As many sociologists have emphasized , music is an extraordinary technology of memory and recollection. It contributes to the social construction of our individual and collective identities . It tells stories and plays a fundamental role in our lives: it is intertwined with our imagination , our culture. In this regard, it seemed useful and interesting to talk with Giorgio Vanni , a great artist, singer, and musician, best known as the voice of the cartoon theme songs that have accompanied many of us as teenagers since the 90s.
Cartoon songs are timeless
- For the sociologist Max Weber Musical harmonies can serve to construct a sociological analysis of our culture. She created the songs that accompanied—let's face it—a good part of our childhood and adolescence. In her opinion, pWhy creating music for cartoons can be so important for the imagination of many young people?
Giorgio Vanni – “Because cartoon theme songs not only accompany, introduce, and identify the cartoon itself, but they also convey important messages for younger audiences . They must instill emotion, but they also have the task of preparing viewers (mostly children and teenagers) for the story. I must say, however, that our theme songs, at least, seem to transcend the world of cartoons; they become truly timeless songs that reach beyond the imagination of young people to the adult world . ”
GV – “I believe, however, that cartoon theme songs become almost a safe haven for those who listen to them, they are reassuring for children and young people who then grow up feeling stronger and ready to face life, also inspired by the characters they talk about: warriors, adventurers, characters ready for challenges and ready to live their stories to the full”.
Prejudices against acronyms have decreased
- Music unites and moves us. Quoting DurkheimConcerts are truly moments of collective effervescence. Yet when it comes to cartoons, many turn up their noses. Do you believe that there are still prejudices against acronyms, regardless of whether they are well-musical? Is there still the idea that singing a cartoon theme song is something "childish"?
GV – I have to say that these "prejudices" have greatly diminished for quite some time now. It seems to me that 1 in 5 people turn their noses up at cartoon theme songs. There are fewer and fewer people, in fact, who consider theme songs to be second-rate music or less important in artistic terms… thankfully!
Maybe it's hard to admit that we like them
GV – But when it happens, it almost seems like this consideration isn't tied to a qualitative factor. Instead, it seems like there's a fear of recognizing these songs as "SONGS ," as a musical genre in its own right, not just as "theme songs." It seems like there's a fear of acknowledging certain childhood values, as if we're ashamed to admit that we still like "childish things ," that we still cherish those memories that accompanied us throughout childhood and adolescence. It seems like admitting that we still listen to cartoon theme songs or watch cartoons is like admitting that we're less mature... in my opinion, this is one of the main reasons why theme songs are considered "childish."
GV – I have to say, though, that at least with our theme songs, this isn't that pronounced! Our most die-hard fans include both kids and adults, and they all love and sing along to songs like " What's My Destiny Dragon Ball " or " Dragonball GT ." They're the same people who maybe listen to Green Day and go to concerts by rock bands or other singers who belong to more commercial, more "grown-up" genres. Our songs give everyone a boost , and we see this during our concerts, too.
Social platforms help us connect
- You're very active on social media. How has the way you interact with music and your audience changed thanks to new digital platforms?
GV – Digital platforms haven't changed the way I relate to music and the public , on the contrary. They've made my nature, my "need" to relate to fans and my world, even more direct and immediate. I've always been a very outgoing person , both on stage and after concerts when I meet fans. Social media has allowed me to be even more so. I must say that it's thanks to social media that my audience has grown so much in such a short time: now, the days of cartoons on TV are over and even those of us in the world of theme songs are finding it harder to be seen, known, recognized and to "assert ourselves."
GV – Digital platforms help us with this very thing and allow young people, especially, to understand the voice that accompanied them throughout their childhood and adolescence, and that is still there today (more active than ever!). – [laughs]
Advice to young artists
- In Italy, there are workshops run by reputable universities that foster youth entrepreneurship. Not just startups, but all the processes that enable personal branding for young singer-songwriters. What advice would you give to young people who are just starting out as musicians during this particular time in history?
GV – Unfortunately, I don't fully agree with the fact that today there are so many organizations and institutions that foster youth development, study, growth, and entrepreneurship in the music industry. I'm sorry to say this, but in Italy there aren't many that can truly provide effective support to young people.
GV – What I can advise young people is to use and take advantage of the internet, to be curious, to never stop studying and learning, and finally, if possible, to gain experience abroad . France, England, America… these are places where you can study and learn so much and where you can truly give a boost to your musical and artistic career! Of course, to then return to Italy and show everyone what you're made of … in Italy, we need young talent, but we're not yet ready to create it.
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Lecturer in Communications and HR Management. Journalist with a degree in Sociology (cum laude). Editor-in-Chief of Sociologicamente.it.
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