In the Istentales headquarters in Badde Manna there are days of intense rehearsals in which between a glass of wine and good food, the feeling of hospitality is renewed and the collaboration between Cristiano De André and the Nuoro band takes off. After the tour of recent weeks between Barbagia and Ogliastra, now for the Genoese artist a real full immersion trying various songs including the unreleased "Girl with golden hair". Written together with frontman Gigi Sanna and Davide Guiso, it will be presented shortly during the first concert together. So the date and location are still shrouded in strict secrecy.

Finding yourself back home

«I arrived in Nuoro on Friday morning – says the Genoese artist – there's no denying how I immediately felt at home thanks to Gigi and the boys. After a trip to the Pinu tailor's shop which made the velvet dress for me for the next performance, we rushed into the room and there it was pure magic." Not only. «It was like finding ourselves – adds De André – we met in recent months in Tempio thanks to Mario Rosati and Tonino Perrigheddu. From there came the visit to the area and the choice to collaborate together. I'm very happy about it."

The link

For the son of the unforgettable Faber, singing with a Sardinian band is an absolute novelty: «Up to now I have only had sporadic collaborations with Sardinian artists. This is the first real project I've gotten into. It was almost natural to accept the Istentales' proposal, this is also my land. And I feel proudly attached to it." He is particularly proud of it, while emotions flow strong: «I set foot there for the first time in 1968, I was 5 years old. Since then we have never left with my family." And again: «Seeing the memory of my father indelible in the hearts of Sardinians fills me with emotion. Despite the countless difficulties he encountered, he loved this magical island to the core. And he conveyed this feeling to me." This is why he is proud to point out: «I am a resident of Aglientu and I spend a good part of the year in Portobello di Gallura, where childhood memories are revived». When asked how his pop soul can marry with the more rock soul of Istentales, Cristiano De André replies: «After all, we are much more similar than you might think (he smiles). As a boy I took my first steps in rock with the group Tempi duri. In the Istentales I found that tone similar to me, but above all passionate and prepared professionals. Who dedicate their heart and soul to singing."

The single

Proud places the emphasis on the new unpublished work. In which the themes will be current with recent news events: «We produced it in one evening in front of the fire on the path, in an atmosphere of friendship. “Girl with Golden Hair” will leave room for multiple interpretations, from condemnation of violence against women to memories of my father around the island."

Double language

The bilingualism in the piece will be perfect, with some passages in Italian and Sardinian, for what promises to be a song that is a cause for broad reflection: «It will be a true union of intentions – continues De André – a starting point towards new goals to travel together. I'm proud to be able to do it together with a great group like this." And from the rehearsal room Gigi Sanna (historical leader of the band) also says he is satisfied: «Cristiano was a pleasant discovery. In him we found a friend and a brother with whom we could share common passions and desire to do. He will always be at home here with us. We can't wait to start hitting the stage together, embracing our beloved audience. It will be a great challenge."

While the shy sun caresses the farm, the music starts flowing again: between one song and another there is no shortage of famous songs by Fabrizio De André, crowning what will not be a simple collaboration but a journey that promises to be long-lasting.

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