Effortlessly cool on the surface, deeply sentimental at heart. Byron Bay-based, Italian-born indie-rock artist Marco Anastasio debuts with ‘From U (For U)’, a bittersweet tribute to his late father wrapped in sun-soaked indie-rock melodies, shimmering synths and infectious grooves. Arriving November 13 alongside a stunning, surrealist music video, the release introduces an artist with a distinct sense of style, a nostalgic alternative edge and an emotional depth that runs far beneath the surface.
Originally from Tuscany, Italy, Marco Anastasio began playing guitar and singing at a young age before relocating to London, where he explored music production and collaborated with other artists. Now settled in Byron Bay, he brings years of songwriting and creative exploration to his first official release.
Driven by fuzzy electric guitars, mellow acoustic passages and bright, rhythmic grooves, ‘From U (For U)’ embraces a hazy, psychedelic indie-rock sound, with nostalgic synths adding a dreamy, retro charm. Marco Anastasio’s vocals soar into a higher register as the track builds towards its infectious, guitar-driven choruses, while recordings of his late father’s voice are woven throughout, bringing an intimate and deeply personal dimension to the otherwise vibrant production.
At its heart, ‘From U (For U)’ explores the lingering grief of losing a parent and the complicated emotions of pursuing personal dreams while leaving loved ones behind. Following his father’s passing in 2018, Marco Anastasio reflects on his decision to leave Italy for London, grappling with regret over the time they lost together and the wish to have known him more deeply. Rather than dwelling entirely on sadness, the track finds comfort in memory and the enduring connection with those no longer with us. As Marco Anastasio explains:
“’From U (For U)’ is a deeply personal song about losing my dad in 2018 and wishing I had more time to know him. It follows my experience of grief, while reflecting on the difficult decision to leave Italy and move to London to pursue my own path, and the conflicting feelings that came with leaving him behind. His voice can be heard throughout the song, taken from old recordings, as a way of honouring his memory and keeping him present in the story.
Directed by Marco Anastasio and produced by Ethan Harris-Cross, the intimate accompanying music video explores the connection between past and present, highlighting the importance of your past and memories in shaping who you are.
The video moves between archival family footage and present-day scenes of Marco Anastasio immersed in hazy, surreal visuals, appearing isolated and struggling to move forward. Parties and playful moments unfold around him, contrasting the carefree energy of the present with his emotional attachment to the past. Amid the dreamlike imagery, an eye suspended by a thread becomes a poignant symbol of his father, representing the memories and connections that continue to shape his life long after loss.
With ‘From U (For U)’, Marco Anastasio makes a bold first impression. The track and its accompanying music video are out on Friday, November 13.