On September 11, New York City stood still in remembrance.
The date carries layers of weight for Italians as well: Andrea Bocelli, one of the world’s most renowned voices, once marked the anniversary of 9/11 with a concert in Italy, inviting survivors to bear witness, per the BBC.
And this year, the next generation of the Bocelli legacy stepped into that same energy. Matteo Bocelli, Andrea’s son, performed a live show at Manhattan’s Gramercy Theatre—his final stop before the release of his sophomore album, Falling in Love, out September 12 via Decca Records.
For Matteo Bocelli, debuting new music in New York on such a date wasn’t just about timing. “New York has so much energy, and to share my songs here, so close to the release, feels like the perfect way to begin this new chapter,” he explained. “The most beautiful gift an artist can receive is seeing the connection you created with your fans, and to have that moment right before the album release makes it even more meaningful."
Unlike his 2023 debut—which was shaped under pandemic limitations—Matteo Bocelli’s second record was built in an environment that felt like home. Quite literally. He recorded in Tuscany, opening his own space to collaborators and producer Martin Terefe, whose credits include Shawn Mendes and Jason Mraz.
“Martin was incredible at bringing the right people together for this project and giving us total freedom,” Matteo said. “We were all able to put pieces of ourselves into the work and that, in the end, gave the album its soul."
Life in Tuscany gave the project its warmth. Musicians stayed under his roof, shared meals, and absorbed his rhythms. “Behind any form of art there has to be an exchange of ideas, opinions, and emotions,” he explained. That kind of intimacy, he believes, left fingerprints across every track.
The album’s lead single, “To Get to Love You,” set the tone. Written with Amy Wadge, longtime collaborator of Ed Sheeran, the track uses a motif from Michel Boisrond’s 1968 film La Leçon Particulière.
Matteo Bocelli saw it as a way to bridge the past with the present. “The idea was to take a beautiful melody from the past and bring it back to people’s ears in a fresh, new way,” he said. His baritone croon carries the song, which builds around the chorus: “There’s nothing I won’t do to get to love you.”
That balance—respecting classic tradition while layering in contemporary pop textures—has become Matteo Bocelli’s signature. He grew up with opera in his blood, but found his own voice in crossover spaces.
It’s also part of how he defines la dolce vita, a theme woven through the record. While many envision elegance and luxury, he frames it differently. “It’s gathering around a table with friends, eating vegetables from my garden, and experiencing the everyday moments that make you feel connected to each other and grateful. This album carries a lot of that spirit."
Falling in Love also marks growth. “I’ve spent the last two years touring and have learned a lot about myself, my voice, and the sound I want to share with the world,” he reflected. “My first album was really about discovering myself as an artist—I was experimenting, learning, and taking inspiration from great writers. With Falling in Love, I feel more confident in myself, my songwriting, and my voice”.
The Bocelli name carries global recognition, but Matteo is intentional about carving his own path. “I’m very proud to be my father’s son," he said. "At the same time, I have my own path to create and follow. For me, it’s about being honest with myself and writing songs that reflect my own experiences. The best way I can honor my family is by being true to myself”.
That honesty extends into how he approaches performing. Andrea Bocelli is known for being reserved on stage, rarely speaking between songs. Matteo leans the other way, often interacting with the audience. “Sometimes they call me the crooner because I enjoy interacting with the audience,” he told PEOPLE earlier this summer. “So definitely that’s one of those aspects where we are on the opposite side, me and my father.”
When asked about dream collaborators, he points to names like Harry Styles and Adele, though he knows those connections can’t be forced. For now, the collaborations that matter most are the ones already etched into this project—Amy Wadge, Martin Terefe, and the circle of musicians who helped him shape songs in the Tuscan hills.
As Falling in Love reaches listeners, Matteo Bocelli hopes the emotions translate beyond his own story. “I hope they feel the emotions we put into the music on this new album, and that it speaks to them personally,” he said. “This chapter of my career is all about connecting—not just with music, but with people everywhere. I also think there’s no better way to experience music than a live show, and I hope it feels as special for them as it does for me.”