"STARS" COVER EDITION - GLOBAL ISSUE
Photographer: Glauber Bassi
Production Photos: Milena Vitoria Clothes: LEONARDO VALENTINI
Pants of the cover: SIMON CRACKER
Design Director Hooks: Matheus Lopes Management: @gianninifabrizio / @parideclayton
Mysterious and enigmatic, MEW emerges as a new species in the music world, blending elements of dark-pop with her unique style. Born Valentina Turchetto on July 25, 1999, in San Donà di Piave, Italy, and raised in Jesolo, Mew's journey into the spotlight has been nothing short of intriguing.
With an Italian father and an Austrian mother, Mew's upbringing was rich in cultural influences. Initially pursuing a career as a hairdresser, Mew's path took a different turn when she discovered her passion for music. Working at the family's beachside ice cream parlor, she found solace in melodies and rhythms, eventually leading her to Milan, where she immersed herself in the world of music.
Mew's journey into music was unexpected. Despite her early background in dance and assisting her sister in opening a dance school, it was her encounter with manager Paride Clayton Surace in 2020 that ignited her musical journey. Reluctant at first, Mew eventually embraced her calling and embarked on a path that would lead her to the renowned Italian talent show "Amici di Maria De Filippi" in 2023.
Participating in "Amici di Maria De Filippi" proved to be a transformative experience for Mew, bolstering her confidence and refining her vocal abilities. With hit songs like "Mercoledì Mai" and "Vivo," Mew's music resonates with authenticity and emotion, delving into themes of love, introspection, and hope.
In an exclusive interview with Hooks Magazine, Mew opens up about her creative process, her music style, and the challenges she faces in the industry. From her introspective lyrics to her captivating melodies, Mew's music captivates listeners and leaves a lasting impression.
Check out exclusive interview with MEW:
1. What inspired you to transition from dancing to pursuing a career in music?
I actually stopped dancing around the age of 17. Then, I only supported my sister during the opening of the dance school, working as a secretary. What really pushed me to pursue a music career was my current manager, Paride Clayton Surace, who contacted me in the summer of 2020. The story is funny because I had work and my private life on my mind, and I had absolutely no intention of making music. Paride insisted for months. After a short time, I went to Milan to meet him. Everything was born from there.
2. How did your experience on "Amici di Maria De Filippi" impact your journey as an artist?
It certainly taught me to gain a lot of confidence in myself and my voice, making me understand my limits but also my abilities. I have strengthened my vocal technique a lot. I started to love performing in front of people, and I realized that being a singer is what I want to do in life.
3. Can you tell us about the creative process behind your songs "Mercoledì Mai" and "Vivo"?
"Mercoledì Mai" was born during a session in Verona. It's almost a stream of consciousness... I talk about many mistakes I've made, but in the end, I justify everything with the phrase “Non Sono Una Santa” - "I'm not a saint." A very intimate song brought in a catchy key. “Vivo” was born in Rome, inside the Amici school. I knew love there. I fell in love with Matthew, another singer, my current boyfriend. We got to know each other deeply in that context, and I decided to put all the love I was feeling for him into music. In the song, I talk about the past, present, and hope for the future.
4. How would you describe your music style, particularly the fusion of dark-pop influences?
My musical style is very real, dark because I often use sounds that don't fit into traditional pop, and because I often touch on darker themes. For example, in my latest single, "Posatenebre," I talk about depression.
5. What are some challenges you've faced in the music industry, and how have you overcome them?
The thing that gives me the most difficulty, even now, is the constant pressure. I feel like I always have to give more than 100%, and when I can't, I get very down. I'm still working on it. In general, however, music always gives me great satisfaction.
6. Can you share any upcoming projects or collaborations you're excited about?
I can tell you that I will sign with Universal Music Italy, that I will release a lot of music, and that I would like to do many live shows.
