Chiello, Samurai Jay and Elettra: it’s already Sanremo, or almost

Between wolves, Latin rhythms, sunny melodies and twerking, the journey towards the Ariston has already begun, even if the debut of the 2026 Sanremo Festival, scheduled for 24 to 28 February, is about two months away. After all, Sanremo is never just a week in February. Between singles, collaborations and records that sound like declarations of intent, the artists outline their respective Sanremo trajectories well in advance. The latest record releases of some protagonists of the Italian scene, collected in playlist which you find below and which you can listen to by clicking on “play“, seem to be moving precisely in this direction: measured steps, but far from random. And much more than technical tests.

Chiello continues to sculpt his emotional imagery with “Wolf”a song that confirms his ability to move on the border between fragility and instinct. The writing remains raw, visceral, while the sound accompanies a more introspective story than ever. It is Chiello who does not tame his shadows, on the contrary he uses them as a compass: a figure which, if brought to the Ariston stage, could give him satisfaction. «In the songs of “Scarabocchi” I approached Italian songwriting. The old one, because the new one sucks. I am referring to Gino Paoli, Luigi Tenco. The Genoese school. I also include Piero Ciampi, who frequented that circuit even though he was from Livorno. I studied their records, I learned about them”, the former trapper told Rockol in February, presenting his latest album.

Completely different atmospheres for Samurai Jaywhich with “Halo”which has been viral on TikTok for months, seems to want to broaden its artistic perimeter: a credible business card for those aiming for a national-popular context without distorting itself. The pop front instead lights up with Elettra Lamborghiniwhich comes back with “Putivuelta” together with Alan Dazmel. Here the message is clear: rhythm, body and cultural contamination. From a Sanremo perspective, “Putivuelta” sounds like a reminder: Elettra is there, and she still knows how to make people dance and talk about herself.

Meanwhile Rag Dolls they get ready to celebrate one year since the release of “Wanted”the album that actually brought them to the Ariston stage. An anniversary that smacks of balance but also of relaunch: “Wanted” marked a turning point, consolidating a punk-rock attitude that found new visibility in the mainstream.

Closes the circle Leo Gassmannwhich with “Yamamai” continues his path of artistic growth. Warming up the engines too.