From Milan to the Netherlands - Antonio Marro’s Guitar-Guided Journey, So Far!

"I believe that every musician should be unique in his or her way. Some of the qualities like stage presence and confidence are a must. Engaging the audience and creating a connection during live shows is very important too. So basically it's not only about how good somebody can sing or play an instrument. There are so many elements involved to be a great and successful musician"

Antonio Marro

1) Hello, welcome to the OG Music Blog Interview! First of all, tell us and our reader friends about yourself!

My name is Antonio Marro. Italian Singer-Songwriter living in the Netherlands. Music has always been a big part of my life. It feels unreal to have my own music now. Hope you discover soon which one of my songs is your favourite.

2) What made you want to become a musician/artist? When did you start your musical journey? 

I started playing guitar around 2002. Only in 2023 I decided to record and release my music. It happened without a real plan. I was overwhelmed by the events of life. I found in music the strength to move forward and get back on track. Music was my therapy. I didn't consider myself a singer or a songwriter. I found out there was something in me and it had to come out somehow. I just had to be brave enough to express my feelings in music. I write unfiltered, life stories. As I always say: "My Life. My Story. My Music."

3) Which instruments do you play in general, which one you love most and why?

Guitar is my biggest passion, I have a guitar collection and I need to see the instrument at all times. In all the rooms in my house. I love piano and would like to learn how to play it in the future. I also love the sound of the Saxophone and I'm really happy I was able to get it on 5 of my songs from the first album "Luckiest Man On Earth". It gives the songs a deeper emotional touch. The guitar is like a faithful friend to me, always available when I need it. Furthermore I'm really proud every time I write a song. I love the creative process and it all starts with my acoustic guitar.

4) What is it you are passionate about music in general?

Creating a connection with people who can identify with some of my songs is probably the greatest reward as an artist and songwriter. I like to write with the idea that everyone can offer their own personal interpretation. In that "space," the listeners can use their creativity to engage with the lyrics or melodies and experience them in their own unique way. The exchange of emotions is something magic for me.

Antonio Marro

5) Are there any musicians who inspire you?

The list is really long because I have listened lots of different artists, bands and genres over the years. Ben Harper has a special place in my heart because i basically decided to start writing songs after one of his concerts in Milan. It was October 28th 2003. It's birthday. What a magical day. Just to mention few other artists I really admire: Noel Gallagher, Ed Sheeran, James Bay, John Mayer, Passenger, Richard Ashcroft and The Verve, Ligabue... I need to stop now. Always loved to discover where their music comes from and this is basically a never ending musical journey. Also love a few guitar heroes like SRV, Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton.

6) Briefly explain about your creative process for any project?

My creative process normally starts with a sentence or a melody. At that point I grab the guitar and let the emotions out. Sometimes I have a whole song in 20-30 minutes. Sometimes I have the music/chords structure first and need to give some time for the words to come. In general I like to keep the songs as close as possible to the original version not to lose the spontaneity of the moment.

7) What kind of music you usually make or the mood/vibe you aim to create in general?

In general I write acoustic pop songs but I find it difficult to classify my songs in one genre only. I do have songs with drums, electric guitars, sax and more too. I like melancholic songs because there's something mysterious about it. I perform live on my own so I like to bring the songs back to the original version.

8) Have you ever collaborated? If yes, then say something about it like with whom or your experience in collaborating with others?

Not much to be honest. This is something I want to change in the future. I did work with a new producer on one of my latest projects. The song "Cuore Azzurro" has a different sound and energy compared to the other songs in my catalogue. In general I believe that collaboration is a moment of growth for any artist.

Antonio Marro

9) Which qualities do you think a great musician should possess?

I believe that every musician should be unique in his or her way. Some of the qualities like stage presence and confidence are a must. Engaging the audience and creating a connection during live shows is very important too. So basically it's not only about how good somebody can sing or play an instrument. There are so many elements involved to be a great and successful musician.

10) Any weaknesses you think you have or if you have any awkward moments/memories as a musician/artist?

I always considered myself more a guitar player than a singer. I love to play guitar; especially fingerpicking style. I'm not a great vocalist. Just like the majority of my favourite artists. When I realized that and had my own songs I thought it would make no sense to let them sing by someone else. Other singers might not feel the songs the same way I do. Therefore my choice to sing them. Few years ago I had a severe form of covid and my voice was almost completely gone for a few months. I thought it was over to be honest. The all dream of writing and being a performing singersongwriter. That was a sad moment I will never forget. Later I had to discover my "new voice" and adapt my way of singing. I still have to be careful not to force and sing to much. Covid left an unwanted souvenir for me.

11) Any particular venue you'll be performing at or release that you might be having in the coming months? A few words on it please.

I'll perform in Tivoli Vredenburg, Utrecht the 18th of March. It will be special because I was there before for a couple of concerts to see my favourite artists. Ben Harper or Joe Satriani just to mention two.

12) One last question. What's the best piece of advice another musician ever gave you or you might give to others like our musician friends reading this? Thanks.

Be authentic and don't give up on your dreams!

We at OG Music congratulate Antonio Marro and wish him all the best for all his future musical endeavours. Check out his music below ~

Website : https://www.antoniomarromusic.com