Thomas Raggi, guitarist of Italian rock band Måneskin, has revealed details of his debut solo album, 'Masquerade', set for release on December 5. The project features high-profile collaborators including Tom Morello as producer, Alex Kapranos, and Chad Smith. Produced with a roster of rock icons, the album highlights Raggi's guitar-driven songwriting and boundary-pushing instincts.
Album Overview
'Masquerade' is an eight-track LP that showcases Raggi's evolution as a solo artist, blending his signature guitar work with contributions from notable figures in rock music. Produced by Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, the album includes appearances by Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, Franz Ferdinand's Alex Kapranos, Kasabian's Serge Pizzorno, ex-Guns N' Roses drummer Matt Sorum, The Struts' Luke Spiller, and others such as Nic Cester, UPSAHL, Hama Okamoto, and Maxim.
The record can be pre-ordered now, with a release date of December 5. Raggi described the collaborative process in a statement: “Seeing so many musical icons come together... reminded me that music knows no boundaries; that you have to follow your instinct and inspiration, ignore imposed rules, and simply do what you feel.” Morello echoed this sentiment, noting their shared Italian roots and passion for rock: “Thomas and I connected over our shared Italian roots and our passion for rock music... I see this project as part of keeping that tradition alive.”
Track Highlights and Collaborations
The tracklisting features standout collaborations:
- 'Getcha!' with Nic Cester, Chad Smith, and Tom Morello
- 'Keep The Pack' with Matt Sorum and Tom Morello
- 'Lucy' with UPSAHL, Hama Okamoto, and Chad Smith
- 'Cat Got Your Tongue' with Serge Pizzorno
- 'For Nothing' with Matt Sorum
- 'You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)' cover with Alex Kapranos
- 'The Ritz' with Luke Spiller
- 'Fallaway' with Maxim
Specific insights include Nic Cester on 'Getcha!': “This was a fun collaboration and I enjoyed the challenge of singing outside of my normal comfort zone.” UPSAHL shared about 'Lucy': “Being part of this song was such a dream... I’m such a fan of Thomas, his vision, and everyone on this record.” Alex Kapranos praised the 'You Spin Me Round' cover: “This is what a cover should be like... It should capture the energy of the song but also bring something different.”
Background Context
This solo venture follows Raggi's prior work with Morello, including Måneskin's 2023 single 'GOSSIP' and a 2023 live performance of it alongside an MC5 cover at London's Electric Ballroom. The album underscores Raggi's commitment to rock's enduring legacy amid his band's rising profile.