Emerging from the vibrant Italian alternative pop scene, LESS continues to carve out a sound that is both nostalgic and deeply personal. His latest single, “Instead of Making Love (Say Hello),” captures the raw essence of early 2000s pop while weaving in contemporary textures and emotional introspection. Written from a place of self-reflection and irony, the track explores the fine line between connection and hesitation — a theme that resonates universally.
Recorded entirely through analog machines at Kapow Vintage Studio in Florence, the song embodies a warmth and authenticity that digital production often can’t replicate. LESS’s creative process is rooted in honesty and vulnerability, transforming his personal experiences into sonic storytelling. Growing up between Naples, Fano, and Scandicci, his journey across different cities and emotions has shaped a unique artistic identity that blends sensitivity with experimentation.
With growing recognition across Europe — from inclusion in the Compigram compilation to pre-selections for major festivals — LESS stands as a rising voice redefining the contours of alternative pop. As he prepares to release his upcoming concept album LOVELESS, he invites listeners to step into his world, where melody, memory, and emotion intertwine in the most sincere way possible.
Your new single “Instead of Making Love (Say Hello)” has a distinct early 2000s sound. What inspired this sonic direction and how did it come to life in the studio?
Well, as always, my songs start from the lyrics and a melody that keeps playing in my head. Then everything is arranged by my producers, who have a very different background from mine, creating this mix.
The track blends irony with emotional depth. Can you tell us more about the lyrical concept behind “Instead of Making Love (Say Hello)”?
I started taking things a bit more lightly, kind of making fun of myself for all the things I’ve ruined over time because of overthinking, fear of acting, or acting too quickly, only to realize later that I just needed to live in the moment.
The song has been included in a Compigram compilation and pre-selected for major European festivals. How does it feel to see your work gaining this kind of recognition?
It makes me feel really good and motivated to keep going. I think it’s important to enjoy every victory so you never lose sight of your goal.
You recorded the track entirely through analog machines at Kapow Vintage Studio in Florence. How did this analog process influence the final result and your connection to the song?
I’ve been recording in that studio for four years now, and I love both the working method and the final sound. It’s become something completely natural for every song.
Growing up between Naples, Fano, and Scandicci, you’ve experienced many changes. How have these transitions shaped your identity as an artist?
Beyond the artist, I think it influenced me as a person, and that automatically brought out the artist in me. The first years away from my city were really hard. I was young and felt quite alone, and that was one of the reasons I started writing.
Your songwriting often turns personal experiences into art. How do vulnerability and authenticity influence your creative process?
They’re the essential ingredients of my songwriting, and I couldn’t express myself so much if I weren’t honest, with myself and with others. It naturally leads me to constantly show my vulnerability, which I think is a beautiful part of the game.
Alternative pop is a genre that thrives on experimentation. How do you see your sound evolving within this space, and what makes it uniquely yours?
There’s definitely a lot of freedom since it’s based on experimentation. There’s never a limit to where a song could go or what genre it could fit into, and that’s something I really enjoy.
Can you give us a glimpse into what’s next for you? Are there upcoming releases or collaborations we should look forward to?
Absolutely yes! More singles are coming soon, not just one, and then the full album will be released. Over time it’s turned into a concept album, which I didn’t expect at all, but I’m really happy with the result. Stay tuned!
Many listeners describe your voice as both intimate and powerful. How do you approach vocal expression when translating emotion into sound?
It’s all very much in sync. Things come naturally and I just follow the pen.
What message or feeling do you hope listeners take away from “Instead of Making Love (Say Hello)” and from your upcoming album LOVELESS?
Simply that they see themselves in the lyrics and let the music carry them, that they make my experience their own. It’s an album based mainly on feelings, the only thing that truly connects us all.