March 14, 2025 marked the release of Francesca Palamidessi's new EP, entitled "Wisteria", available on digital streaming platforms via PLUMA dischi. This project explores themes related to femininity and intimacy, symbolized by wisteria, a flower that characterizes the Japanese word 葛藤 (Kattō), evoking an internal conflict through its two kanji.
Article Key Points
EP Themes
“Wisteria” addresses the theme of personal choices in a context increasingly dominated by external influences. The artist reflects on how daily conditioning, coming not only from family but also from a multitude of external stimuli, can distract from the authentic essence of the individual. This state of disconnection is illustrated through a passage from “The Bell Jar,” which describes the paralyzing indecision that comes from having too many life options in front of you.
Structure and composition
The EP has been described by the artist as a spontaneous fusion of multimedia narratives, exploring the relationship between past, present and future through a series of musical and conceptual fragments. With a variety of styles ranging from avant pop to electronic, punk to soundscapes to contemporary music, the common thread remains the voice, used in a versatile way to express a range of emotions. The lyrics are present in several languages, accentuating a sense of disorientation and dissociation. “Wisteria” is conceived as an experience to be lived in its entirety, with the tracks that must be listened to in the proposed order to fully grasp the message about individual identity.
BIOGRAPHY
Francesca Palamidessi is a singer, pianist, composer and producer from Rome. Her musical education ranges from classical music to jazz, to contemporary electronic music, influences that are reflected in her artistic path and in her productions.
Over the years he has developed several personal projects, publishing albums and bringing his music to concerts in Italy and abroad. His style is distinguished by an intense and refined use of the voice, intertwined with emotional and, at times, experimental electronics.
In 2023 she released Madreperla, a concept album entirely written, produced and performed by her. The album, inspired by the symbolism of the oyster and the pearl, tells in twelve tracks the pain of separation through sophisticated sounds, between downtempo and avant-garde. Critics have defined it as "a precious album with sophisticated, personal and inspired arrangements, for a path from darkness to light" (Mescalina), "a labyrinth of difficulties and talent" (Sky TG24) and "a sincere emotional narration that becomes sound, offal and beat" (Onda Rock). Her style has been compared to names such as Aphex Twin, Björk, Arca and Caroline Polachek (Exit Well).
His works address profound themes such as vulnerability, healing and identity. His musical path is eclectic: from classical and jazz studies to radical improvisation, up to songwriting.
In 2019 she participated in X-Factor 13 with her band Monkey Tempura, after the release of her debut album Ready/Set/Go! (Filibusta Records), presented at the Auditorium Parco della Musica in Rome. In 2015 she won the Grand Prix at the Voicingers – International Jazz Competition for Singing Musicians (Poland), which allowed her to produce her second solo album, Amber Haze (Hevhetia), a collection of improvisations and original compositions with Belgian pianist Hendrik Lasure and drummer Casper Van De Velde.
Graduated in Jazz, she obtained a master's degree in Sonic Arts with honors, with a thesis on voice and electronics. In 2016 her electroacoustic work MIND was selected for the Festival Paesaggio Sonoro and performed in quadraphony at the Accademia Filarmonica Romana.
In addition to his solo career, he collaborates with numerous artists. Since 2018 he has been part of the Calcutta live band as a singer and keyboard player, performing in the most important arenas and theaters in Italy and Europe (Arena di Verona, Unipol Arena, Mediolanum Forum, Olympia in Paris, O2 Forum, Palalottomatica, etc.). In 2022 he worked as a backing vocalist for Elisa, taking part in the live Back To The Future and the subsequent tour. He has also collaborated with Robbie Williams (Piazza del Plebiscito, 2024), Marco Mengoni and Brunori Sas.
His creativity extends beyond music, embracing sound design, photography, videography and painting. He personally takes care of every aspect of his publications, building a strongly multidisciplinary sound and visual imagery.
Article published on March 17, 2025 - 14pm
I read the article and the new EP by Francesca Palamidessi seems interesting. The themes of femininity and intimacy are very current, but I don't know if this kind of music manages to hit like others. The fusion of styles is an intriguing aspect.