By Giulia Piceni.
There’s a Ferragamo who feels like he’s got the right shoes when he’s playing. His name is Edo Ferragamo, 31 years old, son of Leonardo and nephew of the legendary Salvatore Ferragamo, the “shoemaker to the stars” who started with a shoe business that is now a global luxury brand. In his eyes, the most fashionable item is the electric guitar, a passion that began when he was 12 while watching the film School of Rock featuring Jack Black.
“My mother found an old classical guitar in our basement. I began tinkering with it, and after a few lessons, I was hooked and never looked back”.
During his school years, Edo Ferragamo formed his first band, and his musical destiny was evident by the age of 16. He dreamed of attending the best music institution in the United States and was thrilled to be accepted into the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts.
During his time at Berklee, he developed his determination, practised diligently, and, most importantly, exercised patience— all of which were crucial in shaping him into the finest version of himself, ready to take his musical career to new heights. After Berklee, Ferragamo moved to New York City, fully dedicating himself to his craft. Immersed in the world of music composition and production, he became a versatile artist: a vocalist, producer, orchestrator, multi-instrumentalist, and performer. Ferragamo then returned to Italy, where he embarked on his latest musical project, SLY The Band.
“Ever since I met Edoardo, we’ve maintained a strong connection despite the distance between his home in New York and my residence in Italy. Last year, he decided to return to Italy permanently. It was during a gathering at a friend’s place while watching a Fiorentina soccer match that I felt compelled to oversee his musical journey. He’s a true prodigy, and I wholeheartedly believe that we’ve only just begun to scratch the surface of his potential”, said Carlo Nicoletti, Edoardo Ferragamo’s Production and Personal Manager, praising the charismatic frontman and adept guitarist of SLY the Band.
Ferragamo and SLY the Band have earned significant recognition for their collection of albums, singles, and covers. In this regard, Ferragamo’s recent return to his hometown of Florence was a crucial moment that allowed him to reconnect with his roots.
Why Edo Ferragamo is an eclectic talent
What is your first memory regarding music?
The first memory that really changed my life was watching the movie School of Rock with actor Jack Black. I was 12 years old, and I heard the sound of the electric guitar for the first time. I was so captivated that I decided I wanted to become one of them.
Would you like to introduce to us the beginnings of the band?
SLY The Band is a musical collective that provides a platform for artists and musicians to join me and my musical ideas. There is a core band, but there is always room for others to collaborate, and our ultimate goal is to create the best possible music we can. The name SLY reflects a bit of my personality.
How do you position yourself in relation to the work of famous musicians when covering their songs?
I’m fully aware that I’ve chosen to reinterpret some truly iconic names. I’ve done my utmost to pay homage to their masterpieces. Initially, I was unsure if it would be appreciated or perceived as presumptuous. Still, when it comes to delivering a performance, you want to do so with songs that allow you to express yourself authentically without dwelling too much on external judgment. That is exactly how I felt during the recording process.
What makes Teatro Verdi in Florence unique and why did you pick that specific location for your music video shoot?
Teatro Verdi is one of the most iconic theatres in Florence and Italy. I have countless fond memories of going there to see concerts, and I always dreamed of taking to the stage there as a performer. Even if it’s just for a video shoot with no audience, I really felt like I was performing in front of a sold-out crowd. That place carries its own magical energy and atmosphere.
How does it feel to come back to Florence to start a new music project?
I spent most of my adult life in NYC, and I loved it so much, but my heart always longed for home. Currently, I am based in Florence, but I frequently travel to NYC for music-related activities since most of the artists and people I collaborate with are there.
I must admit that life in Florence is pretty amazing; it’s much more laid-back and relaxed. I’ve also realised how much I needed to be more connected with nature. Both city life and nature are incredibly inspiring, so at the moment, finding a good balance between these two different lifestyles is perfect for me.
Looking ahead a few years, how do you see your relationship with music changing?
Music is part of me, like an arm or a leg, and I will always want to have my limbs attached to my body. Additionally, I enjoy the entrepreneurial side of the music industry. In fact, we are in the process of launching a new record label called 27 RECORDS.
How do you feel about your family heritage?
I am immensely grateful for the support my family has provided me over the years. It’s a profound force to receive love, and sometimes tough love, from those closest to you. My family has taught me the importance of working hard to achieve my goals, not taking anything for granted, and paying close attention to details.