Silvano Albanese, better known by his stage name Coez, is a prominent figure in the Italian music scene. Born on July 11, 1983, in Nocera Inferiore, Italy, Coez has risen to fame as a rapper, singer, and songwriter, known for his unique blend of hip-hop, pop, and indie music. Over the years, he has become a household name in Italy, with a career marked by chart-topping albums, sold-out concerts, and a significant presence on social media.
Early Life and Background
Silvano Albanese, or Coez, was born in the small town of Nocera Inferiore, located in the Campania region of southern Italy. However, his early childhood was marked by significant changes, as he moved to Rome with his mother at the age of three after being abandoned by his father. This early experience of upheaval and relocation would later influence his music, infusing his lyrics with themes of struggle, resilience, and personal growth.
Growing up in Rome, Coez was a lively and creative child, though not particularly interested in academics. Instead, he found his passion in art, particularly in graffiti, which was a popular form of expression in the urban environment of the capital. This early interest in street art played a pivotal role in his choice of the pseudonym “Coez,” a name he initially used to sign his graffiti works.
As a teenager, Coez’s creative interests expanded to music, particularly rap and hip-hop, which were gaining popularity in Italy during the late 1990s and early 2000s. His artistic journey began in earnest in 2001 when he started making music with friends and began to carve out his identity as a musician.
The Beginnings of a Music Career
Coez’s formal entry into the music industry came when he was 19 years old. Along with his friends Franz and Nicco from the Scuola di Cinematografia, he founded the music group Circolo Vizioso. The group quickly gained attention for their raw and authentic sound, which combined elements of rap with introspective and socially conscious lyrics. Their self-titled debut project laid the groundwork for Coez’s future endeavors in music.
In 2007, Coez’s career took a significant turn when Circolo Vizioso joined forces with the Unabombers, a group that included the rapper Lucci. This collaboration led to the formation of Brokenspeakers, a collective that became an influential force in the Italian underground rap scene. During this period, Coez began to develop his distinctive style, characterized by his candid lyrics and an ability to connect with the experiences of his generation.
By 2009, Coez decided to embark on a solo career. His debut solo project, “Figli di Nessuno” (Children of No One), reflected his deepening commitment to music as a form of personal and social expression. The album tackled themes of youth alienation, complex relationships, and the struggles of navigating adulthood, themes that would continue to resonate throughout his career.
Rising Fame: Solo Career and Breakthrough
The early 2010s marked a period of artistic growth and increasing visibility for Coez. After the release of his debut solo album, he continued to experiment with his sound, blending hip-hop with electronic music and pop influences. This experimentation culminated in the release of the “Fenomeno Mixtape” in 2011, which featured a collaboration with the producer Sine. The mixtape’s lead single, “E invece no,” became a viral hit, amassing thousands of views on YouTube and solidifying Coez’s presence on social media.
In 2012, Coez took a major step forward by collaborating with Riccardo Sinigallia, a respected figure in the Italian music industry known for his work with artists like Tiromancino and Max Gazzè. This partnership resulted in the 2013 album “Non erano fiori” (They Weren’t Flowers), which marked a significant turning point in Coez’s career. The album was praised for its emotional depth and the seamless fusion of rap with melodic pop elements. The success of “Non erano fiori” propelled Coez into the mainstream, earning him a spot in the top ten of the GFK album charts, where it remained for several weeks.
The album’s success was further amplified by Coez’s growing popularity on Italian radio and television. His music videos received heavy rotation, and he was featured in major publications such as Corriere della Sera, Vanity Fair, Repubblica, and Rolling Stone. This widespread media coverage helped to establish Coez as one of the most promising new artists in the Italian music scene.
Continued Success and Artistic Evolution
The years following the release of “Non erano fiori” saw Coez continue to evolve as an artist, experimenting with new sounds and collaborating with other prominent figures in the Italian music industry. In 2014, he teamed up with MadMan and Gemitaiz to release the single “Instagrammo,” which became a summer hit. He also collaborated with Marracash on the track “A volte esagero” (Sometimes I Exaggerate), further expanding his reach within the Italian rap community.
In 2015, Coez released his third studio album, “Niente che non va” (Nothing Wrong), through Carosello Records/Undamento. The album was an instant success, debuting at number two on the Italian albums chart. The lead single, “La rabbia dei secondi” (The Anger of Seconds), received extensive airplay on Italian radio stations, while the album as a whole showcased Coez’s ability to craft relatable, introspective lyrics set against a backdrop of contemporary sounds.
The success of “Niente che non va” was accompanied by a surge in Coez’s popularity on digital platforms. His music videos continued to garner millions of views on YouTube, and his tracks were streamed extensively on Spotify, further cementing his status as a major player in the Italian music scene. By this time, Coez had amassed a significant following on social media, where he engaged with fans and shared insights into his creative process.
The Peak of His Career: “Faccio un Casino” and Beyond
In 2017, Coez reached new heights with the release of his fourth studio album, “Faccio un Casino” (I Make a Mess). The album was a commercial and critical success, earning a platinum certification for the title track and gold certifications for several other songs. “Faccio un Casino” demonstrated Coez’s continued growth as an artist, blending his hip-hop roots with pop, rock, and indie influences to create a sound that was uniquely his own.
The album’s success was reflected in Coez’s extensive touring schedule. In the summer of 2017, he embarked on the “From the Rooftop” tour, performing 17 concerts across Italy in just one month. The tour was a testament to Coez’s popularity and his ability to connect with audiences through his live performances.
The success of “Faccio un Casino” also marked Coez’s emergence as a mainstream artist. The album received widespread media coverage, and Coez was invited to perform on major television programs and at high-profile events. His music resonated with a broad audience, thanks to its relatable themes and catchy melodies, solidifying his position as one of the leading voices in contemporary Italian music.
Style and Influences
Coez’s music is characterized by its fusion of genres, blending elements of hip-hop, pop, rock, and indie music. His ability to seamlessly transition between different musical styles has allowed him to appeal to a diverse audience, from rap enthusiasts to pop fans. Lyrically, Coez often explores themes of love, heartbreak, personal struggle, and the challenges of modern life, making his music deeply relatable to his listeners.
Influenced by artists such as Oasis and Blur, Coez’s sound is a reflection of his eclectic taste in music. While his roots are in hip-hop, he has never been afraid to experiment with different sounds and collaborate with artists from various musical backgrounds. This willingness to push boundaries has been a key factor in his success and has helped him to stand out in the competitive world of Italian music.
Personal Life
Despite his public persona, Coez is known for being relatively private about his personal life. Little is known about his romantic relationships, and he has largely kept his private affairs out of the spotlight. There have been rumors about his past relationships, with some speculating that one of his ex-girlfriends may have inspired the song “La musica che non c’è” (The Music That Isn’t There). However, Coez has not confirmed these rumors, choosing instead to let his music speak for itself.
Coez’s private nature extends to his social media presence, where he primarily focuses on his music and professional life. Nevertheless, he has built a strong connection with his fans, who appreciate his authenticity and the raw emotion that he brings to his work.
Legacy and Impact
Coez’s impact on the Italian music scene cannot be overstated. Over the course of his career, he has helped to redefine the boundaries of Italian rap and pop, bringing a fresh and innovative approach to the genres. His ability to blend different musical styles and create relatable, emotionally resonant songs has earned him a loyal fan base and critical acclaim.
As one of the leading figures in contemporary Italian music, Coez has inspired a new generation of artists to experiment with genre and push the boundaries of what is possible in music. His success has also paved the way for other Italian rappers and singer-songwriters to gain recognition in a country where the music industry has traditionally been dominated by more conventional pop acts.
Conclusion
Coez’s journey from a graffiti artist in Rome to one of Italy’s most successful musicians is a testament to his talent, determination, and ability to connect with audiences on a deep level. With a career that spans over two decades, Coez has consistently evolved as an artist, experimenting with new sounds and exploring different aspects of his identity through his music.
As Coez continues to make music and perform, his influence on the Italian music scene will undoubtedly continue to grow. His unique blend of hip-hop, pop, and indie music, combined with his introspective lyrics and relatable themes, has made him a standout figure in the industry and a beloved artist among fans. Coez’s legacy as a pioneering force in Italian music is secure, and his future endeavors are eagerly anticipated by his ever-growing fan base.
