Legendary guitarist Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave) sits down with Thomas Raggi of Måneskin to talk with Matt Pinfield about the creation of Raggi’s explosive new solo album Mascarade. Recorded old-school at Henson Studios in Los Angeles, the project brings back the raw, live-room rock energy that defined classic records — no remote sessions, no files bouncing around the world. Just musicians in a room, making real rock and roll.
Morello discusses why he immediately connected with Thomas’s “rock-and-roll spirit,” how their friendship began backstage at the Roxy, and why producing Mascarade felt like helping shape the next generation of global rock fans. Raggi opens up about writing more than 50 songs, narrowing them down to the best 8–10, and stepping into the role of lead vocalist for the first time.
The interview dives into the album’s star-studded collaborations — including Beck, Nick Chester (Jet), Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Luke Spiller (The Struts), Alex Kapranos (Franz Ferdinand), and Maxim (The Prodigy) — and how every contribution happened naturally, often in the same room, driven by shared passion and spontaneity.
Closing out the conversation, Raggi talks about his excitement to bring Mascarade on the road — including a show at the iconic Whisky a Go Go — and how this album represents the purest expression of his musical identity yet.
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- · Filmed & Edited & Photographed by Matt Blake
- · Audio by Tristan Dolce
- · Host: Matt Pinfield
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