The Italian Progressive Rock scene has always been a fertile ground for concept albums, intricate arrangements, and musicianship of the highest order. With their debut album “Volevo Andare Altrove,” ARIANUOVA present a journey through human desires, memory, and the eternal longing to reach somewhere “elsewhere.” A project that combines
the experience of seasoned musicians with a modern approach to classic Prog sensibilities, the album offers both extended instrumental explorations and introspective vocal passages. We spoke with the band about the creation of the album, their influences, past experiences, and vision for the future of progressive music in Italy and beyond.
“Volevo Andare Altrove” is a concept album exploring the theme of human desire and the need to “go elsewhere.” Can you describe the moment or idea that sparked this project?
Daniele Olia: “We have always had the desire to travel and try new things, but actually in last few years, at a certain point, a more general reflection on life came up: am I in the place were I wanted to be? Am I doing the things I truly wanted to do in life? (common questions when you turn 40, 50.. but also before). You can guess the answer: well, in this album we captured that very feeling.”
How did the collaborative process work between the four of you, considering your varied musical backgrounds?
Band: “Rock, pop, progressive rock, are all part of our common background, however when you meet with other musicians you put your experience and your style at disposition of the band, but on the other hand you also have to challenge yourself. ‘’Learning happens just out of the comfort zone” , there is always a mutual benefit when you join a new project.“
Daniele, you handled guitars, keyboards, lute, and vocals, as well as writing all the material. How did you approach integrating these diverse elements into a coherent concept?
Daniele Olia: “That was not a problem, instead it was the key to get a coherent job. Progressing in parallel with the creative phase and the execution phase (for multiple instruments), allowed me to picture the tracks in my mind at an early stage, including the arrangement (that’s an essential component, especially in our style). So I could develop songs that hopefully sounded coherent in all their elements (instruments, lyrics, melodic structure, .. and graphic artwork!), and among themselves.”
The album moves fluidly between classic ’70s-inspired prog, New Wave influences, and modern progressive touches. How did you achieve this balance?
Davide Olia: “Actually some tracks remind the 70’s, others sound more modern.. That’s the result of all our backgrounds and musical tastes. Moreover, the various themes of the songs inspired different styles. However I think that the ‘concept’ of the album is the connection which guarantees a coherence of the album as a whole.”
“La Strada Buona” stands out for its lyrical depth. What message were you trying to convey, and how do you feel it resonates with contemporary listeners?
Davide Olia: “The song is probably the album’s manifesto, as it embodies its central concept: the desire to change direction and go elsewhere. A sincere mid-life reflection. “There is a need for fresh air” is the universal call that fades into the song’s finale, certainly also a message to contemporary listeners and to the current music world. By the way, the album’s title is actually taken from a line in the song’s lyrics (which also mentions “fresh air”-“Aria nuova”!)“
Rhythmically, the album is very dynamic. Luca, as both drummer and mix/master engineer, how did you approach shaping the rhythmic identity of the album?
Luca Bonomi: “Actually, along with Daniele we had already come up with a rhythmic idea for each track during the composing phase. When I recorded the drums, I tried to stick to the original idea, while adding a more personal interpretation, as close as possible to the Prog style of the album. I intentionally choosed not to exceed with virtuosity or complex fills and variations, in order to maintain the balance of the tracks, trying to highlight the dynamic flow as much as possible. The same approach was used during the mixing phase… I wanted everything to sound ‘together’, and the musicality to be at the center.“
Michele, your guitar work is prominent throughout the record. How did you decide on the solos and the interplay with keyboards and other instruments?
Michele Spinoni: “I joined the project at an advanced stage, so I tried to integrate my sound as best as possible with the tracks I was contributing to. Together with Luca Bonomi, we chose both the most suitable instrument and the recording chain. The performances were designed to blend seamlessly with the mood of the tracks so that the guitar could maximize their overall impact.“
Massimo, the vocals are expressive and central to the album’s narrative. How did you approach interpreting the lyrics and conveying their emotional weight?
Massimo Zanon: “The artistic encounter with Arianuova and the proposal to collaborate on this album by interpreting the songs, happened in a moment of my life when I was undergoing significant changes, in response to the same emotional moves that Daniele expresses through his lyrics and melodies. So I felt utterly involved into the songs, and I could sing in perfect harmony with them. I can add that my musical background was developed with the great Italian and international prog artists (Yes, PFM, Banco del Mutuo Soccorso, Genesis, Le Orme…), and although concept albums have always fascinated and carried me on their journeys, so far in my career I had never had the opportunity to actively be part of one. This project makes me feel proud.“
“L’Orologio Che Andava All’Indietro” is a 15+ minute suite. What were the challenges in structuring such an extended composition while maintaining narrative and musical cohesion?
Daniele Olia: “I divided the suite into seven distinct parts, composed almost separately (a couple of them..few years ago!) but with the end in mind: describe a journey back in time, in search of ‘lost time’. This journey had moments of fear, midway difficulties (the ones already described in “La strada buona”), moments of resurgence (e.g. the cosmic parenthesis of ‘the event horizon’ chapter, or the return to best time of early youth, in ‘the return’ chapter). When I finished composing this track I felt like fainting, like Dante in the salient moments of the Divine Comedy’s journey (sorry we don’t mean to compare Arianuova with Dante!!)“
The album includes both instrumental tracks and vocal-driven songs. How did you decide which ideas would be expressed purely instrumentally and which would include vocals?
Daniele Olia: “In the creation phase we already felt it had to be either an instrumental or a vocal piece. Quite often, deeper feelings can be better expressed just with instrumental music Visual presentation plays a significant role, with the CD featuring artwork and a booklet.“
How do you see the visual dimension complementing the music and the story?
Daniele Olia: “The album is accompanied on CD by a visionary artwork, with an internal booklet containing lyrics (including the English translation) , evocative images, and captions explaining the various tracks. Is is done to accompany the listener on the sonic and conceptual journey. With the same intent, some music videos were also created and are already available on Youtube Pity that less and less people have time to listen to a full album, or buy a full CDs (..as there
are less and less CD readers).“
How do the experiences and projects you were involved in previously — such as Qirsh and other collaborations — influence the sound and concept of this album?
Daniele Olia: “I recognize that at first listening, the project may recall the prior concept albums of Qirsh (‘Sola Andata’ and ‘Aspera Tempora’, still released by Lizard Records), but it has been expertly enriched by the experiences of all members.“
The Italian Prog scene has a long tradition. How do you view its current state, both in Italy and internationally? Are there any contemporary artists or bands, either in Italy or abroad, that you feel share a similar vision or have inspired you in some way?
Band: “Prog Rock is an italian excellence since the very beginning, and there are still a lot of great bands around. But is seems that nowadays there are more prog musicians.. than listeners! Sadly, contemporary commercial music mirror the lack of deep feelings and dreams in most of young listeners, who are then oriented by social networks and streaming
platforms. We really need to share the new works, and to ‘teach’ the new generations to listen to the good, original music, either new or from the past, before it’s too late.“
Touring and live performances can transform studio works. Do you plan to perform this album live, and if so, how will you adapt the extended suites and complex arrangements for the stage?
Daniele Olia: “Unfortunately, touring or playing live is becoming more and more challenging due to lack of places and opportunities. Of course some long suites would require a rearrangement (we don’t want people to get bored!!), it is what I did for example with Qirsh (for example the 18-minutes ‘Rumors’ condensed into 7 minutes), but also the other way: short tracks becoming longer by adding some solos or interludes.. it’s the nice creative part of the rehearsals when you prepare a live event“
Looking ahead, are there concepts or musical directions you are eager to explore in future projects?
Bamd: “Sure, but future will tell ! ��“
Finally, what would you like new listeners, who may not be familiar with Italian Progressive Music, to take away from “Volevo Andare Altrove”?
Bamd: “Try to think if you had ever felt these atavistic desires (success, luck, harmony, care for loved ones, being able to stop time, go elsewhere,..), then allow 1 hour time and listen to the album. We hope you can empathize with these songs and feel them closer to you. The final message: in life, remember not to just ‘wish to go elsewhere’.. but sometimes try to go elsewhere! Find the strength to change the course of things rather than suffer them.”
With “Volevo Andare Altrove,” ARIANUOVA demonstrate that Italian Progressive Rock continues to evolve, embracing both its heritage and contemporary sensibilities. The album is a testimony to thoughtful musicianship, conceptual ambition, and emotional resonance — a work that invites the listener to embark on a journey of introspection, discovery, and timeless soundscapes.
Purchase “Volevo Andare Altrove” here: http://www.lizardrecords.it/arianuova-volevo-andare-altrove/
Read our Review of the album here: https://progrockjournal.com/review-arianuova-volevo-andare-altrove/