An Inspiring Conversation With Talented Artist Squadrito About His Single "Shouting Aloud" And Much More!

Released in October 2023, Fran's single "Shouting Aloud" is a great debut song that shows the talent and versatility of an artist who's gifted with a unique voice, great sound, and a very distinctive style!

“Shouting Aloud” is Fran’s official debut track, an 80s-style Rock/Alternative song, released by Californian label HD Music Now. Francesco Squadrito, artistically known as “Fran,” was born in Messina on February 11, 1974. A self-taught artist, he spent his childhood and adolescence in the Milanese hinterland until 2009. Upon moving to Sicily, Fran decided to pursue the musical genre he loved and gradually started to master it. A lifelong journey in music led to this original single, a song that signs a brand new chapter in the career and life of such a talented artist.

“Most of my life I have lived in northern Italy, first in Bresso and then in Cormano, two towns near Milan, and I must say that the latter has been like a second mother to me because I was a child there from an early age until I met the love that made me emigrate to the town where I was born. Messina, a stop on my stork’s journey, to which I am very attached, for which my blood has always flowed, for which I see and feel the simplicity of life and people, the sea of the Stretto, the impetuous and flowery mountains, the breathtaking valleys and spectacular views. And all this goodness of nature makes me proud to belong.”

Fran

Hi Fran, and thanks for being with us today at Planet Singer! Your latest single, the excellent “Shouting Aloud,” is your first original release and marks a fundamental chapter in your music career. We are thrilled to know more about you and your music, so let’s start from the very beginning. When did you discover your passion for music?

I have always had this passion since I was a child, so much so that I began to identify with the great artists and hits of that era at the age of 6. In my house, we listened to many Pop, Italodisco, and Eurodisco songs from the 80s, which entered my soul, and I still carry them in my heart. Later, I started indulging in karaoke with a cassette player and a very modest microphone. It was really fun for me, more than football or hide-and-seek.

Let’s talk about “Shouting Aloud.” What’s the story behind your song?

‘Shouting Aloud’ is a complex state of mind about a love destined to end due to the many causes, even the most superficial, that exist in a relationship. But which one nevertheless bravely tries to metabolise philosophically. And thus try to come closer to the thought of freedom, which, regardless, forces us to cry out, albeit with great pain and sadness, thus alleviating all the suffering of the heart for the renunciation of something greater than ourselves, such as love for a woman.

“L’Anima del Canto,” “Festival Pub Italia,” and “Tu sì Que Vales”; in your career, you have been performing on many prestigious stages. Among them, is there a special one you treasure particularly?

They were all good experiences, although the one on ‘Tu si que Vales’ left me with a trace of disappointment due to an unexpected and disappointing epilogue. My performance was never aired, and I could never find out why.

“Shouting Aloud” is such a great song, and what makes it stand out is your outstanding performance behind the microphone. Have you ever attended vocal lessons, or are you a natural singer?

I treasure your compliment. Without boasting, I have always been self-taught, and if I say so, it is because I believe that perfecting can help any artist of any specialty add a few more missing pieces. Let’s say that my passion for singing has accompanied me all these years as a hobby and pure enjoyment without thinking of a professional artistic path that could have turned me into a real Pop Star. I am honest, and I want to reveal that in the past, I underestimated myself despite the cheers and applause of those around me. I must admit that I carry enough regrets. But as they say in many people’s lives: ‘Better late than never’.

Another element that makes your single stand out is the brilliant arrangement and the dynamic songwriting. Can you reveal what your creative process is? How does your music come to life?

This track was written for me by a great American songwriter, Alex Nackman, who allowed me to stand out in the musical crowd. But the most important work was done by my sound engineer, Giuseppe Barbera, who managed to give the original instrumental version a different look thanks to his excellent technical experience in the field. My music comes to life from my musical past, and the aim is to try to salvage the styles of yesteryear: those of beautiful music, those of catchy music, and those of music within everyone’s reach.

Are you planning any live gigs in support of the single?

I’ll preface this by saying that my private life has many commitments outside of my artistic life: family, work, and the many things I have to take care of counteract the complete fulfillment of my musical forays, but this does not mean giving up. Yes, I am already thinking about that. Still, first, I am waiting patiently for the next release of the second single I am working on, and I announce that it will be completely different from the ‘Alternative Rock’ genre of ‘Shouting Aloud’. To lengthen the performance, covers of 80s songs that have allowed me to give concerts in clubs and town squares so far could also be incorporated.

“Shouting Aloud” is not only sustained by your great performance and excellent songwriting. Behind it, there is purpose, meaning, and, most importantly, narrative. Your lyrics talk straight to the listeners’ hearts, connecting with them on a deep level. How important is it to you to reach your listeners with honest messages to make them feel part of your music?

I consider myself a romantic, so I like to talk and sing about love and everything that comes with it to expose my mood and emotions to those who listen to me. I believe there is no better way to convey something pleasant and important.

If you could collaborate with one of the artists who inspired you during your artistic journey, who would you like to share a song and the stage with?

This question makes me a little embarrassed as I have imagined it several times during my modest career. I don’t point my gaze to distant horizons and don’t think fantasies become reality. What is certain is that I, too, have my idols: U2, Modern Talking, and Simple Minds, as far as the past is concerned. Currently in the present day: The Weeknd: dreamy voice, sound and rhythm! And just a dream would be to duet with Abel Makkonen Tesfaye.

Will “Shouting Aloud” be part of a bigger project? An EP or a full-length release would be great!

Well, honestly speaking, I haven’t thought about it yet. However, I thank you for giving me this suggestion 🙂 Who knows…

What are your plans for the future?

As mentioned before, I’m already working on the second single, which is scheduled to be released by this spring. Many things will change, from the genre to the authors, but I don’t want to add anything else. I hope for some important live shows. But above all, I hope to continue with my music for a long time to come.

Fran, it was such a pleasure having you with us today! Is there anything you want to say to our readers and your fans?

I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to browse through my blog, and I invite you to find me on my social networks so that we can share a lot of fun, chat, and keep up to date with my upcoming news. A hug to you all!