Check out our interview with Italian singer, songwriter and piano virtuoso Stefano May who fuses soul, pop and classical for an enthralling musical journey. The talented songwriter’s music is marked by hope, love and connection in the aim to heal.
Born in Italy, Stefano took to music at an early age and began classical piano training at age seven. He quickly gained notoriety by performing on popular Italian TV shows, and since then has collaborated with famed songwriters, as well as the famed director Franco Zeffirelli. Honing his craft further, the musician and singer has ultimately composed and scored motion picture soundtracks under the guidance of award-winning filmmaker Jamal Joseph.
Stefano May has partnered with the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation (ARPF) on his touching new single “Hope It Will Remind You”, a heart-wrenching and bittersweet dedication to those affected by the disease. The artist has witnessed early stages of dementia develop into more serious stages of Alzheimer’s amongst friends and loved ones alike and draws passion for this cause from his own personal memories. With the dedicated research of ARPF and the immense power that music plays in the healing process, May hopes his new single will shed light on the Alzheimer’s community and provide comfort to those suffering.
Follow Stefano @stefanomayofficial
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Hi Stefano, please tell us a little about you?
Thank you so much for this opportunity. I was born in Italy and during my childhood I was immediately introduced into the world of music. I am a classically trained pianist and can speak 4 languages. I love adventures, love surprises, love to cook and garden, and I love to listen to peoples life stories.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Self-aware, adventurous, dynamic
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
I grew up in a family of music listening to my father singing and playing instruments of all kinds. At the 7, I participated in an the Italian TV show, “Zecchino d’ Oro” where I performed a song that went on to be recognized around the world and I as invited to sing it at Pope John Paul’s Jubille celebration in 2000.
How has this changed your life?
My early introduction to TV cemented in my mind that music and performing is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Prior to the TV show opportunity, I was creating and performing my own shows at home and in my small village. I knew at that moment that my life had changed forever.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
(TBD), and a laugh was my first reaction. Being serious, I believe my sound is still developing as music changes every day as does our lives and who I am in that moment will define my sound for that period. For my self titled EP that is out now, I would use these three words; inspiriting, uplifting and encouraging.
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
One man, my father, Giuseppe Maiuolo. I didn’t choose, it was the music that chose me. I embraced the mission that was given to me.
Do you play any instrument?
Only the piano, I was classically trained at the Conservatory of Rome.
Do you ever get nervous?
I have lots of adrenaline and excitement before performances. I wouldn’t classify this felling as being nervous, but anxious.
Tell us about your new single “Hope It Will Remind You?”
This song was influenced during a time in my life when I was witnessing the unknowns of the impacts of memory loss diseases. I worked with my lyricist, John Smallwood to put together my thoughts and emotions around this topic and my producer Chico Bennett and I were able to really make it hit home in the studio.
What’s the story behind the song?
I believe that memory is what makes us to able to define our lives; past, present and future. Memory is like the hard drive of our existence and when I witnessed the impacts of people loosing their memory, I chose to write a song about something that effects so many. I am proud to say that I have been able to work with the amazing team of the Alzheimers Research and Prevention Foundation (ARPF) on this project to jointly call attention to this specific disease.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Through my music, to help people and connect them to each other.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
“De Brevitate Vitae” by Seneca. This book teaches us how to manage our relatively short stay on this earth.
What would say are the greatest lessons you learned so far?
To take nothing for granted and to always listen thinking that life is at the end, just a miraid of peoples points of view.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
To be less impulsive.
How would your best friend describe you?
LOL, you would have to ask them, but I would hope that they would describe me someone that they can trust, lean on, and love.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
“Opus 23”. I select this name because it’s one of my favorite Chopin compositions ever. All of the elements that constitute this masterpiece are ones that I can see in every aspect of my life.
What’s next for Stefano May in 2023?
My theme for 2023 is “accomplishment”. I want to continue to perform shows around the world, write new music and to be happy.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Tempeh
And your favorite cheat food?
Pandoro, and Italian Christmas wonder.
How would you explain your fashion style?
Tasteful, fitting the place and moment.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Health, love and freedom.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Elton John, he is iconic and I feel he may be the last of a never repeating generation.
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
Any wild island where I could enjoy its wonder with my friends and family and of course, find inspiration to make music.
Best advice ever given?
To never ask for opinions
Do you support any charity?
Yes, The Elton John Aids Foundation, St. Jude, ARPF, ASPCA
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
I think what we should re connect in 5 years to properly answer this question, lol.
Favorite song? Why?
“A Song For You” by Donny Hathaway because one of the final lines says “I love in you in a place where there is no space or time”. I am convinced that what what we live, called life, is absent of space or time and when we really understand that, we will know that our possibilities as human beings are infinite.
What do you think of Social Media?
It’s the easiest way to get to everyone with a “click”
Where we can follow you?
TikTok / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / YouTube
Website: stefanomay.com
Tv Series: “Scandal”
Favorite Food: Italian
Travel Destination: New York and Rome
