We’ve hit double digits! Ladies and gentlemen you are now looking at the tenth (!) Funzalo Newsletter from your pal, music industry veteran, Mike Lembo. How did we get here you might ask? Read on….
Back in 2023, Mike gave up his R.V. (and this was after he gave up his house in Los Angeles as well) and decided to move to Italy. Why Italy? Well, with a name like Lembo, it seemed like it was time to come ‘home’ again, for the very first time. And with that, Mike and his beloved dogs picked up stakes and moved into a beautiful home in Sezze, not too far Rome in central Italy. Ah the slow pace of a new Italian life, right? But noooooooo, Mike is as busy as ever. How so you might ask? Well, read on.
One of the projects Mike has worked diligently on since arriving in Italy is Spaghetti Punk, an ever-expanding release of tracks covered and sung in Italian of classic punk songs. And for all you Sync folks out there:
All tracks are pre-approved with the publishers making for easy clearance!
The idea for Spaghetti Punk came to the music veteran in a light-bulb moment after arriving in Italy. The compilation features some of punk rock’s most enduring anthems, from the Talking Heads “Psycho Killer,” Patti Smith’s “Dancing Barefoot,”(“A Piedi Nudi”), MC5’s “Kick Out The Jams,” (“Balla Con Me”) and The Runaways’ “Cherry Bomb” – all sung in Italian with their original arrangements recognizable. Click here to check it out:
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Additionally, a more recent cover of “Palisades Park,” done in the Ramones punk sound (a la their iconic cover version), is the latest track, which was written by none-other-than Chuck Barris’ of The Gong Show! Take a listen here:
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WATCH FOR THEIR SUMMER LIVE SHOWS IN SEZZE, ITALY! MORE DETAILS COMING SOON! |
As if an Italian covers project wasn’t enough, it must be the cool sea air in Mike’s new home in Sezze that had an effect on him because, he’s picked up an option on an Italian film production, Delta 56. Yes, that’s right, Mike has decided to become a film producer. He read a treatment, loved it, picked up the option, he’s co-producing with another Italian Hermann Di Toppa and he’s ready to go! The writers of this film? Cristian De Angelis & Giuseppe Dicapua.
All we can tell you about Delta 56 is this: “Inspired and fictionalized from a true story, Cicada 3301 is one of the most enigmatic mysteries of the digital age, a viral phenomenon that captured the attention of millions worldwide.”
If you want to read the treatment or want to learn more about the project, email Mike directly, click here: mike@mikesmanagement.com. Cinecittà, watch out!
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A few months ago I bumped into an old friend (on Bluesky) Rich Masio! Rich was a longtime business associate of Mike’s from the Funzalo Records days with IODA distribution. Rich was surprised to hear Mike moved to Italy three years ago and had been thinking of a new life move himself! So he came to visit, found a house and is moving to Sezze (Mike’s new home). Mike helped find him a great house on Via Certosa on the same street where Mike lives. Seems like more and more Italian-Americans are coming?!
Some photos of Rich his daughter came to visit from Holland Peppe Novelli and more!
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As you know from past newsletters, Mike managed both musicians Brian Lopez & Nick Luca during his days in Tucson, Arizona. And in fact, Funzalo still controls quite a bit a music from both of them. So click the link below – for your synch consideration.
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For your consideration for sync:
Brian Lopez and Nick Luca
All tracks are easy clearance with both sides controlled
by Funzalo Music. |
And if you can’t get enough of Brian Lopez, check out his other project,, XIXA. XIXA’s new studio album XOLO is out now via Jullian Records. The band recently unveiled a music video for “Find You There” — Watch HERE
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After wondering around in the wilderness of Parma, Mike is thrilled to announce that Nic Bjorlund and his company (Bjorlund) now manage both Funzalo records & publishing for the world! Nic has been working with Funzalo for a while now covering Scandinavia & this agreement expands our relationship as well as adds to our international network! Bjorlund with handle admin for Funzalo music and records worldwide. |
(Photo taken at IMPF in Parma, Spain, Oct. 2024)
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If you recall from a prior email, Mike’s friend & former employee, Lisa Fialla has moved to Sicily and her passion for biking has become her new career as she is now part of the Maremonti Tours! What’s Maremonti Tours? Maremonti Tours is a fully licensed Tour Operator authorized by the Region of Sicily. A day trip with Maremonti Tours will be the highlight of your Sicilian holiday. We will take you out for an unforgettable adventure! Join us for a bike tour with a cycling guide in Siracusa or Noto, on quiet back roads or a tour in town to visit the monuments. Are you looking for something different? Contact us and we will work out a tour that fits your needs and expectations!
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Another current Funzalo client, The Steepwater Band as on the road now! Check them out here or here: APRIL 13 – Jergel’s Rhythm Grille, Warrendale, PA
APRIL 25 – Fitzgerald’s, Berwyn, IL
APRIL 26 – The Livery, Benton Harbor, MI
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In case you missed it last newsletter, Mike and Funzalo recently signed on a new Italian client. Who you ask? A new release is coming later in 2025 from Gianni Centanni entitled, Un Mare a Quadretti. It’s Italian old school singer-songwriting and accordion melodies meets Americana arrangements and sounds. What does THAT sound like?
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And did you know that Bottles of Wine’s Michael Conley was the first singer for the Steepwater Band on their first 2 LPs, The Steepwater Band and Darmakaya? Tell me he doesn’t sound like Paul Rogers!
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And last but certainly not least, Latin music fans check out these tracks. All are easily clearable via Mike at Funzalo. Just hit him up! |
5 tracks for your consideration (Latin rock and Alternative rock)
Carlos Arzate and the Kind Souls (similar to Los Lobos / Santana)
Phantom Limbs (alternative rock)
Dog and Pony Show (similar to Soul Asylum)
All tracks are easy clearance with both sides controlled by Funzalo Music. |
And evidently that’s all the news that’s fit to print. We’ll be back with a new newsletter soon from all the goings on with Mike and Funzalo. Don’t forget to reach out directly to Mike if anything is of interest to you for licensing or sync opportunities. He’d love to hear from you!
Best,
Mike Lembo & Funzalo Music |
Always one to be on the tip, check out the price of eggs in Italy! |
L to R: Thomas, Joey & Nera
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