ROCCO BENE

PAULA ABDUL, MADONNA AND ROCCO BENE’S MUM INSPIRED HIS REMAKE OF WEEPY HIT THE DAY YOU WENT AWAY. INTERVIEW BY MARC ANDREWS.

DNA: You chose to record one of the world’s saddest songs, The Day You Went Away. Why? Rocco Bene: I’ve had a strong connection to The Day You Went Away by Wendy Mathews since I was 12. I’ve always wanted to record it, and life took a tragic turn last year that influenced my soul and music. This was the last song my mum heard before she passed. I played it to her when she was surrounded by her family. It was also played at her memorial. This song has always put a smile on my face, but still brings a certain sadness to my heart. The remixes take it into a whole new arena. Was that the plan?

Deep down I knew this was the song I needed to record. I’m so proud of how it fell into place. The universe somehow presented it to me with these amazing remixes and DJs. I’m honored that they heard my vision without my direction.

What you were doing musically before this? When I was 15 I was signed to a management agreement to be developed as an artist. I then signed to Warner Bros at 19 as part of a male duo called Gemini. We toured with Human Nature and Bardot as support act. Then, after the ups and

I loved Paula Abdul when I was growing up. It must have done my parents’ heads in.

downs of the music industry, I took time off to rebel, live life and become me. I got back into the industry, rebuilt my life, my network and myself. You also recorded a version of Lucky Star a while back. Are you a huge Madonna fan?

Madonna was incredible and still is. I love the ’80s and the way artists and music was back then. I also loved Paula Abdul when I was growing up. I had my four walls covered in posters and was always singing her tracks. It must have done my parents’ heads in.

“Italians Do It Better” is often Madonna’s mantra. Do you subscribe to that, too?

Big time [laughs].

Madonna’s son has the same name as you. Coincidence or what?

[Laughs] I had this name first. Some things are just meant to be.

What were you like as a teenager?

I was really quiet and shy, but I worked my butt off to get signed to Warner Bros and had amazing mentors.

Do you have a day job away from music?

I do work behind the scenes helping other artists develop their careers. I took a chance a year ago to live my truth. I was able to spend time with three people I loved before they left this earth.

How would you define the music you make? Sexy, mature house music with heart and soul and a touch of the ’80s.

On the scale of human sexuality where you would place yourself?

Never say never! I never see people in that way unless they are interested in me.

Are you romantically attached at the moment? There is someone special in my life.

Are you happy performing for gay audiences and at gay events?

Hell, yeah! I’m happy to perform to anyone, any crowd in the world.

You have a very distinctive look. Talk us through that.

I’ve never been as comfortable in my own skin as I am now. I make the most of what I was born with. I’m not your “typical guy” by today’s standards but know I have a presence.

Do you have a plan for world domination?

I do. Firstly, keep pumping out tracks and doing what I love and, also, keep working with other artists. Later this year I’m heading to Europe for a few months.

At the beach do you prefer speedos, boardshorts or nude?

Soccer shorts.

What’s the sexiest thing about you?

My naughty smile and my eyes!

What do you find sexy in others?

Confidence, a smile and eyes ’cos, as the cliché goes, they are the window to the soul.