Luca Latorre, known for his outstanding achievements in international singing competitions, returns with a new project, the “Releituras” EP. This release delves into the world of reinterpretation, offering a collection of classic hits and timeless melodies with a unique twist. Reimagining Brazilian and international hits, this EP keeps the tone intimate and unplugged, bringing out the nostalgia of songs that have marked an era. As part of a new wave of musical talent in Brazil, Luca Latorre demonstrates his versatility by recreating songs that have shaped his musical journey.
How did you come up with the idea of creating an EP focused on “re-readings” of classic Brazilian and international songs?
It was a long-standing desire to have projects to showcase my interpretation. The EP Releituras can be said to be the materialisation of the first project with songs in a style more in line with my work as an author and the release schedule designed with the label.
How did you select the tracks to be reinterpreted on the EP? Were there any special criteria when choosing the songs?
For the Releituras project, I basically chose songs that have marked my life, my career and that I have a special feeling for, almost like flash backs.
When reimagining these classics, what was the biggest challenge you faced to ensure that each reinterpretation had a unique feel?
I believe that music has the power to bring up memories. And realising this project with production by Jeff Pina, who arranged and recorded the guitars that delivered the “giant” songs (even if they were simple in terms of this intimate invitation) for the voice recordings, allowed Raphael Ota and Brolo Gonzalez (who have been helping me in this vocal recording stage) to guide me in letting these emotions emerge.
Lorenza Pozza has also been an inspiration and has helped me a lot with tips on interpretation, vocal care, exercises, and gave me a panorama and some vocal coaching sessions for my birthday this year, which I’ve been doing ever since. It sounds like an exaggeration, but everything, every detail and every collaboration is very important.
“Releituras” maintains an intimate, unplugged tone. Can you share a little about your approach to the production process, especially in relation to this more acoustic atmosphere?
We wanted to maintain the energy and tone of the previous EP, Acústico Nós 2. We noticed that the public got particularly involved with the acoustic versions, especially with the lyrics and my interpretation. Trying to bring freshness and pique people’s curiosity in this invitation to be moved in other ways by these hits was something we really thought about.
Among the songs you’ve recreated, is there one that has a special meaning for you? If so, could you share that meaning?
They all do, but Stand By Me for example is perhaps one of the songs of my life, it was the soundtrack to two of the most memorable days in my career, the American Idol Experience awards in the United States and Talent Move in Italy. As a curiosity, Thinking of You was the only song presented to me by Lorenza Pozza (she loves this song), it wasn’t in the selection and I fell in love with it, thought it had everything to do with my work and decided to record it. I was very happy with this choice and with the result.
You’re internationally recognised for your musical talent. How has this international exposure influenced your style and approach to music?
I believe that these moments of international recognition have been very important in strengthening the interior of Luca Latorre. It’s a balance that gives us a different perspective on the path and the process. In these 10 years between one award and another, I’ve been able to see significant gains and revisit points that were interrupted. I’m a great believer in the process.
As well as being a singer, you’re also a composer. How has songwriting influenced or been reflected in your reinterpretations of these classic songs?
The composer has this desire to create, produce and deliver new things all the time. This is sometimes a challenge, especially because sometimes I’ve unconsciously forced other tempos when performing songs, singing in time signature and sometimes out of tune. It’s crazy! It’s automatic! It’s a way of dressing, of taking the song in a way that I’ve policed myself because the audience expects it to be performed in the familiar structure. That’s how it should be. What happens with my songs or re- recordings is that I leave my signature on the interpretations and that’s the most important thing in my opinion.
The EP “Releituras” features a mix of Brazilian and international songs. Do you notice any differences in the process of reinterpreting songs from these two backgrounds?
Not necessarily in terms of feeling, but of course there is a naturalness and even proficiency when I sing in Portuguese. Each language has its own sounds and even rhythms, so to speak, which can be a challenge when performing and which can lead to adjustments. From the audience’s point of view, there may be certain expectations and pronunciation standards for foreign languages, and obviously from the artist’s and team’s point of view there is a concern for correct English and good execution.
Considering that the EP brings a connection between the musical past and present, how do you see this fusion of nostalgic elements with a contemporary approach?
I’m in love with this project. It’s an honour to have timeless songs on Releituras with arrangements and a final result that, according to the feedback we’ve received, has brought an “intimate” and “inviting” “I want more” tone.
What are your future plans after the release of the “Releituras” EP? Are there any projects or collaborations you’re currently working on that you’d like to share?
We’re in full swing. Last Friday, 27 October, we released the single Eu Te prometo, my second feat with Lorenza Pozza, which celebrates our love. The second reinterpretation project is in the final stages of recording and is due to be released at the end of November with six standard and classic songs to celebrate my season of piano and voice performances on Wednesdays on the terrace in Italy. For the first quarter of 2024, we’re also in the final stages of recording singles and my first album, as yet untitled, and for the second half of the year we’ll be launching my children’s project.
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