text Martina Olivieri
Elena D'Elia, when emotions become songs
From his discovery of music to his time on *Amici*, and on to his deep connection with Florence
Where does your passion for music come from?
It comes from the guitar. In kindergarten, there was a nun who, when she played it, managed to gather everyone around her: it seemed like something special to me. I started with the electric guitar, then my father passed on his love for songwriting to me. I absorbed influences from Italy, France, and London, and it was there that I decided to study music.
What did Amici experience teach you on a personal level?
It taught me to fully embrace my emotions without feeling the need to defend myself, to trust others, to be patient, and to build things slowly. And I discovered that not being liked by everyone isn’t a problem – it can actually be a source of motivation.
How does one of your songs come about?
It always starts with an emotion – sometimes to express it, other times it’s the music itself that helps me understand it. Some songs come all at once, others take more time, but they always stem from the need to give shape to something I feel inside. At first I wrote in English, partly because of my surroundings, partly because in Italian things seemed even more real, and that scared me.
Which song is closest to your story?
Wanda. After a volunteer trip to Cameroon, I contracted malaria, and in the hospital I met this 91-year-old woman full of energy and a zest for life. She made me realize that I wanted to go back to living intensely, making mistakes, and loving too hard, without fear of disappointment.
What’s your relationship with your city, Florence?
It inspires me every day, not just because of its beauty but because of the atmosphere you breathe in while walking through its streets and countryside. I particularly love a spot above Pian dei Giullari: a glimpse of infinity that helps me reflect.
