Article by Marzia Picciano
We have reached the final of ROCK CONTEST Of COUNTERRADIO and by the Controradio Club association. December 14th at the Theatre TENAX of Florence, birthplace of the same format in the not too distant 1984, the final will be played with the six bands selected over the course of these two months (do you remember when we started? And it all flew by in an instant).
Returning to a stage of such historical value, one might ask oneself how the new forms of rock today will sound.
Because that's what ROCK CONTEST does from the moment of his birth. And moreover, as a special guest for the evening of December 14th there will be one of the bands that has been able to innovate and amaze the most with its debut, the Bergamo-based The Ice Cream Wizard. Afrobeat, jazz and funk are undoubtedly the sounds of the new faces of emerging alternative music and the elements behind their first album success, Who is Nicola Felpieri? Their winter tour began at the end of October from Santeria in Milan, and yet, these guys have been touring and playing for a lifetime (even with their mothers, yes).
Moreover, the jury also reflects, practically almost entirely female, what the feeling of evolution is, beautiful, can we say it? of the new independent Italian universe. We had already seen them at the beginning: Whitemaryelectronic quota, Coca Pumaquality experimental pop/R'n'b share and best emerging artist for the MEI, and two daughters of the RockContest: The lovernominated for Best First Film at the Premio Tenco, today the quintessence of the scratched and desperate rock that we like so much (I cannot help but think of the splendid praise that Paolo Benvegnù gave her when speaking to me about her) and Emma Noldealso nominated and finalist for the Tenco First Work Award and Best Overall Album in 2025. Two historical elements of Italian music are added to the jurors: Piero Pelù And Max Collini of the Offlaga Disco Pax (and yes, from this stage Pocket Socialism was born, therefore).
The jury will also include some of the most established and interesting recording companies: 42 Records, Woodworm Label, Carosello Records, La Tempesta Dischi, Dischi Sotterranei, Audioglobe, Picicca, Black Candy Produzioni, Dischi Uappissimi, Spinnit, Notturno Dischi, Hence Records, Santa Valvola Records, the booking agencies Locusta, All Things Live, Panico Concerti, Annibale and RC Waves. And obviously, the organizations of historic Italian festivals.
Who are the finalists
We are talking about names that we have already partly met on this magazine, having followed Rock Contest to interview some of the faces of new Italian rock music.
You will therefore remember the (quality) mess makers Fry Days (of Verona) and the highly experimental project of Prolex & Zac Blue (from Lucca). They add RXNN (Naples), Succinct (Chioggia VE), grape (Massa Carrara), Zoe (Pontedera PI).
We will follow the evolution of the evening and the winner. Stay tuned.
The final evening will also be visible in live streaming on the Rock Contest and Controradio channels and it will also be possible to vote on the website https://www.rockcontest.it/.
Daniel D`Amico for SANREMO.FM
