This past May, the 65th Eurovision Song Contest stage in Netherlands was exhilarated like no other thanks to the reigning band in Italy: Måneskin. The raw vocals, vibrant beats and dynamic personality of Måneskin has brought in a new wave of of rock ‘n’ roll fans and there is no slowing down anytime soon for this infectious glam punk group.
The Story of Måneskin
Before diving into what Måneskin have been up to recently, VALLEY wants to give a rundown on how they got there.
Formed in Rome, Italy, Måneskin is comprised of members Damiano David (22, vocals), Victoria De Angelis (21, bass), Thomas Raggi (20, guitar) and Ethan Torchio (21, drums).
The members originally met and played in their high school days in 2015, but they did not officially become a band until 2016 when they registered to compete in a music competition, The Pulse Contest. This prompted them create a name for themselves, settling on the name “Måneskin” with the help of drawing inspiration from De Angelis’ Danish roots.
Competing in The Pulse Contest further prompted the group to start making their own music. This led them to competing on the seventh season of the Italian “X Factor” in 2017, finishing second and creating waves in the rock scene by coming out with a hit cover of “Beggin'” by the Four Seasons.
In 2018, after coming off the success of “Beggin'” and the “X Factor,” the band released more infectious, chart-topping singles including, “Morirò da re” and “Torna a casa,” which were subsequently featured on their first full-length studio album, “II ballo della vita.”
During the rest of that year and into 2019, the group continued to release music and eventually went on a sold-out European show complete with 70 dates.
The Moment Everything Changed
Without a doubt, 2021 was a defining year for Måneskin. They competed in and won the Sanremo Music Festival, making them the Italian representatives at the Eurovision Song Contest. Måneskin’s song of choice was “Zitti e buoni,” and they gave the audience quite a show. Full of energy and passion, Måneskin won the contest with a total score of 524 points, making them Italy’s third winning act.
“We just want to say to the whole of Europe, to the whole world, rock ‘n’ roll never dies,” David said after the win.
To celebrate even more, history was made after Måneskin’s win. First, “Zitti e buoni” was the first rock song from a band to win the contest since Finland band Lordi’s “Hard Rock Hallelujah” won in 2006. “Zitti e buoni” and “I Wanna Be Your Slave” charted on the Billboard Global 200, a list that ranks the digital sales and online streams of global hits. It is important to note that “Beggin'” met the charts as well, debuting on the Billboard Hot 100. The song has turned into a viral hit thanks to Måneskin’s ever-growing fame and the fact that it was a trending sound on TikTok.
Stage Presence and Message
This is band is breaking down all types of boundaries and it is definitely one to see and hear.
On and off stage, the members defy gender stereotypes and wear clothing and makeup that makes them feel the most comfortable. You can often see them sporting glittery eye looks, decked-out nails and — of course — gender-fluid outfits on stage.
“We feel free to wear whatever makes us feel right, and we are also trying to send a message about blurring all these kinds of stereotypes, between gender norms and stuff,” De Angelis said in an interview with ABC News.
Along with telling a message through their clothes, Måneskin incorporates their passion for advocating human rights in their performances and actions on stage.
For example, while performing in Poland for a television appearance, Raggi and David shared a kiss on stage in protest of the homophobia that has been rising in the country. After the show, the band posted a video of the kiss on Instagram with a caption that included, “We think that everyone should be allowed to do this without any fear. We think that everyone should be completely free to be whoever the f*** they want.”
The Latest on Måneskin
If you are now looking for some new content or music from Måneskin, you are in luck! On Oct. 8, the band released their latest single, “MAMMAMIA,” and it is definitely a song to be played on full volume.
Looking toward the rest of the year and beyond, Måneskin has their second European tour planned.
You can visit Måneskin’s website and Spotify page for more, and let VALLEY know what your favorite Måneskin song is by tagging us, @VALLEYmag, on Twitter!
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