The unexpected wave of Italian trap music has disrupted the mainstream, captivating young listeners and breaking streaming records. Artists like Ghali, Sfera Ebbasta, Madame, and Baby Gang have achieved commercial success and social media followings, challenging traditional music categories. The book 'Trap! Suoni, segni e soggettività nella scena italiana' by Sebastiano Benasso and Luca Benvenga explores this phenomenon, highlighting its representation of immigrant second generations and its divergence from punk's political dimension. Despite its subversive energy, trap does not seek revolution but rather expresses a nihilistic tumult. The genre's commercial success is underscored by its frequent references to luxury brands. The tragic story of a trap collective in Valerio Millefoglie's 'Tutti vivi' further illustrates the genre's impact on young lives and its role as a means of aspiration and connection.

Dolomiti Contemporanee is revitalizing abandoned sites in the Dolomites, transforming them into cultural hubs. The initiative, led by Gianluca D’Incà Levis, has repurposed the medieval Andraz Castle and the disused Eni Village, among others, into spaces for artistic and scientific collaboration. The project aims to challenge stereotypes and breathe new life into forgotten places, involving over 2000 artists and numerous private and institutional partners since 2011. The effort is described as 'cultural mountaineering,' emphasizing the transformative power of art in complex environments.

Father Antonio Pileggi, a Jesuit priest, organizes avant-garde electronic music nights at the San Fedele Cultural Centre in Milan, blending spirituality with experimental sounds. The events attract a diverse audience, including university students and music enthusiasts. Pileggi, a former composer, found his faith in Paris and joined the Jesuits in 1998. He emphasizes the importance of listening in both music and spirituality, creating the Inner Spaces festival to explore ethereal and spiritual expressions of electronic music. Despite some opposition from far-right Catholic groups, Pileggi's initiative fosters a unique intersection of faith and avant-garde culture.

Father Murphy, an influential Italian noise rock band known for their devotion to the occult, have found a symbolic portal to the afterlife in Casa Mollino, a mysterious house in Turin designed by architect Carlo Mollino. The band, which officially disbanded, created a short film titled '171219 May Them White Rise with You' as a final tribute, presented at the Torino Film Festival. The film, co-directed by Micol Roubini and Davide Maldi, explores themes of ritual and the supernatural, using the enigmatic spaces of Casa Mollino. The project involved various collaborators and reflects the band's unique artistic journey and their connection to the esoteric.

The Biennale Musica in Venice, directed by Lucia Ronchetti, showcases a diverse array of contemporary and experimental music events, including installations, performances, and premieres. Highlights include Alberto Anhaus's interactive installation, Morton Subotnick's electronic music performance, and Brian Eno receiving the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement. The festival emphasizes pure acoustic perception and the evolving nature of music, drawing a record audience of over 19,000 attendees, indicating a growing interest in innovative musical expressions.

The Festival of the Mad, inspired by the work of Franco Basaglia and Franca Ongaro, is an annual event in Venice that explores the boundaries between normality and madness. The festival, created by psychotherapist and philosopher Anna Poma, features discussions on mental health, philosophy, and literature, and includes workshops and performances. The 2023 edition took place from May 25 to 28, addressing topics such as the mental health of migrants, the violence inherent in exclusionary practices, and the history of psychiatric care reform in Italy. The event also paid tribute to psychiatrist Franco Rotelli and included literary discussions that highlighted the role of imagination in redefining personal trajectories and the future.

The article discusses the increasing awareness and support for mental well-being in the music industry, highlighted by the experiences of artists like Sangiovanni and Mr. Rain. It introduces Restart, an organization providing mental health support to music professionals, and reflects on the challenges faced by musicians, especially during the pandemic. The narrative underscores the need for structural changes in the industry to better support its workers.

The Italian State's decision to sell the Venetian island of Poveglia has sparked significant opposition from local citizens and activists, who have formed the association Poveglia per tutti to prevent its privatization. The island, known for its historical and cultural significance, has become a symbol of resistance against gentrification and the commercialization of public spaces. Despite bureaucratic challenges and competition from wealthy entrepreneurs, the association has garnered international support and continues to advocate for the island's preservation as a public space. The current municipal administration, led by Mayor Luigi Brugnaro, has shown little interest in the island's upkeep, leaving the responsibility to the dedicated citizens of Poveglia per tutti.

P38-La Gang, an Italian rap group known for their far-left and communist themes, faces legal persecution after a controversial performance on Labour Day 2022. The band, which uses provocative imagery and references to historical leftist movements, is under investigation by the Turin prosecutor’s office for instigation to commit a crime with an aggravating circumstance for terrorism. Despite public outrage and concert cancellations, the group denies any association with terrorism, emphasizing their work as artistic expression. They have paused musical activities and launched a crowdfunding campaign for legal expenses, raising significant support from fans and some underground musicians.

The article explores the decline of industrial activity in the Veneto region, focusing on the closure of the Ilnor factory and its impact on workers and the local economy. It highlights the historical context of Veneto's industrial growth and subsequent decline, the environmental and social consequences of unchecked industrial expansion, and the challenges of repurposing abandoned industrial sites. Experts call for strategic planning and sustainable development to address these issues, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach that integrates social, cultural, economic, and environmental factors.

The Venice Hardcore festival, held in Marghera, has evolved from a small gathering to a major event in the European punk hardcore scene, attracting bands from around the world. The festival is deeply rooted in political activism, with themes of anti-fascism, veganism, and anti-capitalism. It takes place at the Rivolta, a community space with a rich history of social and political activism. The event features a mix of local and international bands, with a strong emphasis on community and solidarity. The festival also serves as a platform for expressing anger and frustration through music, providing a therapeutic outlet for attendees.

Moor Mother, an artist known for her intense and unpredictable performances, blends hip hop, jazz, punk, and electronic music into a cathartic experience. Her latest tour included a stop at Ravenna's Bronson for the Italian date, promoting her album 'Black Encyclopedia of the Air.' The album, released by Anti- Records, is noted for its depth and early '90s hip hop influence. Moor Mother, whose real name is Camae Ayewa, draws inspiration from the struggles and stories of musicians like Billie Holiday. She is also part of the Black Quantum Futurism collective, which explores the oppressive nature of time and its impact on communities. Ayewa is currently working on 'Jazz Codes,' a jazz album from her perspective, set to release in summer 2022. Additionally, she is a member of the jazz band Irreversible Entanglements, which recently released 'Open the Gates.' Ayewa's collaborations extend to projects like Jerusalem in My Heart, and she values personal connections over musical genres.

Jerusalem in My Heart's latest album 'Qalaq' reflects the deep concerns and political turmoil in Lebanon, featuring a blend of traditional Arabic music with electronic elements. The album cover, depicting a powerful image from the 2019 protests, and the tracks, each featuring different artists, convey a strong political message. Radwan Ghazi Moumneh, the project's creator, expresses disillusionment with Lebanon's current state, while the live performances, enhanced by Erin Weisgerber's visuals, aim to immerse the audience in the experience. The article also highlights the challenges faced by Lebanese musicians and the vibrant yet dispersed experimental music scene.

Alberto Dubito, a young rapper and poet from Treviso and founder of the band Disturbati Dalla CUiete, tragically took his own life at the age of 20. His death marked a before and after in the city of Treviso, inspiring a youth movement seeking spaces and opportunities in a city facing an identity crisis. The article recounts Alberto's life, his artistic endeavors, and the influence he had on the local music scene and youth culture. It also discusses the aftermath of his passing, including the formation of the Ztl Wake Up collective and the establishment of the Django social center. The article reflects on Alberto's legacy, the publication of his works, and the annual Alberto Dubito award for poetry with music.

The article recounts the experience of an individual, Ahmadi, who sought asylum in Italy due to receiving threats in Afghanistan. Ahmadi was granted refugee status within three months of his application in 2006, a time when the migrant situation was less complex. He was provided accommodation in a welcome center in Venice, where he later worked as a linguistic and cultural mediator for unaccompanied minors, many of whom were from Afghanistan. The article also mentions the tragic story of Zaher Rezai, a 13-year-old Afghan boy who died in 2008 while trying to reach Venice and in whose memory a forest in Mestre was dedicated.

Giulio Marcon's book 'Fare pace' delves into the persistent nature of war and the ongoing efforts of peace movements. It includes reports from various conflict zones such as Yugoslavia, Kosovo, and the Middle East, and reflects on the necessity of disarmament. Marcon, now a member of the Italian Parliament with Sel, aims to translate his pacifist experiences into concrete legislative actions, despite the challenges. The book critiques the production and trade of arms, highlighting issues with Italy's arms sales to conflict-engaged countries like Libya, Israel, and Turkey.