Music possesses the extraordinary power to make the intangible tangible. When notes resonate through the air, they transcend visible and invisible boundaries, connect souls, and allow people to understand deep emotions, even before a composer has put them into words. In Gen Verde’s artistic journey, this magic is not the result of chance, but of a genuine journey that weaves together artistic and technical disciplines in a shared mission. The aim is not the pursuit of material success or fame. What drives every chord is a deep desire to live out the words of the Gospel, inspired by spirituality and unity, expressing truth and beauty capable of touching hearts and bringing joy and hope.
This creative process, akin to a magical inspiration that manifests itself in moments when the mind is relaxed and free, finds a special definition in the words of Pope Francis. The Pontiff has compared the artist to a child who moves spontaneously within the realm of invention and novelty, but also to a seer capable of understanding reality with acuity, almost sharing in the creative passion with which God created the world.
Listening and valuing diversity
The first phase of this journey is based on reflection, exploration, and deep listening. To unleash creativity, keeping an ideas notebook is essential for recording observations, asking questions, reading, and exploring the stories and personal experiences of each member of the group. From this immense human heritage spring thoughts, emotions, and musical intuitions. In contrast to artificial intelligence, human beings retain the unique ability to connect intimately with themselves, delving deep within to seek out the authentic core of what they wish to communicate.
Within Gen Verde, cultural diversity represents the lifeblood of artistic creation. Every day, the artists learn to embrace one another’s differences, cultivating a love for others’ perspectives just as much as for their own. This constant openness broadens horizons and creates an atmosphere of absolute freedom, where individual creativity is continually nurtured rather than stifled. Each song encapsulates and tells a specific story, for music devoid of narrative ultimately leaves no mark on the souls of its listeners.
A prime example of this approach is the track East West, created specifically to convey the profound dialogue between East and West. During the preparation phase, the members discussed this theme at length. In the section dedicated to Asia, they sought to express the complex range of emotions associated with difficult moments, such as feeling like outsiders in the West due to language barriers, different ways of behaving, and marked differences in outlook. Despite these barriers, the overriding desire remained the desire to open up to others. The very choice of musical instruments reflects careful and meticulous thought. In the final part of the song, all the instruments blend into a single harmony, highlighting the fundamental concept that diversity is a precious gift, far from being an obstacle.
Writing and the power of simple ideas
Defining the target audience and focusing on the purpose of the song helps make the writing process extremely focused. When creating our songs, we are often inspired by people who have influenced our lives and society. When we encounter their message, we often feel challenged and inspired to rediscover our own calling. The result can be a song capable of moving both us and a much wider audience.
The writing phase itself often relies on the technique of free writing. At this stage, it is usually helpful to find a quiet place, grab a pen and paper—or a computer—and let everything that comes to mind regarding a particular topic flow freely, without any kind of self-censorship. Often, a composition develops from a “hook”—that is, a striking, simple, and catchy phrase that sticks in the listener’s mind. For the track Ideia Louca, based on an infectious Brazilian rhythm, the chorus came before the melody itself, and the subsequent writing process allowed the ideal hook to emerge.
Music must also encourage reflection on the major issues facing the contemporary world. The presence in the group of musicians from various parts of the world allows for the creation of songs in which rhythms, styles and languages come together and blend, and, above all, enables the group to tackle important issues that characterise our societies, as in ‘Como lluvia suave’. Rhythms that blend together to give voice to the central inspiration: the certainty that everyone, wherever they live, by starting with small gestures of solidarity and practical love, can gradually help to build a better world.
When writing, staying true to oneself remains essential. The group constantly learns from its failures, reworking the lyrics and musical structures until they take on the perfect form. In creating a song dedicated to peace, for example, after several attempts they opted for the ‘less is more’ philosophy. The conviction that people remember simple concepts guided the writing, directing the message towards ordinary people and involving the young people of Loppiano to give voice to their conscious choice to live for peace.
Fulfilment and collective harmony
The final phase coincides with fulfilment, the moment when the song finally comes to life to be performed and heard. Every aspect of the process, starting with the development of the arrangement, is underpinned by mutual love amongst the group’s members. At this stage, the structure of the song may undergo further changes before the official recording, as the composition must sound completely fluid and convincing to all the artists.
Collective work requires reaching a mutual understanding, whilst valuing and respecting the specific skills of each professional. The arrangement, regarded in every respect as the song’s ‘outfit’, must adapt to and enhance the original spirit of the track. Generally speaking, a clear idea of the song’s style is already in place during the writing process, but the crucial aspect lies in the instruments’ ability to give the composition a distinct identity. Managing the sonic space for each instrument allows each one to emerge clearly, whilst ensuring, in all cases, that the voice is given the highest priority and remains central.
If you would like to organise events, concerts and/or artistic workshops with Gen Verde, please send an e-mail to info@genverde.it with your question, info and contact details.
Discover our upcoming tour dates and join us for a live performance or workshop.
