HEYDUDE Gets Comfy with Italian Producer Shablo
What do expertly designed casual footwear and chart-topping Italian musicians have in common? Well, both are committed to pushing boundaries, blending street smarts and classic fashion, and luxuriating in laid-back vibes. For their Unlike Anything campaign, HEYDUDE have partnered with producer Shablo, who has been revolutionizing the Italian hip-hop scene for years with a unique mix of jazz, soul, and Latin music.
“HEYDUDE has a free, relaxed attitude but is also very grounded,” says Shablo. “It’s a brand that fits well with the way I am today: authentic, comfortable in my own skin, but always on the move.” Unlike Anything plays exactly into this ethos — not only is HEYDUDE a shoe for people who want a level of comfort and durability, but it's also for those who believe that self-expression and creativity is the only way to live life without limits.
Recently, by participating in the legendary Sanremo Music Festival and crafting an upcoming album, Shablo has stepped even further into his own as a full-fledged performing artist, on top of being a producer with multiple crossover hits under his (undoubtedly premium Italian leather) belt. Here’s what he had to say about his singular career path, evolving as a musician, and how, much like HEYDUDE, letting his inner confidence shine has been his path to success.
Discover more about HEYDUDE and Unlike Anything here.
You’ve built careers, shaped sounds, and worked behind the scenes of the Italian music industry for years. What pushed you to make the leap and step into the spotlight with your own voice?
I believe every journey has its own timing. After so many years behind the scenes, I felt the need to share something personal, something authentic that represents my story and my influences. It was a natural, unplanned process. The right moment simply arrived.
What surprised you the most in the transition from producer to performer?
The ability to express myself not only through sound. Being able to communicate my vision more clearly and fully really inspired me. As a producer, you’re like a director—you control everything from behind the scenes. But when you put your face out there, you’re on the front lines and you have to stand by every choice. You can’t hide behind a beat. It was a challenge, but also a liberating experience to reveal a part of myself that had stayed in the background for so long.
The Sanremo Festival is known for its musical variety. How did you prepare to perform “La mia parola”?
Sanremo is a unique stage, full of history and meaning. I prepared by putting my whole self into the song, trying not to compromise my identity, but above all, by having fun. The playful aspect of music is essential and helps balance out the weight of the expectations that come with an experience like this.
How do you think your collaboration with HEYDUDE reflects your personal style and musical identity?
I think it’s a matter of coherence. The music I make, the projects I choose, collaborations like this one with HEYDUDE — everything has to reflect who I truly am. Minimal, direct, but with a clear message. I like the idea that the way I dress or move through the world speaks the same language as my music.
