A tour of the main squares of Southern Italy to share his music and meet new people. Federico Baroni, a LUISS student from the Department of Economics and Management, speaks about his Summer Tour and dreams of becoming a singer.
“Last summer I took an interrail trip in England where I had the chance to sing in the streets and squares as I traveled,” explains Federico. “When I came back to Rome I just kept doing it, playing on the streets during weekends. That’s how I got the idea to do a month-long tour in popular tourist destinations in Southern Italy.”
The tour begins and ends in Federico’s hometown, Rimini. Traveling by camper, Federico is accompanied by two cameramen to document the adventure. “I put a lot into my video diary, I think it’s the best way to show people who you are and all the hard work we’re putting into this tour while also showing the public’s response. A lot of people that come to my shows have discovered me through social networks, so they participate with much more enthusiasm.”
He discovered his talent for music when he was young, yet it was not until recently that he decided to turn it into a career. “I began playing the piano in elementary school and then went to a special music-oriented middle school. In the beginning, my passion for music was more induced than organic, so much so that throughout my entire high school period I didn’t play or listen to music at all. When I came to Rome and started my studies at LUISS I changed my attitude completely and picked up my instruments again to study music and write songs.”
The university atmosphere inspired him to rediscover old ideas and ambitions. “LUISS engaged me both socially and in terms of activities and opportunities. I worked at Radio LUISS to create a travel program. However, it was my courses that helped me to discover my entrepreneurial side and apply it to my passion for music, investing both my time and savings into a clear and precise plan. Organizing my Summer Tour, I looked for sponsors and presented my project to marketing managers from various companies.”
The tour will stop in the Marches, Puglia, Campania and Latium before going back to the coast in Romagna. Each stop is a chance for Federico to put himself to the test and fulfill his dream of becoming a musician. “I still have a lot to learn and do before I can consider myself an artist but thanks to this tour I’m hoping to make up for lost time and give it all I’ve got. So far I’ve been lucky to find the right people at the right time. In October I signed a contract with an independent label and recently I had an audition in front of Caterina Caselli. It was supposed to only last 20 minutes but it turned into a full-out concert!”
Once the tour has ended, Federico hopes to continue performing and preparing for the next season of a televised talent competition: “In August I’m going to work in Liverpool to continue singing in the streets and writing new songs. So far I’ve received positive feedback and I hope that everyone who has enjoyed my live performances will continue to support me on television, where they will hear more than just covers but my original songs too.”
