UBU: A Tribute to Creativity and Friendship

UBU is a unique musical collaboration and recording project initiated by Mattia Mercuriali and Marco Trinchillo, emerging as a side project from their original band, Amycanbe. The conception of UBU came during a significant pause in Amycanbe’s activities, largely influenced by the global pandemic. Faced with a period of artistic reflection and isolation, Mercuriali and Trinchillo sought to break free from traditional band dynamics, embracing a new approach by experimenting with studio techniques, producers, and a variety of guest musicians and vocalists.

What makes UBU stand out is its eclectic and open-ended nature, characterised by its diverse array of contributors. Rather than relying on the familiar structure of a set band, the project was shaped through collaboration, bringing in various artists to lend their voices and talents to the album. Among the featured artists are Hannah Saunders, FRNQ, Nicola Biondi, Pieralberto Valli, Hellis, Cleats, Lady Maciste, Paolo Gradari, Emma Perrot, Enzo Moretto, and Francesca Amati. This collective of artists offers a rich and varied texture to the album, giving each of the 11 songs a distinct flavour, while still maintaining an overall cohesion.

The project was recorded at the prestigious L’Amor Mio Non Muore studio in Forlì, Italy. Working alongside producer Franco Naddei, Mercuriali and Trinchillo spent two years crafting the record, from 2020 to 2021, during a time when the world was slowed by the pandemic. This extended period allowed for careful experimentation and deep exploration of the sonic possibilities that UBU could offer.

However, the joy and excitement of creation were met with profound tragedy. Just after the recording process was completed, and as nearly all the mixing was finalised, Marco Trinchillo tragically passed away at the age of 41. The loss of Trinchillo cast a shadow over the project, making the release of UBU even more poignant. It stands as a powerful testament to his artistic vision and spirit.

The release of UBU is more than just the unveiling of an album; it is a tribute to the legacy of Marco Trinchillo. His family and friends, determined to honour his memory, founded VITE, an association dedicated to preserving his photographic and musical work. The album’s release has been made possible through the efforts of this association, ensuring that Trinchillo's creative contributions continue to resonate.

In addition to the original tracks, listeners are encouraged to explore remixes and reworks by Rhesus Positive, which offer a fresh perspective on the songs from UBU, further expanding the project’s artistic reach.

The album serves as a deeply emotional journey—a blend of artistic collaboration, personal tragedy, and the enduring power of friendship and music. Through UBU, both Mercuriali and Trinchillo's creativity continues to live on, offering listeners an album that is as much about its sound as it is about the relationships that shaped it.