With his Be My Wife project, Federico Nessi has built a world where intimacy collides with spectacle, and love is examined in all its beauty and chaos. Born in Miami and Buenos Aires, now based in Paris, Nessi’s artistry thrives in tension; blending post-punk intensity, pop romanticism, and an avant-garde sense of theatre. His latest single 'Only You' is not only the third track to be lifted from his new EP 'To Deliver a Feeling', but also the very first song he wrote for the project.
On 'Only You', Nessi takes the familiar shape of a love song and twists it into something both hypnotic and haunting. Beginning as a sweeping power ballad that nods to The Platters’ classic of the same name, the track then fractures into a Krautrock-inspired meditation, where repetition, rhythm, and mantra-like vocals unravel into something almost transcendent.
So with the new single out now, we sat down with Federico to discuss his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The first instrument I became enamoured with was the piano. I started learning how to play at around 6 years old. From the get-go, I was obsessed with applying the sustain pedal and preferred minor chords. I had a cool Brazilian teacher who would let me pick the songs I learned. At the time I was very into The Phantom of the Opera, so we started off there…
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I loved all sorts of music when I was younger, but looking back I’ve always leaned towards darker stuff.
My older sister showed me Depeche Mode and New Order. My older brother introduced me to Nine Inch Nails and Front 242. And with my parents I would listen to a variety of music, from Enigma to The Mamas & The Papas. That mixed in with the Madonna and George Michael that was always playing on the radio really shaped my childhood.
And then, when I was 12, I first heard Nirvana and it was all downhill from there…
What was the first album you remember owning?
The first album (cassette) I remember holding and playing on repeat with my family was Kick by INXS. Still, to this day, one of the best albums of all time.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Oh wow… That's a great yet loaded question. If I was going for cultural impact, I would say Closer by Nine Inch Nails. If I was going for innovation and genre-defining experimentation, I would say Warm Leatherette by The Normal.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I generally start with either the lyrics or the beats. But I tend to approach songwriting in a more stream-of-consciousness manner. Each song is different and quite often the early stages of development are a blur in hindsight. I find myself hearing my songs and realizing I have no recollection of how they came to be.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I have been on an intense ‘women of the 90s’ kick, particularly listening on repeat to Boys for Pele by Tori Amos and Tidal by Fiona Apple. Like, non-stop.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Wow, another very loaded question! There are acts that would be a dream to share a stage with, like Depeche Mode or The Cure, but I feel they are beyond the point of admiration, potentially leading to awkward interactions (never meet your idols, am I right?).
I think the artist I would currently dream of opening for would be Fever Ray. Their sensibilities are very much aligned with those of Be My Wife and I think that would make for a killer show.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Performing. Hands down. I do all of this for the spotlight.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Promotion. Hands down. There is an unrealistic expectation in 2025 that artists need to also be influencers / promoters. I have no interest in having you get to know me on a personal level, nor do I find that should be an essential part of the relationship between listener / musician. We’ve lost all sense of mystery. I hope Be My Wife always remains a rather peculiar and insoluble project.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
There are no rules.
And it’s true. There is no handbook to follow. There are no rights and wrongs. There is just expression and what makes you feel right.
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Be My Wife's new single 'Only You' is out now. Check it out in the player below.