Interview with Rock Artist Christian Zezza on New Single ‘Burning Desire’, Producing Music, Tips to Succeed & What’s Next

MuzicNotez: First off, it’s an honor to be doing this interview with you, thanks for taking the time to sit down with us. What motivated you to start creating music? What age did you begin?

Christian Zezza: Creating music has always been an essential part of my identity as a musician, ever since I started around the age of 15. For me, playing an instrument and being a creative individual have always gone hand in hand—it’s hard to separate the two.
I grew up surrounded by all kinds of music. By the time my sister and I were four, we already had the entire Beatles discography memorized! But what really shaped my approach to music was the era I grew up in. In the 1980s, there was very little technology available for music education or production. Looking back, I think that limitation actually helped me develop a strong musical ear and a natural sense of curiosity, simply by listening and experimenting on my own. Even in my earliest experiences playing in bands, I was always the one bringing original ideas to the table. That mindset usually led us to write and release our own music, rather than just playing covers. Undoubtedly, the most significant shift in my approach to music creation and production occurred with the advent of digital technology—particularly the emergence of music software and the use of computers as a primary interface between the musician and their creative process. From that point on, I can clearly identify the moment that solidified my path in music production—initially focused on a guitar-oriented musical direction, and gradually evolving into a broader creative vision that ultimately led me to where I am today: the music publishing industry.

Who were your musical influences, idols, or bands growing up that have helped mold you into the musician you are today? Or helped mold the music that you create?

Christian Zezza: I think it would be both difficult and limiting to try to list all the artists who have influenced me musically—there are simply too many who have played a significant role at different stages of my journey. If I had to give one answer, though, it would be my dad. He’s the reason I make music today. His deep passion for music became mine as well, something he passed on to me from a very young age.
For me, it felt like attending one of the best music schools in the world. It gave me a strong foundation and helped me really understand the language of music—skills I’ve been able to apply throughout my career.

Website: www.ChristianZezza.it
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What’s the ultimate goal you want your music to achieve, or for you to achieve in your career as a musician? Any particular message you wish to send?

Christian Zezza: I already feel very fortunate to be able to do what I love and use it as a form of expression. That said, I know this might sound like a “fake humble” answer, because we all have goals and dreams we want to achieve in life!
Today, I’m really happy to see my music being used all over the world on major TV networks and across various media platforms. It feels like things are coming full circle, because I’ve always wanted my music—my guitar work and creative output—to reach as many people as possible. On top of that, it’s incredibly rewarding to know that my work is also serving other professionals in the industry.

What’s the greatest concert you’ve ever been to or performed?

Christian Zezza: No doubt about it: seeing Paul McCartney live in Bologna in 2009 was the most important musical event of my life. It wasn’t just about witnessing a living legend—someone whose genius I’d compare to figures like Mozart or Leonardo da Vinci—but about the energy and spark he brought to the stage, like he was still a teenager. I remember he was 69 at the time, and yet he played with his band for nearly two and a half hours with the same intensity and joy you’d expect from someone in their twenties.

Your latest release is the single ‘Burning Desire’, what inspired this track? How would you describe it?

Christian Zezza: “Burning Desire” is an electro-cinematic-rock track—a kind of hybrid genre that often fits well within sports media or sci-fi/tech-related content, especially in the context of music for media. The title “Burning Desire” was inspired by Napoleon Hill’s best-selling book Think and Grow Rich. In it, he outlines 13 key principles for success, and one of the most important is having a “burning desire”—an unstoppable inner drive to achieve something meaningful. I thought the phrase not only sounded powerful, but also perfectly captured the energy and vibe of the track. This track was recognized as a finalist in the ‘Best Sound Engineer’ category at the 2025 International Singer Songwriters Association (ISSA) Awards. This acknowledgment represents a meaningful professional achievement and highlights the project’s technical quality within an internationally respected platform.

Your a composer of music and producer too, what do you think are essential elements to creating a quality track?

Christian Zezza: It really depends on how we define the word “quality.” It can refer to technical aspects like production value, sound design, or musicianship. But quality can also mean how effectively a track captures a specific mood or vibe—especially when the music is paired with visuals. In that context, emotional or thematic relevance can be just as important as technical excellence.
To give you an example: working with some of the leading publishers in the sync licensing industry has often put me in a position where I need to prioritize the client’s specific requests over my own creative instincts. If I receive a brief for a composition that needs to sound authentically old, vintage, or even intentionally rough around the edges, that becomes the definition of quality for that particular project. It might not seem “high quality” from a purely polished or technical standpoint, but in context, it’s exactly what’s required to meet the creative brief. On the other hand, having a high level of technical skill is essential—whether it’s on your instrument, in your production techniques, or any other part of the process. That foundation is valuable across the board. But once those skills are in place, it’s your musical sensibility that should be in the driver’s seat.

You’re also a music educator, what tips would you like to share here for other independent musicians looking to succeed?

Christian Zezza: I guess I’ll go with one of my favorite mottos: “Focus on your strengths, not on your weaknesses.” It’s a simple mindset shift, but one that’s made a big difference for me creatively and professionally.
We all have our own strengths—qualities that make us unique in what we do and how we do it. That’s where our identity comes from, and no one else can replicate that. Too often, though, we become our own worst critics by constantly comparing ourselves to others. In doing so, we risk letting our strengths fade simply because we fail to recognize their value.
In addition to this concept, here’s another thought that works quite well in the field of education: “Do it the way you would.” I remember hearing this sentence from someone a long time ago, and it immediately caught my attention.
To keep it simple: being influenced by others and even mimicking them can be a great starting point—but only if it eventually leads to developing your own voice.

What else are you working on? What can we expect to see and hear from you in the future?

Christian Zezza: At the moment, I’m fortunate to have a very full schedule with music production and several upcoming releases that are being licensed and distributed across various media networks. I’m also involved in a few projects with singer-songwriters, where I’m taking on the roles of co-writer, producer, and guitarist. Hopefully, those will be released before the end of the year.

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