Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with mastino

Mastino

Matteo Mastino, aka Mastino, is a Sardinian singer, producer, and musicologist living in Spain. His music blends authentic elements of music history with a desire for continuous creation and experimentation. His work is not art, but rather a communicative necessity that leads him to undertake diverse projects, all characterized by an unconditional love for the art of sound. He is an expert in medieval music thanks to his studies in musicology, but he also has experience in music production, collaborating with the Banda Mala Records collective in the city of Salamanca. His latest album, SUGO, was released on December 27, as he prepares for his upcoming tour.

What is your earliest memory connected to music?

My first memory related to music is of my father playing the guitar. He is a much better musician than I am, and seeing him play certainly contributed to linking the figure of the musician with that of greatness. In part, I play so that I can be like him.

How did your passion for creating music begin?

When I was little, I thought that all music was made by the same person. I didn’t know that some songs were in different languages and, in most cases, I didn’t even know the titles of the songs I listened to. One day, when I was 12, my father came into my room with a guitar and taught me the first three basic chords (A major, E major, and D major). He didn’t teach me much else, but simply said, “From now on, it’s up to you to figure out the rest.” From that moment on, I understood that I could perceive myself through sound, which was confirmed shortly after when, at the age of 15, I wrote my first song. It was different from the other times I played. For once, I didn’t have to interpret other people’s emotions, but I could say how I felt. It was a great help to me, as I had few sincere friends and always hid my true emotions behind a very well-made mask. From that period on, I rarely stopped writing, giving it up only later in order to grow artistically before expressing myself.

What’s the story behind your current music project?

The Mastino project is constantly evolving. It began after many years in which the songs were only played live and never released, dictated by perfectionism and fear of judgment. But then, once I emigrated to Spain, I was lucky enough to meet Jaime, my musical partner, and start working in his studio. After some decidedly negative past experiences, recording music in what would later become our headquarters was not only easy, but fun and stimulating. The first EP released is entitled “Amor vol.1” and consists of a poetic musical meditation inspired by a famous book by Roland Barthes. In it, the object of love was cataloged and described in all its facets, analyzing it as a clinical case and deciphering all the inconsistent realities of love. Musically, it is a mixture of sounds typical of acoustic singer-songwriter music, with room for jazz and rock influences.

The second project, on the other hand, is called “SUGO” and has just been released on all digital platforms except Spotify. Compared to the first EP, SUGO is an artistic decision, an abandonment of the old poetics and “Italian origins” to bring out a more international, electronic sound, inspired by projects such as Jamiroquai and Daft Punk.

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?

My music is rhythm. SUGO makes you nod your head constantly and is energetic. The sounds are electronic, but there is still room for acoustic elements such as Hammond or guitar solos. The vocals are on the same level as the music, leading to unusual structures but with very memorable choruses. The lyrics are strongly socially critical, harshly criticizing an Italian mentality that is too often generalist and simplistic.

What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?

In music, as in life, it is not the notes you see written down that matter, but those you do not see. This is an important lesson I learned through my studies of medieval and Renaissance music at the University of Salamanca.

What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?

Omnisphere is definitely an essential program for my productions. I consider it a truly vast library that never ceases to amaze me. Furthermore, the use of Guido d’Arezzo’s musical teaching system accompanies every moment of my musical practice.

Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?

At the moment, I’m listening to a lot of old records, such as “Main Course” by the Bee Gees and Pino Daniele’s discography, but also Japanese albums like “Shambara” and “Flying Beagle.” As for indie artists, I find the projects by Lord J, a rapper who combines Sardinian folklore with trap and drill music, very interesting. I also really appreciate the project by rapper LINHOS.

How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?

My first project, “Amor vol.1,” was definitely influenced by my disastrous love life, while the second project is the result of my experience away from Italy, reflecting an emigrant’s view of a country that, in my opinion, is facing a serious period of social crisis.

What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?

What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?

In the summer of 2025, I was in the ancient monastery of Uclés to sing at an important mass. One night, during evening rehearsals, we decided to go to the church to enjoy its acoustics. During that moment, I understood something fundamental. Making music should not be guided by a subjective desire for greatness, but by the need to contemplate reality through sound. Simply put, if making music is common to all human beings, then its practice must be a communal union, not the glorification of the individual.

What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?

Probably a cave in Sardinia, or perhaps an important church such as the Escorial in Madrid.

If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?

Of all the musicians who have appeared in the history of music, it would certainly be interesting to have creative sessions with Schubert, Josquin, Chopin, or Liszt. Alternatively, sessions with Pino Daniele, Ivan Graziani, or Cranio Randagio would also be enjoyable.

Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)

Although I am on Spotify, I have decided to abandon that platform. You can find me on YouTube, SoundCloud, or Apple Music.

Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?

I would be happy just to live a life filled with music, where I can build a stable future and a family, without giving up on all those who are accompanying me on this journey. I don’t dream of greatness, but of stability.

What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?

I hope listeners will discover all the little hidden gems I borrowed from music history, such as the bass line in DIO DEL FUNK, where the melody is a variation on the ancient Kyrie cunctipotens genitor melody.

SUGO FULL ALBUM

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfvVzkfbyOpt4lhiZyQg2LRhoG_Y0HIur