let them know. The fact that people continue to sing it and dedicate it on various occasions fills me with joy.”
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