The world knows Thomas Raggi as the electrifying guitarist who provides the essential swagger and searing riffs for global rock phenomenon Måneskin. But on Friday, December 5th, 2025, Raggi steps into the spotlight for his own project, launching his debut solo album, 'Masquerade'. This isn't just a side hustle; it’s a full-throttle, straight-up rock ’n’ roll powerhouse and a testament to artistic collaboration. Produced by the legendary Tom Morello, the 8-track album is stacked with an astonishing line-up of rock icons—from Beck and Chad Smith to Australia's own Nic Cester of Jet, along with Sergio Pizzorno, Alex Kapranos, and more. 'Masquerade' is a celebration of shared passion, driven purely by the joy of making honest, boundary-breaking music.
Raggi’s journey to this solo release has been fuelled by a desire to share his story and explore new creative depths through pure instinct and experimentation. As he puts it, the process felt "truly magical," cementing a musical cohesion with Morello and ultimately bringing together an extraordinary group of musicians simply for the love of the craft. We caught up with Thomas Raggi to chat about the origins of his musical path, the powerful energy of 'Masquerade', and what it feels like to have rock history placed a hand on his shoulder.
Thanks for catching up with us! To start, when did you first begin playing music?
"I first started making music as soon as I could hold a guitar. I remember hanging out in Rome with my father and seeing that object for the first time... It was instinctive to ask my father to buy it for me. He had a lot of influence on me music-wise."
What initially inspired your journey into music?
"I’ve been lucky enough to meet Victoria, Damiano, and Ethan at a young age, sharing the same passion and following the same dream. We formed the band and put a lot of work into it from day one. We were really young, but also determined to follow our dream. I was 12, and the rest followed naturally."
What influences most define your music?
"I think it’s a mix of everything I’ve loved over the years. Classic rock, old-school riffs, a bit of punk energy, even some unexpected stuff I stumble across, it all feeds into what we play. For me, it’s less about copying anyone and more about capturing the feeling that moved me when I first heard those records."
How would you describe your sound, especially with the new album?
"I’d say raw but melodic; it’s got energy, but there’s always a song underneath the riffs. It’s rock at its core."
Can you tell us a bit more about your latest new solo album?
"'Masquerade' is really about collaboration and exploration. I wanted to push myself into new territories while keeping that raw energy I love about rock. Each track is different, and working with such incredible artists brought so many fresh ideas to the table. For me, it’s a record that celebrates music as a shared experience, just creating, experimenting, and following inspiration wherever it leads."
Can you share a bit on how the collaboration with Tom Morello, Beck, and Australia’s own Nic Cester (Jet) for the track ‘Getcha!’ came about?
"Working on ‘Getcha!’ came together very naturally. I had met Tom Morello through the music scene, and we just clicked. At the same time, I also met Beck, and we decided to spend some time together in the studio writing. ‘Getcha!’ came out of that collaboration. From there, it felt right to bring in voices that could add something unique, and Nic Cester was perfect for that."
What was the most important thing for you when you were writing for the album?
"The most important thing when I’m writing a song is following instinct and inspiration. For me, it’s about exploring new depths and experimenting, letting the music guide you rather than sticking to rules. That’s how 'Masquerade' came together; it was all about capturing that energy and creating something honest, something that feels alive."
What is next for you as an artist? Will you be continuing a solo path or getting back together with the band?
"Next for me is really about exploring new ideas while staying connected to what we’ve built with Måneskin. That band is such a huge part of who I am, and everything I do solo is informed by that energy and our shared journey. With 'Masquerade', I got to experiment and collaborate in new ways, and going forward I want to keep following my instincts, creating, and sharing music that feels alive, both solo and with the band."
Do you have anything you would like to say to our audience?
"Music has always been about connection for me, and it means so much to share that journey with people who feel it too. I hope Masquerade brings a bit of energy, fun, and inspiration into your day, and I can’t wait to keep creating and sharing more with you all."
Thomas' debut solo venture is a triumphant statement, not just a successful experiment. 'Masquerade' manages the rare feat of uniting a staggering collective of musical legends while remaining completely true to Raggi’s own raw, instinctive rock identity. By following his gut and ignoring the perceived rules, he’s delivered a debut that feels both honest and monumental, an album that stands as a testament to the sheer, unbridled power of collaborative rock 'n' roll.
As he continues his path both with Måneskin and as a solo artist, it is clear that Raggi is focused on maintaining a vital connection with his audience, promising to keep creating and sharing music that always feels vibrant and alive.
You can stream the new album today, and for more, be sure to connect with Thomas on Instagram.
