Edoardo D’Erme, known by his stage name Calcutta, is an influential Italian singer-songwriter born on April 19, 1989, in Latina, Lazio. With a career spanning over a decade, Calcutta has emerged as a prominent figure in the Italian music scene, particularly within the indie pop genre. His musical journey began with the release of his debut album Forse… (Maybe…) in 2012, released under Geograph Records. This album laid the groundwork for his distinctive sound, characterized by introspective lyrics and melodic compositions that draw inspiration from iconic Italian artists like Lucio Dalla and Lucio Battisti.
Calcutta’s breakthrough came with his sophomore album Mainstream, released on November 30, 2015, through Bomba Dischi. Initially overlooked by the mainstream media, the album began to gain traction months after its release, thanks in part to the lead single “Cosa mi manchi a fare,” which received significant airplay on Italian radio networks. The album’s success was solidified with the release of “Oroscopo” in May 2016, produced by the acclaimed duo Takagi & Ketra. Although Calcutta later expressed that the song did not fully represent his artistic identity, it became a commercial hit, earning a gold certification from the Federation of the Italian Music Industry and establishing him as a household name in Italy.
In 2018, Calcutta released his third studio album, Evergreen, which marked a significant milestone in his career as it debuted at number one on the Italian Albums Chart. The album featured several popular singles, including “Orgasmo,” “Paracetamolo,” and “Pesto,” each showcasing his ability to blend catchy melodies with relatable themes. The re-release of Evergreen in 2019 introduced new singles like “Punto” and “Sorriso (Milano Dateo),” further expanding his reach and solidifying his place in contemporary Italian music.
Continuing his trajectory of success, Calcutta collaborated with other prominent artists in the industry. In 2019, he recorded “La luna e la gatta” with Takagi & Ketra, alongside renowned singer-songwriters Jovanotti and Tommaso Paradiso. This collaboration demonstrated his versatility as an artist and his willingness to experiment with different sounds. He has also lent his talents as a featured artist on various singles, including “Se piovesse il tuo nome” with Elisa, and “Blue Jeans” with Franco126, showcasing his collaborative spirit and ability to connect with fellow musicians.
Beyond his own recordings, Calcutta has written songs for numerous Italian artists, contributing to the richness of the national music scene. His songwriting prowess is evident in tracks like Francesca Michielin’s “Io non abito al mare,” Fabri Fibra’s “Come mai,” and Emma’s “Latina,” among others. His ability to craft poignant lyrics and memorable melodies has made him a sought-after collaborator in the industry.
In 2021, Calcutta partnered with Marracash for the song “Laurea ad honorem,” featured on Marracash’s album Noi, loro, gli altri, which achieved gold certification. This collaboration further exemplified his growing influence and versatility as an artist.
As of May 2023, Calcutta announced his highly anticipated new album, Relax, alongside an 8-date tour in Italy, which was released in October 2023. This latest addition to his discography reflects his continued evolution as a musician, eager to explore new themes and sounds while remaining rooted in the Italian pop tradition. Calcutta’s journey, marked by both personal growth and artistic innovation, positions him as a leading voice in contemporary Italian music, captivating audiences with his heartfelt lyrics and engaging melodies.