“Stazione Centrale” was formed in Florence in 1999 through the musical collaboration of Francesco Payne (vocals, guitar, lyrics, and music), who had studied violin and singing at the conservatory, and "Matyou" Matteo Gianni (piano, keyboards, music, and arrangements), also a conservatory-trained pianist.
By 2001/2002, they won the Rock Live Party music festival, which led them to meet producer Stefano Spada. Spada helped enhance their sound by guiding the artistic arrangements of their pieces. A productive synergy developed between Salaorni and Spada, resulting in the production of their first demos. Eventually, Spada handed over production responsibilities to Sergio Salaorni, who continued to support Stazione Centrale until they secured their first record deal in 2005 with the new Florence-based label Rinascimento Records.
Soon after, they connected with bassist Antonio Cernivivo, establishing a strong musical bond. The trio cycled through various drummers until they found Adua Tognetti in 2002. Tognetti, who had private and conservatory training in drumming, solidified the group's lineup. Their first significant live tour commenced in 2006, also facilitated by Rinascimento Records. During this tour, they performed at numerous venues across Italy, including concerts in Pisa with NEGRITA, Vicchio (FI) with L’Aura, and at Sash Hall (FI) with Piero Pelù and Banda Bardò. They also had showcases for Messaggerie Musicali in both Rome and Milan, and participated in the Festa della Primavera in Vizzini (CT). Their music reached 74 Italian radio stations, garnering positive feedback from audiences and critics alike. From 2004 onward, they shared the stage with various national and international artists, including Piero Pelù at Fortezza da Basso (FI) and served as the opening act for Cousteau during their Italian tour. In 2005, they performed at an Emergency benefit concert alongside LITFIBA, ultimately supporting the cause with four additional charity performances. They released their first EP, featuring the single "SORRIDIMI," selling 1,300 copies.
In the midst of their 2006 tour, they participated in and won San Remo Rock, receiving acclaim from both the audience and the jury. Following the tour, they entered the studio from June to October to work on their debut album, tentatively titled "Non sarà Facile," with new producer Francesco Frilli; however, the album was never released.
In 2007, Luca "Cica" Cantasano joined the group as a skilled bassist, complementing Francesco and Matyou's dynamic. Sergio Salaorni continued to oversee their progress, allowing them to record their initial demos at Larione10 studio in Grassina, FI.
Despite these developments, their song won at the Cornetto Algida Free Music Festival, leading to an appearance on RAI 2's Cd Live. MTV Italia referred to them as the "Nuovi Alfieri del Pop Rock Italiano," likening their sound to that of Keane, Coldplay, and other Anglo-Saxon bands. The group’s name, chosen by Francesco and Matyou, metaphorically represents their musical journey: "La Stazione Centrale is the heart of the group from which the trains (the songs) depart, carrying passengers (the lyrics) through various stations (the hearts of the audience)." Their sound is characterized by acoustic elements, with electronic touches and a robust live presence aimed at resonating emotionally with listeners.
In 2009/2010, drummer Clarissa Giusti joined the band, but she relocated to London in 2011. Subsequently, Hans Keber, a longtime friend of Francesco, became their drummer, significantly contributing to their studio rhythm arrangements. During 2010/2011, François Pirelli also joined the project alongside the consistent presence of Sergio Salaorni.
The new album, under production since April 2011, reflects the group's hard work with the two producers, resulting in a sound transformation from purely acoustic to one that is sharp, rhythmic, melancholic, and lively. In 2012, Nicola "Tenaja" Faggian joined as a permanent member, bringing undeniable talent and solidifying the lineup that Stazione Centrale had long sought. Tragically, following the untimely passing of drummer Nicola Faggian, the production of their latest album slowed, postponing its release to 2015/2016.
Currently, Matyou and Cica reside in Florence, while Francesco lives in Venice.
