Why Italy Can’t Stop Listening to Ultimo
Italy. What’s the first thing that popped into your head when you read that word? Maybe food, hand gestures, accents, vacation, passion? Imagine yourself walking on cobblestone streets, weaving through alleyways full of small shops and gelato stands. What music are you listening to?
Before you say anything, let me give you the best answer: you’re listening to Ultimo.
Meet Ultimo!
Ultimo, basically the Italian Ed Sheeran, is one of the biggest pop artists in Europe and has been killing it since 2016. He got his start after winning a hip hop competition called One Shot Game, which led to his first single, “Chiave.” That song kicked off what’s now a seriously impressive career. One thing about Ultimo, his music is timeless. His talent proves that real artistry will always rise, no matter the timing, and his first album is proof of that. In 2017, he dropped his first album Pianeti, with 14 tracks including “Chiave.” Though it initially peaked at No. 47 on the Italian FIMI Album Chart, it climbed up, eventually hitting No. 5 and going double platinum. Now, it’s actually 4× platinum.
One cool thing about the Italian music scene is their love for festivals where artists can compete for awards. In 2018, Ultimo entered the famous Sanremo Music Festival and won the ‘Newcomer’ category with his song “Il ballo delle incertezze.” That same day, he released his second album Peter Pan, and this one was different. It was all new music, no pre-released singles, and it showed he was here to stay. The album went straight to No. 1 and got certified 6× platinum. He followed it up with a completely sold-out tour, the Peter Pan Tour, proving he wasn’t just a one-hit wonder—he was theartist of his generation.
Then in 2019, he released his third album Colpa delle favole, which also debuted at No. 1 and stayed there for five weeks straight. He went on tour again, this time hitting the biggest indoor arenas in Italy—becoming the youngest artist ever to do it. And if that wasn’t enough, on July 4th he performed at the Olympic Stadium in Rome in front of over 63,000 fans. Yup, once again, the youngest artist in Italy to headline a stadium. After that, he announced a stadium tour across the country, ending with a massive show at the Circo Massimo. He sold over 120,000 tickets in just the first 24 hours. Wild.
Stadio Olimpico di Roma, August 2019.
What makes an artist?
Now you might be asking, “Okay, we get it, he’s successful. But why?” I’m glad you asked.
An artist’s greatest asset is their sound, it’s what sets them apart. Ultimo has this deeply emotional, storytelling style in both his writing and singing, and it all ties together with his choice of instruments and arrangements. He’s not just the face of the music, he’s hands-on with the composing and production, making him more than just the image of an artist.
He’s been songwriting since he was 14, and his lyrics are often based on real-life experiences, told through characters that bring those moments and feelings to life. That’s a huge part of why I think he’s one of Italy’s top artists, it's rare to find music that feels so personal and easy to connect with, and Ultimo gives you exactly that.
Pop is one of the most popular genres in the world, but it can get repetitive. That’s why it’s so refreshing to listen to someone like Ultimo. Even though his sound sits in the pop world, he blends in elements of hip hop, creating something that feels both familiar and totally his own.
Just listen.
“Ti Dedico Il Silenzio” is about the search for inner peace and the longing to feel truly alive in the midst of life’s chaos. Despite the fears and challenges that come with it, the song reflects a deep desire for connection and the hope of finding happiness. There is a message in every song he writes, this song reminds us that sometimes the most powerful emotions don’t need to be spoken out loud—because silence, when shared with the right person, can say everything.
Ultimo Records
In 2021, he branched out to start his new independent label, Ultimo Records, a power move which has helped him align his artistry with growth. Nothing is better than an artist finding freedom and exploring their creativity to their own will. Since then, he’s released three more albums—Solo, Alba, and Altrove—all of which hit No. 1 on the charts and earned platinum certifications. At this point, that shouldn’t be a surprise. Each album just keeps showing that Ultimo’s not going anywhere, he knows who he is as an artist, and people keep showing up for it.
Now go back to that image—cobblestone streets, cozy alleyways, little shops, and gelato stands. The sun’s warm, there’s a breeze, and everything feels like a movie. So what are you listening to?
