Stefano May’s music is nothing short of moving. His musical acumen coupled with his soul touching songwriting makes his songs a must listen! Born in Italy, Stefano started growing as a musician from the age of seven, when he received formal training, and was popular on Italian television. As Stefano’s popularity grew, he was able to work with famed producers like Chico Bennett on songs like ‘Crazy’, which is about the dark corners of devotion. His new single ‘Hope It Will Remind You’ was produced in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation, a cause close to his heart. Through this song, he hopes to bring awareness to the disease and use music to help patients heal better. Read on to know more about Stefano May and his heart wrenching music.

Where are you based?
Miami and Los Angeles.

What brought you to music?
The passion that my father instilled into my heart from a young age when I was still in the arms of my mother.

What was it like performing on Italian TV?
It was exciting and tough at the same time. Exciting, because it was so neat to be on TV. Tough, because being on TV is a different reality than daily life.

Your single “Prayer” is a melodic rendition of piano and vocal intricacies. Can you tell us what it is about and what inspired you to write it?
I wrote “Prayer” during the pandemic as a true moment of deep meditation regarding the fact that what we were living was absolutely sad. Starting with that fact that we couldn’t be together and ending with the fact that people lost their lives, “Prayer” was born as moment of reflection during those hard times.

Can you tell us about what it was like working with the famed Chico Bennett?
Working with Chico Bennett was a blessing. I had the chance to work closely with someone who was able to witness and work with artists that have made history. I was able to receive that level of experience in my production that led to us becoming very close friends, and this made everything even more beautiful.

“Crazy” is a much-needed song for these times! How did you come up with the idea for it?
“Crazy” was born literally in 5 minutes after becoming very upset with a personal situation. I found again that music came to help me and translated that moments pain into one of my favorite songs that I have written to date.

Speaking of songs, we need right now. we love your song “We Are the Power”. Can you tell us a bit about this song and what inspired it?
“We Are the Power” was the follow up of “Prayer”. Like “Prayer”, “We Are the Power” was born during the pandemic, but this time the song was encouraging each one of us to get closer again because as a single individual we are strong, but as a team we are so much more powerful. “We Are the Power” became an anthem of togetherness after such a lonely time in history.

Do you think music brings the world together? How would you describe your music to the world?
Yes, I am a true believer that music brings people together, the late 1960’s was a huge example of it. My music is uplifting, inspiring, and strives to help people through any situation.

Who inspires you the most in life and to create new music?
More than “who”, I should answer this question with “what” and the answer is real daily life.

Your newest song “Hope It Will Remind You” is not only beautiful, but heartbreaking. Can you please tell us the story behind this song?
Making this song really touched my heart and it’s probably one of my most personal songs that I ever recorded until now. During the writing process I was thinking of how important it is to live each day to our fullest and to never shy away from showing our true emotions often. I have learned how to say “I love you” every second that I can and also learned to physically manifest the tenderness of some moments with a simple cuddle. This song really means a lot to me.

You recently partnered with The Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation (ARPF). We’d love to know more about your collaboration with them.
I am a true believer in prevention for many aspects of life and found that their approach with this disease really aligned with my thinking and beliefs. I am so lucky to be partnered with ARPF on, not only this song, but anything that my music can help with in their cause. It was an honor to be part of their brain longevity symposium in late 2022.

Do you have any advice for someone with a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s?
My advice is to “make every day count for two” and to try direct dialogue with the help of music. Music is an incredible resource to help an affected person go back to his/her memories.

It has been a rough few years, how have you been staying positive during these times?
Absolutely yes, thanks to the help of my music, family, gardening, and my puppies. Everything in life happens for a reason, and we just need to be patient for things to return to some form of “normal.”

What is your motto in life?
LOL, I really don’t know at this time, but for this moment in history, I will answer this way. “I always try to be positive and companionate towards people that may not have the capability to be nice to others.”

To learn more about Stefano May, please follow the below links:
https://alzheimersprevention.org/
https://www.stefanomay.com/
https://linktr.ee/stefanomay

Photos by Roy Cox

Stefano May - The Healing Power of Music