Describe your sound in three words.

Definitely not metal.

Can you tell us something about Simon Says? What’s the story behind it?

Ginge: While Simon Says is a track that sounds serious in its jazzy melodies and instruments, if you listen a bit more closely, you’ll come to find the song tells the story of a crush sharing a first name with someone in your family. Maybe we should call each other nicknames from the jump, or just kiss so we won’t even be able to say our names out loud. Or let’s just skip every step and I will call you ‘Mine’ from the jump.

You emphasize ‘inclusivity and creativity.’ Can you explain how these values are practically implemented within the Carbonara Collective, particularly in the collaborative process between artists of different genres?

I always look for collaborations that feel right—both personally and in the energy someone brings. Authenticity and passion are key. Genre doesn’t matter, because every artist creates music for a reason. What truly inspires me is when an artist is unapologetically themselves.

Everyone is unique in their own way. Behind every artist is a person with their own story, and it’s precisely those differences that make each collaboration pure and honest. This personal approach fosters an organic and inspiring creative process within the Carbonara Collective.

Following up on our previous question, how do you ensure that the Carbonara Collective remains accessible and welcoming to individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences?

I don’t consciously focus on ensuring accessibility because art is a free form of expression. It evolves constantly, shaped by emotions, experiences, and events, making it impossible to predict its direction.

What is essential to me, however, is that everything we release must feel right. We work hard to put out a release every six weeks, but nothing will ever be shared unless we fully stand behind it. Authenticity and sincerity will always be at the core of the Carbonara Collective.

What is your most honest and personal lyric?

We rarely write lyrics ourselves, as each track tells a unique story. We strive to collaborate with a different artist for every release. Sometimes the lyrics are deeply personal, reflecting the vocalist’s experiences, while other times, they stem from a topic we collectively feel is important to express.

What challenges do you think artists face today in maintaining authenticity while navigating the pressures of social media?

I see more and more artists, including myself, developing a love-hate relationship with social media. From what I observe, it doesn’t necessarily affect authenticity, but it does put immense pressure on maintaining consistency in posting.

An artist isn’t just selling a single product—they are building an entire lifestyle and brand. That means not only creating music but also releasing music videos, publishing press photos and artwork, and constantly presenting yourself to the world. This constant demand for visibility can be exhausting and sometimes even disrupt the creative flow.

That’s why it’s so important to talk about this with like-minded artists and creatives. It can sometimes feel like you’re in this alone, but I encourage everyone to look out for one another. By motivating and inspiring each other, we can make this pressure more bearable and keep creativity alive.

The fusion of music and gastronomy is a unique concept. Beyond the metaphorical ‘cooking’ of tracks, are there plans to integrate actual culinary experiences into the Carbonara Collective’s events or projects?

Absolutely! I can already reveal that our album will be a kind of audiobook. My goal is to create a cinematic experience—one that you can see and feel with your eyes closed. A full sensory journey.

To achieve this, we used an ASMR microphone to record sounds in a professional kitchen. From the whisking of eggs to the sizzling of guanciale, the ambient noise of a bustling restaurant, and a hostess sensually guiding you through the album—every detail enhances the atmosphere. I can’t wait to share this, and if everything goes according to plan, I expect that by early 2026, people won’t just be listening—they’ll be eating too. 😉

You mention your grandmother as a significant inspiration. Can you share a specific memory or lesson from her that directly influenced the creation and ethos of the Carbonara Collective?

My grand-mère… Where do I even begin? She is a woman I have been in love with my entire life—a source of unconditional love. And that’s exactly what I want to pass on to the world.

Her passion for food has always played a central role in our family. One tradition we have cherished for generations is Sunday Lunch: an open invitation for anyone who wants to join my grandmother’s table, where we enjoy great food, good wine, and each other’s company. From her French culture, she has taught us that food is not just about taste—it’s about connection.

She often says, when we truly love a dish: “That’s because it was made with love.” It may sound cliché, but believe me—sometimes clichés are simply the truth. And that philosophy is at the heart of the Carbonara Collective. (I even try to reflect this in our logo—the two C’s form a heart, connecting to other hearts.)

In what state of mind do you imagine people listening to your music?

Every track has a different vibe, so I’d say it’s quite bipolar. But if I take Simon Says as an example, I hope that when people listen to it, they feel like the *sexiest and *most sensual* version of themselves. As if they’re radiating energy, feeling irresistible. And above all—loved. Everybody loves you.

Thank you!

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