Italian Sunday at Spaghetti Unplugged

If you’re looking for a slice of Italian culture served with a side of good vibes and fresh music from rising talents, then Spaghetti Unplugged is the place to be. On October 6th, the Apollo Club in Milan hosted the opening night of the fall season of one of the most beloved events celebrating emerging artists. The show, in collaboration with Amazon Music’s Breakthrough campaign, was more than just a concert—it was a vibrant celebration of young performers and songwriters who were given a platform to showcase their passion for music.

Walking into the Apollo, you can’t help but be immediately struck by the familiar warmth of the crowd. The whole vibe of Spaghetti Unplugged feels like a chill night at a friend’s house—one of those evenings where you just enjoy a couple of beers while the most romantic member of the group sings along to a guitar tune. This cozy atmosphere is probably the recipe for the event’s success, which, over the last ten years, has become a staple of the new music scene in Milan and Rome. It evokes the charm of old-school pubs from decades past, where musicians with just a dream in their pocket would perform their songs, hoping to make their way up to success. While this experience might have been common in the past, in the era of Spotify and streamed music, finding venues like this has become increasingly rare.

One of the artists taking part in the open mic performing on the stage—picture taken by Raandoom at the show

When we arrived at Spaghetti, the open mic set had just begun. A couple of hours before the beginning of the show, dozens of musicians had submitted their names for a chance to take the stage at the Apollo. Ten of them were randomly selected through a draw, without any kind of filter or pre-selection, to introduce themselves to the audience by performing a couple of tracks. Each artist brought their unique flair, and it was thrilling to witness fresh faces step onto the stage, their nerves palpable but their passion undeniable. Some hid behind their guitars, singing their emotions with trembling voices, while others playfully interacted with the audience, showcasing their ability to command the spotlight. A few even delivered ambitious performances, channeling the energy of today’s pop stars as they sought to make their own mark.

Ten years ago, when Spaghetti Unplugged was launched by a group of friends eager to make the most of their musical evenings, the show was all about the open mic format. The event was indeed designed as a casual gathering where artists could perform without the weight of expectation. Show after show, Spaghetti eventually blossomed into an essential platform for emerging artists, attracting both fans and industry insiders eager to discover the next big thing. You could feel the electric excitement in the air, a promise of something special about to unfold. Throughout the years, Spaghetti has also hosted several promising artists of the Italian music scene, who later became established musicians. Some of these included Tommaso Paradiso, Margherita Vicario, Gazzelle, Noemi, and even the worldwide famous band Måneskin, at the beginning of their careers.

This time, in partnership with Amazon Music, the evening was elevated by three special guests: Rondine, 22simba, and Mew—three emerging artists that were chosen for the Breakthrough program aimed at boosting the visibility of up-and-coming talent. Each artist brought their own flavor to the mix, showcasing the rich diversity of the Italian music scene. Rondine is a young artist from Rome. Born in 2005, he has already developed a strong artistic personality, particularly over the past summer, during which he opened for several notable artists like Mahmood, Dargen D’Amico, and Tananai. His songwriting skills are what set him apart. During his performance, he poured his heart out with the songs “Chi l’avrebbe mai detto” and “Fermare l’età”. The audience was visibly moved by his intensity and his emotion-filled voice.

Rondine performing for Amazon Music at Spaghetti—picture taken by Raandoom at the show

Next up was 22simba, who burst onto the stage with an energy that was impossible to ignore. His blend of urban and hip-hop resonated with the crowd, and you could see how his authenticity connected deeply with everyone. Despite encountering some technical difficulties, the young rapper delivered a powerful performance, marking his first appearance with a full band of musicians. Then came Mew, who took the audience on an atmospheric journey with her experimental beats and ethereal vocals. Her mysterious persona—she rarely appears in public—perfectly complements the dark-pop vibe of her repertoire. With “Mercoledì Mai” and “Vivo” she concluded the Breakthrough set on a definitely positive note.

By midnight, when the audience was already heated up by the engaging performances of the three line-up artists, the night reached its climax with the iconic spaghetti being served! Picture this: as the clock struck twelve, a wave of anticipation swept through the crowd. The aroma of freshly cooked pasta filled the air, and smiles spread across faces as plates of steaming spaghetti were dished out, all while unplugged music played in the background. It was a playful yet heartfelt nod to Italian culture, and honestly, it felt like the cherry on top of a perfect evening.

Spaghetti time at Midnight during the show—picture via IG @spaghettiunplugged

As we twirled our forks in the plates, the Spaghetti band took the stage for a final two hours of jam sessions and pure Italian entertainment. The musicians who had just performed joined the audience to sing along to Italian evergreens. This is what Spaghetti is all about: it is not merely a concert, but a space where musicians from all backgrounds can come together and share their art. It serves as a safe haven for artists to express themselves freely and do something they often struggle to achieve today: sing live in front of an enthusiastic audience. It’s this sense of community and support that makes Spaghetti Unplugged a cultural gem for those hungry for music and for a good plate of pasta, just like a typical Italian Sunday.