London-based artist Carmelo Alfano begins a new chapter with Is This You?, a single shaped by decades of musical experience, perseverance and unexpected connections.
London-based, Sicilian-English artist Carmelo Alfano releases his new single Is This You? on 1 September 2026. The track marks another chapter in a remarkable musical journey that has taken him from vocal studies in Italy to London’s live music scene.
Alfano’s story combines music, acting, television and technology. Along the way, he has crossed paths with some fascinating names and moments in music history. His career also includes an early role in live music streaming, long before it became part of everyday music culture.
From Sicily to London
Music entered Alfano’s life through his father, an amateur tenor with a deep love of opera. From an early age, his father encouraged him to listen to great singers and develop an appreciation for the voice.
That early influence eventually led Alfano towards professional vocal training. He travelled to Modena, Italy, where he spent two years studying voice with the teacher of legendary tenor Luciano Pavarotti.
The experience gave him a deeper understanding of Italian vocal traditions. It also strengthened the musical foundations that would influence his work as a performer.
His Sicilian heritage remains an important part of his identity. At the same time, growing up with both Sicilian and English influences helped shape his independent approach to life and music.
Ahead of the Streaming Revolution
Long before artists could easily broadcast live performances online, Alfano was already exploring what the internet could offer musicians.
More than 20 years ago, he became one of the first people to stream a live gig from London using a dial-up service. The unusual event attracted the attention of Sky News, who came to film it.
A recording of the occasion remains on YouTube today. It captures a fascinating period when musicians were beginning to discover the internet as a new way to connect with audiences.
The Sundae Club Connection
Another important part of Alfano’s story involves Sundae Club, formed by Colin and producer George Shilling.
At the time, Colin played keyboards in Carmelo Alfano’s band, Alfano. The band supported James Blunt, shared management for a short period and performed at several well-known London venues.
Colin and George later began creating music together in George’s home studio. What started as a Sunday afternoon session soon became a regular creative project.
Inspired by acts including Lemon Jelly, the pair adopted the name Sundae Club. Their work later appeared on GMTV and attracted the attention of Taste Music executive Safta Jaffery.
The duo eventually secured a publishing deal. Their debut album, Technostalgia, included the track Angels In The Sky, featuring vocals from Sam Holmes.
Sundae Club also co-wrote a song recorded by French Fame Academy winner Nolwenn Leroy. The track appeared on her second album, Histoires Naturelles, which sold around half a million copies.
A Song That Took Ten Years to Find
Persistence has remained a defining part of Alfano’s career.
In 1993, he sent a demo to Tom Jones because he believed one of his songs would suit the legendary singer. At the time, musicians submitted physical cassette tapes with their contact details written on the cover.
Alfano waited for a response. Nothing came.
Then, ten years later, he received an unexpected phone call from Mark Woodward. The caller wanted to know if he was the Carmelo who had sent a recording a decade earlier.
The reason was remarkable. A song from the original demo had been considered for Tom Jones. However, the cassette cover containing Alfano’s contact information had disappeared.
The team had spent years trying to find him.
It is a story that captures the unpredictable nature of the music industry. More importantly, it reflects Alfano’s determination to keep creating despite the setbacks along the way.
A Career Surrounded by Music
Throughout his career, Carmelo Alfano has encountered a remarkable range of artists and music industry figures. His connections include Steve Winwood, Robbie Williams, Bob Geldof, Chris Martin, Nigel Kennedy, Guy Chambers and Nick Heyward, among many others.
He also shares a family connection with renowned classical composer Franco Alfano, adding another layer to his already fascinating musical background.
Away from music, Alfano has developed a passion for watches, vintage American comics and vinyl records. These interests reflect his appreciation for music, culture and objects with a sense of history.
Never Giving Up
Alfano’s career has never followed a conventional path.
Becoming a parent brought an important change in his life and temporarily put his career on hold. For 15 years, he travelled to New Zealand twice a year to visit his children. Today, both live with him.
Through every change, Alfano continued developing his musical knowledge and independence. One of his greatest professional achievements is teaching himself the skills needed to become self-sufficient in music.
Now, with Is This You?, he continues that journey.
The new single brings together the experiences of a musician shaped by London and Sicily, influenced by Italy and surrounded by decades of stories from the music industry. Above all, it represents an artist who has continued moving forward and creating music on his own terms.
