INTERVIEW: Brand new single from Less

Born in Naples in 2001 and raised in the small town of Arzano, Less has recently arrived as one of Italy’s most intriguing new artists, a voice shaped by movement, loss and a pursuit of identity. The daughter of two leather workers, her childhood was marked by constant change, a nomadic rhythm that taught her early the value of determination. When her family eventually relocated to Florence in search of new beginnings, Less faced the heartbreak of losing her grandmother, a key figure in her early life. At 14, she came to terms with her sexual orientation, a revelation that brought conflict at home but also became the catalyst for her artistic awakening.

Songwriting became her refuge, a space where she could exist freely and by the time the pandemic hit, isolation became opportunity. While the rest of the world seemed to slow down, Less built her own home studio, learning to record and produce as a way of reclaiming control over her art. That creative independence led to an important meeting with producers Lorenzo Santi and Federico Maremmi, both based at Florence’s Kapow Vintage Studio alongside Marco Lega. That collaboration quickly grew into something deeper, resulting in a creative partnership based in trust, experimentation and shared vision. Together, they’ve created a sound that blends the warmth of analogue recording with a modern emotional context, allowing Less to stride toward new artistic horizons.

Now based in Florence, Less forges music wrapped in feeling, drawing from psychedelic rock textures and indie pop appeal to form a thoroughly original and truly engaging musical output. This year, she’s stepped out as a solo artist, making her entrance in January with her debut single “I Need All Your Love,” followed up with the sophomore outing “Up and Down” the next month, both lifted from upcoming debut full-length record, LOVELESS.

Now she returns with her latest release, bringing us her brand new third single titled “Instead of Making Love (Say Hello),” a song which reveals another facet of her developing artistic vision. Infused with an early 2000s aesthetic, the track channels irony and emotional candour in equal measure, signalling a growing confidence in both her songwriting and vocal delivery. Penned and recorded with her producers at Kapow Vintage Studio entirely through analogue equipment, the song captures Less at a transitional moment; stepping from adolescence into adulthood while embracing the complexity of her emotions.

The track’s inclusion on a Compigram compilation and its pre-selection for major European festivals underline her rising profile beyond Italy. Brought in by Less’ smooth vocal leads, the gentle arrangement of tapped percussion, warm bass lines and the intricate twang of lead guitar notes swirl around her voice to form a slick, rock-tinged indie pop outing that flows with elegant melodies carrying emotive lyrical writing.

Built on a mellow groove, capped by alluring vocal performance and peppered with delicate instrumental flourishes, the chorus lands with instantly catchy hooks and energising rhythm, resulting in a memorable and utterly charming jam from start to finish. Putting her songwriting talent and performance panache on full display, “Instead of Making Love (Say Hello)” sees Less continue to go from strength to strength with each move on what’s sure to be her breakout year.

We caught up with Less to find out more about her musical journey so far, her new single “Instead of Making Love (Say Hello)” and what she’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Less below.

Hey Less, how’s things?

Really good! The new single just came out and I’m getting ready for the album release: I’d say I’m more pumped than ever!

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

Well, I think it’s more of a period than a single memory. I was around 13, and one day while walking my dog without headphones, I realized that half the melodies in my head didn’t actually exist. Shortly after that, a friend suggested I start writing, and I never stopped.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

There’s not one specific artist at the moment. I take inspiration from all sorts of things, live shows, the way people write or sing, but when I first started out, I really admired Ed Sheeran’s approach. Just voice and guitar, very raw and genuine, I saw myself a lot in that.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

It’s really a mix of everything, feelings, rough times, stress. More than looking for inspiration, I try to let things out in a constructive way. I think it’s essential to keep living experiences, all kinds of them, and then turn them into music, something universal. My songs are mainly based on my life, so the best way to find inspiration is simply to live. The words just come on their own after that.

What’s been your highlight for the year so far?

Writing four completely different songs in just two months, between June and July, gave me such a huge boost. It really pushed me to write more. There’s been a real evolution throughout the year, and I’m honestly very happy about that.

What do you love about the Italian music scene?

That’s a tough one! I really appreciate some contemporary artists, but it’s hard to find my place here. The Italian scene right now is very focused on rap, trap, and commercial pop, genres that are pretty different from mine, so it’s not easy to fit in. But I’m not giving up!

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

It depends on the kind of performance. For an acoustic set, even a cozy pub where people can really listen works perfectly. But with the band, it’s much more rock and danceable. I honestly don’t think there’s a “perfect” setting, it’s all about connecting with the audience, no matter where you are. Of course, I’d love to play in big venues with lots of people, but what matters most to me is creating that connection, whether it’s in a small room or in front of a huge crowd.

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

Definitely! Every year feels like a turning point. These years have been full of growth, personal and musical, and whenever I change, my music changes with me.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

Definitely Post Malone, I love him! But also Teddy Swims. I adore their approach and the way they sing. I always get lost in their songs, even though they’re two completely different artists.

How did you find making your new single “Instead of Making Love (Say Hello)”?

It was tough but really interesting. It was the first of the four new songs to be fully arranged, and it was challenging for me to accept the genre shift, it happened so fast, and the arrangement was very different from the songs already released or from those on the album that were written earlier. I had to train my ear a bit, and I argued a little with my producers at first because some things didn’t convince me, but they were right then, and they’re right now. I’m glad they pushed for it, because now I absolutely love this song!

Listen to Instead of Making Love (Say Hello) below