In the midst of the bustling Italian music scene, one band has managed to capture the attention of audiences with their unique blend of emo and hearty post-hardcore. Hailing from Bologna, Italy, the band is known as Bulgarelli, and they have become a staple in the local music community. Now it’s time to launch it through international waves and get you hooked!
The band’s story began in the summer of 2017, when they first met and decided to form a band while hanging out in a small park in Via Belmeloro. They bonded over their love for emo and post-hardcore music, drawing inspiration from bands like Rainer Maria, Sunny Day Real Estate, Braid, and Christie Front Drive, as well as midwest emo bands such as Cap’n Jazz and Algernon Cadwallader.
Despite none of the members hailing from Bologna, they all moved to the city to study and explore the vibrant music scene. Francesco, Paolo, and Gianni are from Sardinia, while Davide comes from the suburbs of Ferrara. They all played in different bands before forming Bulgarelli, with Francesco still playing in another band presently.
“We all came from previous bands: Francesco played in Fujima, Davide played in Greynadine, and Gianni and Paolo played in Jack’s Bone. Actually, the only one of us who’s still playing with other bands right now is Francesco.” – says the band.
As a band, Bulgarelli has a keen sense of nostalgia for the 90s, drawing inspiration from the era’s sounds and vibes. However, each member has their own unique taste in music, which adds to the band’s diverse sound. Davide enjoys instrumental rap, while Gianni has a love for modern trap music.
Bologna has become a hotbed for new emo bands, and Bulgarelli is at the forefront of this movement. However, their influences and references are mainly drawn from the American scene, setting them apart from their contemporaries. Despite the growing scene, the city is also a place where new collaborations and events can be found, and it’s clear that the band’s music is resonating with a wider audience.
Looking towards the future, Bulgarelli has their sights set on recording their first album, which is slated to be released later this fall. The band is currently seeking out DIY labels to help with the release process, and once the album is out, they plan to promote it through as many gigs as possible.
Bulgarelli has managed to carve out a unique space in the Italian music scene with their distinct sound and DIY attitude. They are a testament to the vibrant creativity and passion that exists within the Italian music community.
Hungry for some more inspirations, we asked the band to give us some more local names and bands worth a good listen in 2023. Here’s what we’ve got.
“Float for sure are a great band.” – comments Bulgarelli. “We are about to release a split with them. They make 90’s shoegaze inspired music. Their sound is both intimate and powerful. You can listen to their newly released songs here.”
“We all love Dags!, Stegosauro, Ahead/Astern (please please please don’t sleep on A/A!!), Big Cream, Furgone HC. There are so many great italian bands – and we would love to play with all of them. Our favourite band from Bologna is Settlefish. Such a killer band that used to be signed to Deep Elm. GOAT.”
The members of Bulgarelli have been keeping up with the latest music releases, but they all have their own personal preferences. It is still too early to narrow down their top picks for best records of the year, but they have enjoyed listening to the new Deathcrash record, the new Sleaford Mods album, and the new John Cale One, among a few others.
Bulgarelli has a keen appreciation for discovering new music and the inspiration that it can bring to their own creative process. This shared passion for seeking out fresh sounds has brought the band members closer together, as they recognize the common bond that they share through their love of music. The pursuit of new and innovative sounds continues to drive Bulgarelli’s creative process and their love for music ensures that they will continue to seek out new and exciting musical experiences together.
