Francesca Pichierri is a voice you won’t forget—her melodies traverse the ancient olive groves of her native Apulia, Italy, while her soundscapes burst with global and genre-defying creativity. As an independent artist and vocal coach, Pichierri is carving out a distinct space in alternative and indie pop. With a vocal style that echoes the quirky genius of Regina Spektor and the audacity of Nina Hagen, she blends humor, introspection, and avant-garde experimentation to craft music that feels as raw as it is profound.
Her latest single, Io Sto Bene—released on November 29, 2024—is a testament to her ability to turn personal pain into a deeply resonant piece of art. Inspired by her mother’s battle with cancer, the track dares to pair emotional gravity with playful irony, exploring the facades we create during times of profound struggle. Composed with Italian producer Stefano Iuso, it’s a bold, genre-bending exploration of resilience and vulnerability.
In this interview, we delve into Pichierri’s creative process, the deeply personal story behind Io Sto Bene, and how she is redefining vocal expression. Join us as we uncover the layers of an artist who proves that authenticity is the ultimate form of empowerment.
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What inspired you to write “Io Sto Bene”? Is there a personal story or experience behind the song?
“Io Sto Bene” was inspired by a bittersweet memory of my mom. After her first surgery, just before starting cancer treatment, she video-called me from the hospital, still groggy from anesthesia, to tell me she was fine. I could see the exhaustion in her eyes and hear it in her voice—she was far from fine—but her effort to reassure and protect us was so brave and so typical of her.
That contrast between strength and fragility became the heart of the song. It speaks to the universal experience of masking pain to comfort others or telling ourselves “I’m fine” as a way to push through difficult moments.
The title translates to “I’m Fine.” How does this phrase tie into the song’s themes and emotions?
The phrase “I’m Fine” works on multiple levels—it’s a declaration, a defense mechanism, and sometimes a white lie. It embodies the paradox of putting on a brave face while struggling.
Through the way I sing it, I wanted to peel back the layers of that phrase, revealing the vulnerability and complexity hidden beneath those seemingly simple words.
Io Sto Bene seems to convey a strong emotional message. What feelings or ideas did you want to express through the song?
Life often throws us into extremely difficult situations: navigating those moments, especially when they’re life-threatening, is anything but straightforward. So, the song is about leaning into those messy moments and finding strength not in having it all together but in embracing our humanity and vulnerability.
Would you say the track reflects a moment of empowerment, resilience, or something else entirely?
I’d describe it as a moment of truth—an honest, real-life moment where different emotions came to the surface. The song captures the rawness of existing through uncertainty, reflecting the messy, unfiltered experiences we face in life. It’s less about finding clarity and more about embracing the messiness of the experience.
How did the songwriting process for “Io Sto Bene” unfold? Did it come naturally, or was it a journey of discovery?
It was definitely a journey of discovery. It all began with me singing “Io Sto Bene” on repeat, using a hammer vibrato—a vocal effect that, for me, captured the tension of saying those words without truly meaning them. From there, I sat at the piano, following the melody in my head. At first, I sang in a sort of “fake English,” but certain words kept surfacing. It felt like the song was speaking to me, revealing its story piece by piece.
As I asked myself where I was, an image came to mind—my mom, alone in a stark white hospital room, a window facing the sea. Suddenly, I understood what I was trying to say. Scenes began playing out in my mind, and the feelings they brought—confusion, fear, and the weight of being thrust into something much bigger than us—guided the song’s direction.
I felt her struggle, her pain, and her determination to protect us and push through no matter what. Those emotions shaped the music, dictating the textures and layers I needed to express the story.
I composed and recorded the song in my old bedroom—the one I grew up in at my parents’ house. Later, I collaborated with producer and musician Stefano Iuso, working both remotely and in person at World Music Studio & Live near Milan and Ciabot Music Production near Turin to bring the arrangement and production to life.
What does “Io Sto Bene” mean to you personally, and what message do you hope listeners take away from it?
To me, “Io Sto Bene” is a hymn to us humans—how messy, unjust and chaotic life can be, how hard it is to navigate, yet we keep going. It’s about how, despite the disorientation, challenges, and the overwhelming absurdities we face, we fight, we adapt, and we find ways to survive. The song captures that raw, imperfect spirit—the beauty in trying to make it through, no matter what.
“Io Sto Bene” is also a humorous odyssey. In my family, we have this way of facing life’s challenges with deep commitment but also with a touch of humor. It’s our way of making even the heaviest moments feel lighter, building emotional resilience, and finding the silver lining in difficult situations. The song reflects that spirit—it’s about how sometimes, leaning into the absurdity of life with humor and irony can help to confront its darkest moments.
Have you had any memorable reactions or feedback from fans about the song so far?
Yes, and I’m so happy about it! Many people have connected with the song and shared how it resonated with their own experiences. I’ve been deeply moved by messages from listeners who said it made them feel seen and understood, but also that it lifted their spirits and brightened their mood. Hearing that is incredibly rewarding.
One of my favorite reactions is how people now reply to me when I ask them how they are doing, with vocal messages saying, “Tutto bene, io sto bene, io sto bene, io sto bene,” mimicking the way I sing it. It’s so heartwarming and fun to see how the song has become a little inside joke with my audience.
Singing in Italian adds a beautiful layer of authenticity to your music. How does your language influence the way you approach songwriting?
Writing and singing in Italian makes me feel more vulnerable, but it also allows me to connect more deeply with my emotions and my audience. There’s a unique intimacy in using my mother tongue—it feels raw and honest, inviting listeners to step into my world in a way that’s unfiltered and deeply personal.
Italian also brings a sense of seriousness and solemnity sometimes. Because I understand all its nuances, I find myself carefully selecting each word, knowing the weight and depth it carries.
At the same time, I love writing and singing in English because it gives me a sense of freedom. It’s a language I can easily play with, especially when I’m improvising or singing in “fake English.” That freedom lets me tap into a more playful and experimental side of my creativity. Each language brings something unique to my music: Italian provides emotional depth and authenticity, while English opens the door to exploration and spontaneity.
How does “Io Sto Bene” reflect your growth as an artist? What does it reveal about where you are in your career right now?
“Io Sto Bene” marks a pivotal moment in my artistic journey. It reflects my willingness to take creative risks—both sonically and thematically—and highlights the duality that defines me as an artist: introspective yet playful, emotionally raw yet experimental, intellectual yet eccentric.
It shows that I’m unafraid to push boundaries and embrace new challenges in my music, while delving into complexity and crafting music that resonates on multiple levels—emotionally, socially, and artistically.
As an artist and storyteller, I see my work as a journey into the depths of the human experience. Through my words, sound, and the instrument of my voice, I strive to capture and articulate the turbulence of our emotional worlds, offering a space for reflection, connection, and understanding.
What can we look forward to next? Are there more songs, videos, or live performances in the pipeline?
“Io Sto Bene” is part of my upcoming concept album “Cellule Stronze” (“Bitchy Cells” in English), set for release in 2025. With its deliberately provocative title, the album delves into the physical and psychological challenges of cancer, as well as the social dynamics it creates. “Io Sto Bene” is the third track I’ve released so far, and there’s much more to come in the new year—new songs, captivating visuals, and live performances that will bring the album’s themes vividly to life.
For updates and for being part of the journey in real time, people can follow me on social media, especially Instagram, where I’m visually narrating this journey with videos, photos, and behind-the-scenes moments.
How has your audience inspired or supported you in creating this song?
My audience has been a profound source of support lately, especially those who have shared their own personal journeys with me. Their stories remind me of the universal power of music to connect, and their openness inspires me to keep creating and sharing my work.
As an independent artist, it’s not always easy to keep going, but knowing that my music resonates with others and makes them feel seen or uplifted gives me the energy to push forward. Their encouragement means the world to me, and it’s a reminder of why I do what I do.
If you could describe “Io Sto Bene” in three words, what would they be?
Quirky, Brave, Human.
