Yendry Fiorentino

Photo Courtesy Of Yendry Fiorentino

WHERE ARE YOU PRESENTLY LOCATED AND HAVE YOU ALWAYS LIVED THERE?
I was born in the Dominican Republic but I moved here, to Italy, when I was four years old. Since that moment I've been living in Italy.

WHEN DID YOU GET STARTED IN MUSIC?
I found out that singing makes me feel good when I was nine; I would spend my days listening to R’n’B, Lauryn Hill, TLC, Destiny’s Child, and singing. It was at the age of 19 that I started to make music and sing professionally. In 2012 I took part in a TV talent show called “X Factor” and then I realized I really wanted to do this for the rest of my life.

FIRST SONG EVER SUNG?
Well, the first one I remember was "I'd Rather Go Blind" by Etta James. And it's still one of my favorite songs.

WHAT’S YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS AND HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR SOUND?
Melodies or lyrics come to me when I’m doing the most ordinary things in life. I try to put them together by recording something with my phone. When I meet my band "Materianera" in the studio, I try to explain the mood for the song and then together we find out the sound. I can't define our sound because every part of the creative process is organic and improvised.

WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE ARTISTS FROM THE PAST AND PRESENT?
Otis Redding, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, James Blake, Frank Ocean, Dillon, Beyoncè, Benjamin Clementine...

IS THERE A TUNEFUL PASSAGE OUT THERE THAT NEVER FAILS TO MOVE YOU EMOTIONALLY?
Yes. "A Case of You" by Joni Mitchell. I cry every time I hear that song.

WHAT DO YOU GET UP TO IN YOU SPARE TIME?
I love listening to music and doing nothing else but focusing on sounds and lyrics. In my spare time I read books and I paint pieces of furniture in my house.

HOW DO WE GET YOUR LOOK?
I'm not a fan of trends. I wear what I like and I never brush my hair to keep it wild. I'm in love with black clothes, I like wearing different shades of black together. I hardly use makeup and when I have to put it on for a show or an event, mascara and eyeliner are the only things I use.

IF YOU COULD BLINK YOUR EYES AND GO ANYWHERE WHERE WOULD THAT PLACE BE?
My home. The land where I was born: Dominican Republic. I have a huge connection with that place even if I grew up in Italy. I’ve promised myself to visit more often.