Bella Ciao (Patreon)

Bella Ciao by Isabella Han-Bolelli with Unpopable (14 yr old version)

"Bella Ciao" was the first song I ever recorded in a studio. I was twelve, and got to work with the lovely Ulises Bella. Earlier this year, when I was 14, I rerecorded "Bella Ciao" with Unpopable, to have a version with my more recent vocals. This song will always be dear to my heart, both for the opportunities it's brought me, and its rich history. During WWII, a brutal civil war raged as partisans fought against Mussolini’s rule. A fascist death squad murdered my great-grandma’s boyfriend because of his allegiance with the resistance. They sent his mangled, cut up corpse to my great-grandma's house. Her name was Liliana Germani. Her appearance was more fashionista than a resistance fighter, making it all the more shocking that she spent the rest of her teenage years as a combat partisan until the end of the war; fighting, smuggling guns and bombs, and doing anything she could to overthrow the government. One of my great-grandpas was also a partisan. He and his men captured the German column that was trying to bring Mussolini out of Italy. Worldwide, "Bella Ciao" has become associated with the partisans and Italian resistance. To me, "Bella Ciao" is a way of honoring my great-grandparents and all those who suffered and fought against the fascist regime. Here is the link to the song on Unpopable's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_ntR1Hgfz8