Leo Gassmann: Beyond The Music Vanity Teen 虚荣青年 Lifestyle & New Faces Magazine

Interview by Julia Radovich

Meet Leo Gassmann: a storyteller, a dreamer, and a passionate artist.
From his roots in Rome to his creative journey across music and acting, Leo embraces challenges and inspires with his vision of freedom and connection.
Dive into his world and discover the thoughts, values, and ambitions that drive him.

Leo, how would you introduce yourself to someone who is discovering
you for the first time? Who are you beyond your music?

Like many young people, I am an enthusiastic soul looking for his place. I can’t tell who I will be in the future, but I know where I’m
standing. I have several interests, such as traveling, acting, reading, and surfing. Every day, I try to be the best version of myself, and I love learning new things. I would say that I’m attracted to any people who can teach me something.

You’re originally from Rome – how have the atmosphere, history, and culture of Rome shaped you as a person and as an artist?

Rome is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It’s a city full of art and good energy. At the same time, it’s also a melancholy city.
Here, it’s as if time has stopped for a long time. Everything goes slower, and, considering other European cities, people are less in a business mood. If you are lucky enough to live in the center, it’s the perfect city to create art without feeling the pressure that sometimes the music industry at a high level requires.

You come from the iconic Gassman family. What does it mean to you to continue this legacy?

It’s a huge responsibility. Representing the third generation of artists requires attention and respect, but I have never considered it
something terrible or scurrying. As I said before, I try my best to be a better version of myself every day and an honest civilian. I guess this is enough!

Your album La Strada per Agartha centers on the theme of freedom.
What does freedom mean to you, and how do you express it through music?

Freedom is one of those few things for which fighting is essential. I try to spread freedom in every song and movie I make. It’s fundamental to keep talking about it and never take it for granted.
The world outside is going wild, and it’s our responsibility to fight to make the world a better place for future generations.

The music video for Take That was filmed in Rome. Why did you choose this city, and what does the video’s atmosphere symbolize?

I’ve chosen Rome because it is my city and always will be. I imagine myself as the last Roman songwriter alive, singing about love and freedom from the city’s rooftops.

How do you handle creative challenges? Do you have any rituals that help you stay inspired?

No, I don’t. But I love challenges. I perform better when I’m under stress or when I find myself in a situation in which people believe it
will be impossible to succeed. I love to impress myself and the people around me.

Your debut role as Franco Califano won you the Nastro d’Argento award.
How did you prepare for such a role?

I’ve worked a lot to interpret Califano. It was a complex challenge for several reasons. First, I was interpreting a songwriter fundamental to
my country, especially the Roman people. Also, it was my first movie, and haters were ready to shoot me down. I’ve lost 8 kg in three weeks working every day with a personal trainer, and I also worked a lot on Califano’s way of speaking and moving.
Winning the Nastro D’argento has been an honor. I interpreted it as a way of life telling
me I was on the right track.

Do you see a connection between music and acting? Does one form of creativity help unlock the other?

Music and acting are complementary. One completes the other.
Sometimes, working on specific characters in movies helped me unlock certain thoughts and emotions that became songs.

What values or messages do you hope to share through your art?

Freedom, passion, respect, peace, hope, positivity.

What dreams do you have for the next few years, both in music and in acting?

I would love to work on an international project. My mom always tells me that I’m the new Marlon Brando (hahaha). I also would love to record an album in Nashville.