Artist Interview: Alessandro Desole
Musician Alessandro Del Sole creates cinematic instrumental rock music that tells stories without words. His debut singles, "Wait and Watch" and "Whispers of Auster," have been described as sonic journeys that move listeners through a range of emotions. In this interview, Alessandro discusses his creative process, the influences that shaped his unique sound, and his passion for connecting with others through music.
Tori: How do you translate a specific emotion or a narrative into instrumental music?
Alessandro: For me, music is a language beyond words. The guitar is my voice. When I want to translate an emotion, I focus on dynamics, note choices, and silence. A vibrato can sound like a cry, a bend like a voice trembling with hope, and even the choice of scales can change the “color” of the story I’m telling.
Tori: What is your creative process like, from the initial idea to the final composition? Do you start with a melody, a rhythm, or a specific feeling you want to convey?
Alessandro: I never sit down with the intention of writing a song—everything is very spontaneous. When inspiration comes, it usually starts with a feeling. I like experimenting with chords until I find some that match my current mood or feelings. From there, I usually build a chord progression and start phrasing over it. Once the seed is there, I slowly build layers—melody, harmony, technique—until I feel the piece is saying exactly what I wanted to express. I also find it important to use guitar effects that emphasize the story I’m telling through my tone.
Tori: What kind of films or cinematic styles have influenced your sound?
Alessandro: Cinematic soundtracks have always inspired me. I love the way Ennio Morricone can create entire worlds with a single theme. Or like Vince DiCola did for my favorite movie, Rocky IV. That sense of storytelling without words is something I try to bring into my guitar work.
Tori: How did you develop your unique approach to the guitar, and what advice would you give to other guitarists who want to explore a similar style?
Alessandro: It came from listening widely to the way my guitar heroes have been using their composition skills and technical vocabulary to express their emotions. Over time, I blended those influences with my own feelings. But there were two specific moments that really changed my approach: two free guitar lessons still available online, one from Joe Satriani and one from Steve Vai. In the first one, Joe Satriani explains the freedom to experiment with chords to connect feelings to notes. In the second one, Steve Vai points out how a guitarist should focus on using only the techniques they feel good about to express themselves.a
My advice is probably the most obvious but the most effective: don’t just copy your heroes—use their inspiration to find your own voice.
Tori: You've been playing guitar since 1993. Who were some of your earliest musical influences, and how have they shaped the artist you are today?
Alessandro: My earliest musical influences were Brian May from Queen, Joe Satriani, and Steve Vai, and they are still my biggest influences today. I love Brian May’s harmonies and storytelling through guitar. Satriani and Vai opened my mind to expressive techniques and melodic phrasing. My biggest contemporary influence is Tracy Lambertucci, a young but very skilled and expert guitarist.
Tori: Your debut single, "Wait and Watch," is described as a journey from "melancholic vulnerability to fragile hope." What personal experiences or thoughts inspired this particular emotional arc?
Alessandro: It was born from one of the worst periods of my life, facing huge personal problems. Life has not been easy for me in the last years, but I felt that deep inside there was always a spark of light to hold on to. That contrast—darkness and hope—became the heart of the piece.
Tori: Was there a specific moment or realization that led you to write a song about staying hopeful?
Alessandro: I think we, as humans, all face difficult situations, and the mindset changes everything. Aging has taught me that accepting a situation that you cannot change and asking for help can open a door. That perspective inspired me to write about resilience and hope, trying to inspire other people in the same condition.
Tori: Can you tell us about the Roman symbolism behind "Whispers of Auster"?
Alessandro: Let me first tell you a bit about how I got the inspiration for the song, which is also quite funny. Two years ago, during my summer holidays, I was on the beach one day, and there was this gentle, warm breeze that I could feel on my skin, and suddenly a melody started playing in my head. When I started developing the song and needed a title, I wanted something romantic, so I thought about “Auster.” It’s the Latin word for the southern wind. In Roman mythology, it was seen as both positive for agriculture and destructive when blowing hard. To me, it represents the dual nature of life—softness and strength, change and stability. The whispers are those subtle voices of transformation we feel inside.
Tori: In a world of fast-paced music and constant stimulation, what do you hope listeners will take away from this contemplative piece?
Alessandro: I hope they stop for a few minutes, close their eyes, breathe, and let the music carry them through a journey. If the song makes them reflect or simply feel good vibes, then I’ve reached my goal.
Tori: Can you describe how you used different guitar techniques to create the feeling of warmth and transformation in "Whispers of Auster"?
Alessandro: In general, I have always thought that, especially for instrumental music, every part of the story should be represented by a guitar technique that expresses the feeling behind the story itself. I used layered harmonies, some legato lines, and dynamic swells to give the sensation of wind rising and falling. And, effects should not be forgotten. In the second, faster part of the song, I used a wah effect for the lead guitar and a step phaser for the rhythm guitar to both surprise the listener and to create a sense of transformation.
Tori: Besides releasing music, you also create educational materials for guitarists on your Patreon page. What motivated you to start sharing your knowledge in this way?
Alessandro: Because I’ve been given so much by other musicians, I believe in building a community. Teaching and sharing are ways to give back and to connect with people who love the guitar as much as I do. Also, I think many instructors talk about developing technique, scales, and chords, which is absolutely necessary but other important topics are not usually covered. So I’m focusing on things like tuning tips, hand anatomy explanation, and warm-up exercises—this kind of underrated but extremely important topic, especially for beginners.
Tori: What is one thing you hope people understand or feel when they listen to your music for the first time?
Alessandro: I hope they feel something—whether it’s comfort, nostalgia, or inspiration. If a note I play touches someone’s emotions, then the music has meaning.
Tori: What are your long-term goals as a musician? Are there any new projects or collaborations you're excited about in the near future?
Alessandro: My goal is to continue to create honest music that shares my emotions and resonates with people. At the moment, I am working on a new instrumental rock single, but no other plans for the near future, actually. But you never know!
Tori: If you could have your music featured in a film or TV show, what kind of project would be your dream fit?
Alessandro: A dramatic or introspective film—something where silence and atmosphere matter. Maybe a story about resilience or personal transformation, where the guitar can act like another voice in the narrative.
Tori: Do you have a final message for the readers who may have been inspired to pick up the guitar for the first time?
Alessandro: Yes, play with your heart, not just your fingers. Technique is important, but what truly matters is the emotion behind every note. That’s what people will remember. And, have fun.
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