LONG has underground music served as a much parodied and despised character study of a socially diverse universe shaped by cliches (we all know one – or two, even).
But one duo who are putting their own spin on it are electronic-urban provocateurs Bro Berri – composed of Stefano and Enrico Berretti – with a repertoire that’s soulfully potent and lyrically relevant in equal measure. Sloppy synths merged with reverberating and punchy basslines pushing the tempo are at the core of their pieces, raising hairs everywhere. But there’s more to the story.
Photograph: Cosimo Buccolieri
Stefano and Enrico—born respectively in 1994 and 1997—know a thing or two about navigating the complexities of a narrow system hailing from Gaeta, living the first part of their lives in Sardinia and then moving on to Civitavecchia, close to the harbour. Enrico (the youngest) began his foray into the scene aged 16, while Stefano was practising rowing, which to him felt like “Cambridge, Oxford stuff.” Enrico was practising athletics back in the day, making music in his free time.
After the first year which saw both of them working modest jobs, Stefano graduated and began working in Rome as a model, moving to Milan and later to Shanghai. “I was listening to a lot of music while exploring the nightlife abroad,” says Stefano, explaining how from that, “I started to chat a lot more about building a music project with my brother”.
Photograph: Cosimo Buccolieri
The influence from overseas enlightened Stefano with a sense of cross-pollination and further experimentation. “Merging influences I had in China while using a distinct sound was the beginning of what Bro Berri is today,” he concurs. “Bro Berri is a collaboration, an exchange of ideas, and it’s about making music with different influences from all over.”
Once the first period in Shanghai went well, Stefano returned to Milan and embarked on a trip to New York while actively communicating with the brother. “After many travels, it was supernatural to establish something together,” opines Stefano. “We began studying legendary duos such as Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, or DVBBS in Los Angeles: we were attracted by the duo as so many of them were brothers, but a few are actually blood-related.”
When speaking on influences, both claim, “that most of the time is about our soul, so everything we write, we aim to someone who lived the same situation we had – motivating them through our music.”
While growing up, the duo changed houses multiple times because of their father’s job, as he’s in the military. “What we write about is that if you really believe in something, that can happen,” they say. This is why, for them, the most important thing is believing in oneself, “because we come from a really humble background.”
Photograph: Cosimo Buccolieri
Photograph: Cosimo Buccolieri
The first live show they did was in Bangkok, for just over 50 bucks. “Everything I earned from modelling was poured into music,” notes Stefano, “because we wanted to finance a dream we hoped would be big one day.”
Given the huge complexities of the system, I cannot help but wonder what made them stick around and have the gumption to push through all the obstacles. “It’s the final picture we have,” freely admits Stefano. “We have a final picture in our mind that’s there from day zero, and I see it as a painting we have in the making. Firstly, you have to get the pencils and colours to then witness the final outcome.”
Photograph: Cosimo Buccolieri
Photograph: Cosimo Buccolieri
Their relentless spirit is reflected in one of their latest tracks, Siamo Nel Back (We’re at the back), which epitomises a sheer portrayal of the duo’s life and the pitfalls part of a system they’ve fought so hard to dive into. “Maybe it’s the first raw storytelling about us: a raw biography about the project, where someone can understand where we come from and where we’re going, through harmonies and lyrics,” says Enrico, detailing how one can, “understand the struggle and the happy moments, as we talked about how it was in the start and what we think today.”
“We had a lot of dreams, passions and delusional moments,” continues Stefano. “However, we’re still in this together trying to make it and struggling in the process. It’s a song that could be motivational for a lot of people, no matter what field.”
Photograph: Cosimo Buccolieri
What is, then, their vision for the future? “Essentially, after productions and our discography project, there’s a collective called BB SQVAD, which is our movement,” they note. “The project comprises our friends, artists, inspiring personalities and all those who believe in the power of music. So what we see through this is a new format which will hopefully take us to different places in Italy and worldwide.”
With their hands firmly back on the steering wheel and with big hopes, the duo is keen to explore their next act. “The different thing about Bro Berri’s music practice is that we have to make people understand our vision, which mixes Hip-hop and electronic,” they note, as we draw our conversation to a close. “If we make this work, it’ll be a huge feat for us, and an expressive vehicle of all we’ve lived through these years”.
by Chidozie Obasi
Photographer: Cosimo Buccolieri (@cosimobuccolieri) via (@studiorepossi)
Stylist: Chidozie Obasi (@chido.obasi)
Hair: Alexander Markart (@alexander_franzjoseph) via (@blendmanagement)
Make up: Kim Gutierrez (@elijagutierrez) via (@studiorepossi)
Set Design: Irene Coveri (@pennyennyemmy)
Head of Production: Jessica Lovato (@jessicalovato_)
Fashion Coordinator: Davide Belotti (@coccobeloooo)
Photography assistant: Antonio Crotti
Fashion Assistants: Isabella Petrocchi (@isabellapetrocchi) + Morgana Galluccio (@morganagalluccio)
Clothing Credits:
Look 1: Stefano; All clothing MARNI | Socks PAUL SMITH – Enrico; All clothing ISABEL MARANT | Earrings ARTIST’s OWN
Look 2: Stefano; Jumper, shirt PAUL SMITH | Trousers ACT N1 | Earrings ARTIST’S OWN | Shoes TOD’S – Enrico; Jumper, Trousers DIESEL | Shirt, Loafers PAUL SMITH
Look 3: Top CANAKU | Trousers THE FRANKIE SHOP | Jewellery ARTIST’S OWN
Look 4: All clothing ACT N1
Look 5: All clothing VERSACE
Look 6: All clothing QL2
Look 7: Enrico; Coat THE FRANKIE SHOP | Shirt, trousers PAUL SMITH | Jewellery ARTIST’S OWN | Shoes TOD’S – Stefano; Coat THE FRANKIE SHOP | Shirt LABO.ART | Trousers FERRARI | Jewellery ARTIST’S OWN | Shoes PAUL SMITH