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Photo credit: Erwin Novak
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The convergence of Italian and Cuban heritages in the music industry has given rise to a unique blend of cultural expressions, where artists navigate and celebrate their multifaceted identities. This fusion is evident in the works of several musicians who have seamlessly integrated elements from both cultures, creating a distinctive sound that resonates globally.
Einar Ortiz stands out as a prominent figure in this cultural amalgamation. Born in Santiago de Cuba and raised in Italy, Einar's music reflects his dual heritage. His participation in Italy's renowned talent shows Amici di Maria De Filippi and his performance at the Sanremo Music Festival in 2019 with the song "Parole nuove" highlight his Italian musical journey. However, his Cuban roots are equally influential, infusing his pop melodies with rhythmic and lyrical elements characteristic of Cuban music.
Polito Ibáñez, a Cuban singer and composer, exemplifies the integration of cultural influences in his music. As a member of the Nueva Trova movement, Ibáñez's compositions often blend traditional Cuban sounds with contemporary styles, reflecting his experiences and the diverse musical landscapes he has encountered.
Máxima Alerta, a Cuban band founded by Ray Machado, also known as "El Italiano," showcases the fusion of Cuban and Italian influences. Their music, often categorized as Cubaton, merges reggaeton with traditional Cuban rhythms, creating a sound that resonates with both Cuban and international audiences.
These artists, among others, illustrate how Italian Cuban musicians navigate and express their dual identities through music. By blending elements from both cultures, they not only honor their heritage but also contribute to a richer, more diverse musical landscape. Their works serve as a testament to the power of music in bridging cultural divides and celebrating multifaceted identities.
ABOUT THALIA BELLAZECCA
Thalìa Bellazecca is a dynamic Italian Cuban guitarist and content creator, celebrated for her electrifying performances and contributions to the metal scene. Born on April 19, 2000, she began her musical journey at the age of eight, drawing inspiration from iconic bands such as Queen and Deep Purple. By twelve, she was also playing piano, and she was deeply immersed in the sounds of Joe Satriani, Kiko Loureiro, Megadeth, and Angra. Thalìa has been involved with several prominent bands, including Frozen Crown, Angus McSix, and, most recently, Primal Fear, which she joined in August 2024 as their new guitarist. Known for her virtuosic guitar techniques and charismatic stage presence, she blends classic rock and metal influences with technical proficiency, contributing to both live performances and studio recordings, including Primal Fear’s fifteenth album, Domination. Beyond performing, Thalìa is an active content creator and educator, offering online guitar lessons through platforms like Fiverr and serving as a lead guitar instructor and mentor at Full Jam, where she shares specialized lessons, workshops, and touring insights. Her Italian Cuban heritage informs her musical identity, and she has expressed a desire to perform in Cuba to connect with her roots and share her music with a broader audience.
Thalìa Bellazecca’s meteoric rise in the metal world, from her early beginnings to her current role in bands like Primal Fear and Angus McSix, has captivated both fans and critics alike. Lauded by Guitar Thrills Magazine for her virtuosic technique, dynamic stage presence, and innovative approach to heavy metal, she represents a new generation of musicians who blend technical mastery with expressive artistry. With her Italian Cuban heritage shaping her musical identity and her commitment to mentoring aspiring guitarists, Thalìa offers a fascinating perspective on the intersection of culture, creativity, and performance. We sat down with her to explore her journey, inspirations, and vision for the future of metal.
INTERVIEW WITH THALIA BELLAZECCA AND GUITAR THRILLS MAGAZINE
Guitar Thrills: You started playing guitar at a very young age. What drew you to the instrument, and who were your earliest influences?
Thalia: I started when I was eight and I simply loved the instrument since I heard it. I was watching MTV music with my parents and when rock and metal bands came out, I was loving the sound of the electric guitar. My earliest influences were Mustaine and Satriani
Guitar Thrills: How has your Italian Cuban heritage shaped your musical style and approach to performing?
Thalia: So far, I was that much into metal that I had kind of a hard time to understand how I could put my heritage into what I do. Then I discovered that it’s really a natural thing for me, just being myself on stage and bringing my own passion and energy is my heritage and I don’t have to think about it, it comes naturally.
Guitar Thrills: Joining bands like Primal Fear and Angus McSix are huge milestones. How did those opportunities come about, and what has the experience been like?
Thalia: The experience with both bands is great and different cause Angus McSix it’s a power metal band with a fantasy concept and Primal Fear is a heavy/power metal band with a lot of meanings behind every song. I was asked to join both bands, Angus McSix started from a message on Facebook and for Primal Fear I met Ralf one year ago in the same festival where we played this year in Italy (Luppolo In Rock in Cremona) and few months later he asked me to join the band after the lineup change.
Guitar Thrills: Guitar Thrills Magazine called you a “super guitar hero.” How do you feel about that recognition, and how does it influence your creative process?
Thalia: I think it’s great and I thank a lot of Guitar Thrills Magazine for this recognition, but I also think that it’s too early for calling me in this way. I’m really young still and a I have a lot of experience to get and learn a lot from Magnus and all these amazing guitar heroes that are around. It doesn’t influence my creative process because I always like to keep my feet on the ground and just enjoy the music for what it is.
Guitar Thrills: Your playing blends technical skill with expressive emotion. How do you balance precision with feeling when composing or performing?
Thalia: I honestly don’t think that much about a balance. I just let the flow go and follow it, I don’t control my emotions when I compose and especially when I perform. I think that emotions have a huge place in playing and composing.
Guitar Thrills: Beyond performing, you’re also an educator and content creator. What motivates you to teach, and what do you hope students take away from your lessons?
Thalia: I started teaching because I really like helping people and supporting the passion of other musicians, whatever age they have. I hope they keep that passion, keep playing and learn to balance the love for music with the business side that you have in this world. I hope that all my advice will be helpful for my actual students and future ones that want to learn from me.
Guitar Thrills: The metal scene is constantly evolving. How do you keep your sound fresh while staying true to the genre’s roots?
Thalia: I listen a lot to the pillars of metal from the 80s/90s and I’m always searching for new bands of these last years. I think that listening to a lot of music, modern or old, and playing riffs from the guitar heroes to the new ones that are coming out now, it’s the best way for keeping the sound fresh while staying true to the genre’s roots.
Guitar Thrills: Can you share a memorable moment from your touring or recording experience that significantly impacted you as a musician?
Thalia: I have a really cool moment of this tour where a guy decided to build up a guitar for me and gifted it to me as a present. This was such a crazy thing that I would have never imagined and that I’ll never forget. I had a great experience recording for Primal Fear cause it’s a nice team where you can grow up and just get better. It was a constructive teamwork.
Guitar Thrills: If you could collaborate with any artist—past or present—who would it be and why?
Thalia: I would have loved to play in Megadeth, with Kiko Loureiro and Joe Satriani and collaborate and learn personally from Michael Jackson.
Guitar Thrills: Looking ahead, what projects or goals are you most excited about, and how do you envision your musical journey evolving?
Thalia: I’m really excited about where this journey with Primal Fear will bring me and the band, maybe a solo project as well in the future. But for now, I’m focusing on my online teaching on my own website, creating my own merch and keeping on pushing with live shows and tours.
CONCLUSION
Thalìa Bellazecca continues to redefine what it means to be a modern guitarist, seamlessly blending technical mastery, expressive performance, and cultural heritage. From her early days exploring the guitar to performing with internationally acclaimed bands like Primal Fear and Angus McSix, she has carved out a distinctive voice in the metal world. Beyond her electrifying performances, her dedication to teaching and mentoring the next generation of musicians highlights her commitment to the broader music community. With a fearless approach to creativity and an unwavering passion for her craft, Thalìa’s journey serves as both an inspiration and a reminder that true artistry is defined not only by skill, but by the courage to forge your own path.
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