Kimono, intervista: “Il mio nuovo singolo In ostaggio”

Sofia Tornambene, also known as Kimono, recently spoke to us about her new single “In ostaggio” (Hostage), which is available digitally today and will be on the radio starting from October 6th. After winning X Factor in 2019, Sofia saw her dream start to take shape, but then the pandemic temporarily put it on hold. However, this period of challenges and changes became an important phase of inner growth for the singer, transforming her into the artist she is today. In a few days, Kimono will experience a unique emotion as she participates as a finalist in “New York Canta,” the festival of Italian music in New York, and finally sees the city she has dreamed of visiting since she was a child.

Hi Sofia, in 2019 you won the 13th edition of X Factor. What did that victory mean to you and how did it change your life?

My life changed completely. X Factor was an experience of growth that turned out to be a launching pad for me. After X Factor, I moved to Milan and dove headfirst into music, but then Covid arrived. In Milan, I met Maestro, my current producer and collaborator, and we immediately clicked. We started working together, and he welcomed me into a house of artists where I was fortunate to find people who make music and share my dream. Finding someone who shares my passions and goals was beautiful, even though it was a difficult period: being away from family, dealing with Covid, and finishing school. I went through a great journey of inner growth that I recommend everyone to experience because, for me, success is learning to love yourself and listen to yourself. Through my single “Tempesta” (Storm), I poured out everything I experienced during that period, including panic attacks. For me, music is a way of sharing.

Your stage name is “Kimono,” and I know it comes from your love for karate. Why did you decide to incorporate this other passion into your music? Is there a connection between them?

Yes, exactly. My stage name comes from my great passion for karate, which I have been practicing for six years, and it has evolved. “Kimono” means “something to wear,” and I hope that my music can be that outfit that everyone can relate to.

Today, your new song “In ostaggio” (Hostage) is available digitally, and it will be on the radio from October 6th. What is the meaning behind the title, and what themes do you address in the song?

“In ostaggio” is a song that starts from a moment of discomfort. I always pay attention to psychological suffering, in this case related to relationships. It seems to talk about a tormented relationship, and in a way, it does, but it’s actually about the relationship with our own mind, which sometimes holds us hostage and prevents us from fully experiencing reality. The song then expands to the theme of a romantic relationship, which should help us grow, but when it becomes distorted, it’s not healthy. It can even reach a point where the person “held hostage” justifies their “kidnapper.”