Interview with Alessandra Mele: the new EP Peperoncina, her Italian-Norwegian identity and her "The Queen Is Back Tour"

Interview by: Dunya Fadili

Translation by: Arianna Bartolozzi Bellantuono

On Sunday, November 16, Mediterranean Girls in Music had the pleasure of interviewing Alessandra Mele in Milan, on the very first day of The Queen is Back Tour. We attended the soundcheck, experienced the backstage atmosphere, conducted the interview and then plunged into her concert, an experience that allowed us to experience her up close, beyond the stage.

Alessandra is tenacious and bold, and you can feel that energy in her music: powerful, direct and deeply moving. Born in Italy and based in Norway, she also told us about her new EP Peperoncina released on Friday the 14th, a project that reflects the two sides of her artistic identity: the fiery, spirited “peperoncina” and the more vulnerable part of herself. We found Alessandra genuine, open and sincere as she shared what truly matters to her. After her success at Eurovision 2023, the Italian-Norwegian singer continues to win audiences both in Italy and across Europe, as shown by the many tour dates already announced.

The interview is also available in video format on our Instagram, you can watch it here. Enjoy!

Peperoncina, your new EP, came out on Friday. What was the creative process like and what inspired you?

Well, the title was obviously inspired by the Italian word peperoncino. But people have also always called me Peperoncina, in the sense that I was given that spicy, fiery character. Yes, it means what it means, but it’s also about accepting that more vulnerable side of yourself that, when you’re a peperoncina, you don’t show very often. Not That Deep, Non Stop and Queen Almighty are all part of that process, but Peperoncina as a title and a concept came to life together with the songs, not before.

If you had to describe Peperoncina in three words, which would you choose?

I’d say: spicy, strong and vulnerable!

What are the main differences or similarities you’ve noticed between the Italian and Norwegian music industries?

The Norwegian one is perhaps a bit more open to welcoming new artists, whereas in the Italian one I’ve felt slightly less openness.

Considering the music industry is still male-dominated, do you think there’s still gender discrimination in both Italy and Norway?

A few weeks ago I was at a Spotify Equal event, precisely to talk about equità (equity)… is that the word? You lose a bit of your Italian when you’ve lived in Norway for so long!

Yes, that’s the right word, don’t worry: your Italian is still very strong!

Speaking of the equality we should have, things have definitely improved a lot regarding the roles men and women have in the music world. Of course it’s still a work in progress, as you said there’s still a long way to go. In Norway, I feel a lot of progress has been made. In Italy, I don’t have enough experience to give an objective answer, so I’m not sure. But in Norway, in my field, I can say it has improved a lot. There’s still work to do, of course, but progress has been made.

Which of your own songs do you like the most?

I have to say I like Marameo even because it allows me to sing in Italian, and that’s not something I’ve given myself the chance to do often, even though I’d love to do it more. Since Marameo is one of the few songs in Italian, it makes me really happy to sing it!

In your new EP you bring together your Norwegian and Italian sides. How do you coexist with these two worlds?

My Italian side will always be part of me, it will never go away. And I’m so proud and grateful for that.

Which Italian song would you recommend to Norwegians, and which Norwegian song would you recommend to Italians?

To Norwegians I’d absolutely recommend Mina and Lucio Dalla. It would be fun to show them Mina’s Brava. As for Norwegian music in Italy, I’d recommend something called russemusikk. It’s the music they listen to one month before their final year of high school: there’s a whole month where they celebrate non-stop and listen to this russemusikk on the buses they rent for the month. They’re very expensive, around 200,000 euros, and from the first year of high school (which lasts three years in Norway) they start listening to this music.

An artist you would love to duet with?

I always dream big…

Why not?

Why not, absolutely why not! The artist who touches my heart the most right now is Rosalía.

Good luck, I wish that for you!

Thank you!

The concert was truly extraordinary. Alessandra filled every corner of Circolo Magnolia with her stage presence and a voice that dominated the room effortlessly. It was impossible not to notice the way she connects with the audience: no barriers, no distance. She blended into the crowd with a rare natural ease and delivered a performance that was intense, honest and deeply human, an attitude not all artists choose to embrace.

Her talent is undeniable and, to be honest, it feels like this is only the beginning of a journey that will keep growing. You can sense her experience in every note, and the confidence with which she commands the stage suggests a future full of important milestones. Who knows… maybe even a Rosalía feature, the kind that could set every platform on fire!

You can follow Alessandra here and listen to Peperoncina here: