Let us introduce you to one of Le Marche’s greatest entertainers. This is Marco Meconi, otherwise known as Mecò, and the frontman of his eponymous group Mecò e Il Clan dei belli dentro. A band famed locally for its energetic and lengthy sets, the group has built up an adoring fan base since it first came together back in 2009. And you could say that a big part of that is down to its charismatic frontman. And well, looks might be deceiving, but we aren’t talking straight up Elvis impersonation here. Adoring fans themselves of the likes of Elvis Presley and Adriano Celentano, there may well be a generous touch of tribute to the singers of a bygone era in Mecò e Il Clan’s music, but then again, there is so much more. There is something very innovative about it that authentically captures the spirit of Le Marche’s countryside. And as with the region’s countryside, it’s hard not to be charmed.
Having recently released their first album, Mecò e Il Clan await the end of pandemic restrictions on gatherings and live music to be able to take to the stage again. In the meantime, this enigmatic frontman can only do what he does best and entertain us from afar and we want to know more about him.
So Mecò, what are you first memories of music and performing?
I took my first steps in the singing world so to speak, as a child as part of the church choir. As well as singing, I would also get involved with the instrumental side of things, I played the bongos and sometimes the harp. In a small provincial town [like mine] these kind of activities are the way people socialise and spend time together, and although they definitely gave me a feeling for rhythm, it was really only a musical ABC because it wasn’t until later on and through other experiences that I really took on a serious musical commitment.
Who inspired you to make music?
I had “L’emozione non ha voce” on a cassette tape. It really wasn’t until I’d listened to the legendary Adriano Celentano that my desire to express myself through music and song became really clear. Listening to Celentano, it’s inevitable to not end up making comparisons with The King, Elvis Presley. These two artists, who have inspired me deeply, remain my favourites and they represent the basis of my musical journey.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
Energetic, engaging, provocative and sensual in some aspects. To be honest though, it’s basically pure rock ‘n roll!
What is your creative process like?
When it comes to covers I go with how I feel about them. I like to cover songs that have an impact on me emotionally or musically. Once I have decided on a track [to cover], I go on to study it in depth and try to give it a personal interpretation. As for our original songs, I always start by doing some musical research to work out the melody, inspired by other songs, then once I’ve got it down, we add the lyrics, again, inspired by feelings and moments in time. I get a lot of inspiration from real life.
What kind of singer would you classify yourself as?
This question should be answered by those who attend my concerts! I like to call myself multifaceted because my vocal style is baritone, which allows me to experiment with an array of genres, including rock ‘n roll, country, Italian pop and blues.
As for my musical style, I think I’m quite out of fashion at the moment because what I do is the kind of style that was famous back in the day, maybe 50 years ago. But it isn’t just simple revival, I try to incorporate something modern, so in the end I think I appeal to both the older, who like the style, and younger generations, who have a lot of fun at our gigs.
What has been the best performance of your career so far?
It’s hard to say as there are so many, and each concert has its own energy and story. One that I remember really fondly is when we performed our group’s debut album at Easter back in 2015. Other live events that we are really proud of include winning the Tour Music Fest contest in Rome in 2016. It was also a huge deal to participate in Sanremo Rock where we spent a week performing.
During the first lockdown of the Coronavirus pandemic you spent a lot of time on your balcony playing for your local community. Can you tell us more about this?
Yes, well at such a challenging time for Italy that was filled with so much sadness and uncertainty I thought it would be nice to create a little joy for the neighbours by playing on my balcony. I also recorded it all for the socials, for those who were housebound but maybe followed me from afar. There was a really positive response from everyone and it showed just how important it is to stay connected with people during difficult times.
It has been said that Le Marche is a very sociable region, do you agree?
Yes, I totally agree! I believe that us Marchigiani are both sociable but also really welcoming towards those who choose to visit our region. We try to be as hospitable as possible by offering the best of what this area has to offer. It’s also worth noting that Le Marche is a ‘plural region’ in every sense of the word. It’s the only ‘plural’ region of Italy, made up of so many diverse and genuine experiences. Travelling through this region is always a discovery even for those like me who have lived here all their lives. The real wonder here is that in every place you go, you realise just how beautiful this region is and that the people who live here are really very special.
There is a great music scene in Le Marche with many young bands. What makes this region musical in your opinion?
Here it is possible to be a musician or create a group, largely thanks to the availability of event spaces and practice rooms in the region, and the associations that encourage these kinds of activities. It’s worth also saying that Le Marche doesn’t have major metropolises or urban centres so music here is really all about making the most of the region, enjoying fun and light hearted evenings amongst friends, usually accompanied by a good flow of wine!
Can you recommend to us some other bands in the region to watch out for?
I recommend Gli Amici dello Zio Pecos. I performed live for the first time ever with them, this was before forming my group. I also recommend Il Diavolo e L’acquasanta who are based in Pesaro.
If you could open a show for any artist who would it be?
Well if I could choose anyone, I’d say Adriano Celentano, without an absolute doubt. He doesn’t perform live anymore, but I’d settle for taking part in one of his TV shows, that would be a total dream. Another amazing artist that I really respect is Zucchero. I’d also say Lorenzo Jovanotti, even if he isn’t my style, but I really respect his connection with the music scene and attitude towards it. I would also love to get on stage with Bobby Solo, I saw him live once, what an amazing blues and rock ‘n roll performer.
And as for your own group Il Clan, what’s the latest news?
Yes, with Il Clan there is always news. We’re working on our next record, which is pretty much finished. We had to slow down production due to the virus but we are in the process of releasing the first single, which will be available from 1st May [2020] with an animated video clip. The song is called Viaggio, which is also the name of the album. In the coming months we will also launch other singles so please follow us to find out all the latest updates.
If we want to come and see you perform, how do we find out?
You can follow us on our Facebook page “Mecò e il clan dei belli dentro” or on Instagram “Mecò e il clan”. Or you can contact us by email. We still don’t have a website because we’re very active on social media and I don’t think we need it for now.
Can you give us some recommendations on music venues or events in the region?
Some of the best events in the region include The Summer Jamboree in Senigallia, the Mind Festival in Montecosaro and Musicultura in Macerata. In Macerata there is also the opera house, which is really worth visiting. There is also the Rossini Festival in Pesaro, Risorgimarche, which is a series of free concerts by Italian artists staged in and around the meadows of the mountain areas that were affected by the earthquake that caused major damage a few years ago. The best way to really experience true Marche life though is at one of the many Sagre that take place throughout the summer in the beautiful medieval villages. This is where you taste traditional foods and there is always a lot to discover and enjoy, you might also come across one of our concerts too.
What does it mean to you to be Marchigiano?
For me being Marchigiano means everything, both because it represents my identity and who I am, but also because I am lucky enough to live in one of the most beautiful regions in not only Italy, but in the world. For me Italy’s beauty is totally unparalleled both for the quality of life it offers, but also for its panoramas, its sea, its hills and mountains. In this region all these elements are concentrated into one small area. Even in terms of weather, it’s good here. I’m also very connected with our local traditions and rural culture, which for a real Marchigiano is very important.
What’s on your top ten of places to visit in the region?
Oh so many. Grotte di Frasassi, Riviera del Conero, excursions in the Sibillini Mountains, Loreto, and Leopardi’s house in Recanati. Urbino and Ascoli are the most beautiful cities, the Furlo gorge, the castle at Gradara and the beautiful Lake Fiastra, where I have played many times in front of amazing audiences.
Oh and something we really want to ask, where do you shop for your amazing vintage clothes?
For a few years now I have been going to a store in Chiaravalle called Gigolè. It’s one of the largest and best equipped in central Italy where you can find vintage and more.
You often post videos on your social media feeds featuring your grandmother Marina. Is Marina also a musician? Can you tell us more about her and what she thinks of your music?
No, she’s not a singer but she’s a fan of mine! The thing that matters most to her is that I do what makes me happy, so she supports me with my music. I upload the videos because she has her own funny and eccentric ways of doing things, like so many people who have spent their entire lives in the countryside. On the web she has gained quite a bit of a reputation, if you can say that, and people really like her a lot.
What’s your favourite Marche dish?
Well Le Marche, aside from being a beautiful place, also offers excellent cuisine thanks to its many home grown and homemade products, largely produced as they always have been and according to tradition. Our ingredients are excellent. Being a pasta maker I would say that the dish my grandmother has made me every Sunday for as long as I can remember is my number one: handmade tagliatelle with ragù.
Do you have a favourite restaurant in your area?
I recommend that everyone goes to La Baita, which is located near to l’Abbadia di Fiastra. It’s great and it’s completely immersed by nature as you are surrounded by fields and amazing views.
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