Ivan Cattaneo

Ivan Cattaneo (born 18 March 1953 in Bergamo, Italy) is an Italian artist, singer and songwriter. His music has been described as glam rock, disco, electropunk, ska, electronic rock. He is also an accomplished painter and multimedia artist.

Music career

He spent his young years in Pianico, a small village in Bergamo next to Lake Iseo. At 12, he took part in Zecchino d'Oro, a musical competition for children, followed by Ariccia's "Festival degli sconosciuti" at 15. While attending art school he learned to play guitar, he studied music and began playing in some local blues groups and a massive fan of Frank Zappa and John Mayall.

After early release from military service for its flamboyant behavior, he met Nanni Ricordi, a music entrepreneur and was signed to the independent Italian record label Ultima Spiaggia, where he released his debut studio album UOAEI in 1975. In 1977, the follow-up album Primo secondo e frutta (Ivan compreso) ironic glam rock album had great reception and his first commercial success with single "Maria Batman". A master of promotional schemes, he launched a book putting forward what he called the TATTOUDITOVISTAOLFATTOGUSTO (TUVOG) theory, in a book carrying the title and attaching a free LP to it. He also collaborated with newcomer producer and arranger Roberto Colombo. Also a follower of the punk movement, he created the young character Anna Oxa during the 1978 Sanremo Music Festival. Soon followed collaboration with successful Italian punk bands like Revolver and Elektroshock. He also helped in launching of Down Mitchell, Patrizia Di Malta and Diana Est.