WATFORD may be a far cry from the sultry climes of Italy, but Sicilian singer Davide Sciortino is braving the chilly weather to bring new music to town.

The 26-year-old, who now lives in north London, selects acts to perform at Watford's latest live acoustic music night, hosted by the Fresh Shop café in Market Street.

And one of the bands lined up to play this month is his own project, Retrospective for Love, featuring guitarist and fellow Sicilian Alessandro La Barbera.

How did you get involved with the live music nights at Fresh Shop?

We got involved through our friend Elio who works in the area and absolutely loves the Fresh Shop. He introduced me to Dana [who works at Fresh Shop] and the venue. I genuinely loved their vibe!

What's the ethos behind the nights?

The is aim to open Watford to new live music, mainly to genres that haven't really been so popular in the area.

How do you choose which acts you want to perform?

I don't choose only based on talent and skills but also on what they want to give to the people. The delivery of a performance in a restaurant can be tricky, people never know if it's a live gig or just background music. At the Fresh Shop you can have a great dinner and you can also get live show. Music does not have to be a side dish, it goes right with the main course!

What have you got planned for the future live music nights at Fresh Shop?

I have in mind a lot of young and talented musicians that could bring a great show to the venue.

What do you think of the venue?

The venue is great, it could potentially be one of the coolest spots in North London, downstairs is very intimate and I am sure it can be used for some amazing secret gigs.

Tell me about Retrospective for Love, what is the story behind the sound?

Retrospective For Love duo is the stripped down acoustic version of our seven piece outfit. We're influenced by hip hop, soul, jazz and reggae mainly.

Is there a musician who inspired you to become a musician?

Not one in particular, music in general was always a huge magnet for us. We have new music heroes every day. Everything inspires our music.

How do you write your songs?

Sometimes I start off with a beat and a chord progression, then I would come up with a melody and write the lyrics to it. Some other times we just jam until something we really like pops out.

Why did you both move to London?

We are both from Palermo, Sicily. Southern Italy isn’t a great place to make a living with music, so we moved to London to study and follow our dreams.

What's next for you?

We’re working on an album with the band, and looking for the right label. We’re very excited for the future, even though we don’t really know what to expect. The unknown makes more exciting. What we do know for sure is that we’re going to work a lot!

Live music at Fresh Shop, Market Street, Watford, every Saturday night, from 7.30pm. Details: 07473 535773, facebook.com/freshfshop

What’s your current favourite song you like to perform live and why?

It’s a medley that contains No Diggity by Blackstreet, Ain’t No Sunshine by Bill Withers and Clint Eastwood by Gorillaz...it’s really a lot of fun!

Tell me about your fans, what are they like?

Well, our songs are about everyday life, love and self-discovery and I suppose many people can relate to them. So far our fans have been very positive and lovely people. Not too many freaks...but you never know right? Maybe because we haven’t made it very big...yet!

Do you have any bizarre fan moments you can share?

Before any gig we always look for the keyboard player...he LOVES disappearing!

What do you think about the state of music at the moment?

Music is well and healthy, there will always be a lot of crap, but at the same time there’s a whole universe of really inspired people that make the difference.

What have you learnt most about being a musician?

Nothing is granted, you always have to work to get the recognition you deserve. Practice and hard work is the key.

When you were starting out what kind of job did you have to do to make ends meet in realising your dream?

I used to serve coffee at Pret’s and some pub work. Alessandro used to work in a music store and a pub. We have always been teaching on top of that.

Do you have a partner or family; has following you’re dream as a musician had an impact on them?

I can only speak for myself, not for Ale obviously having lovely people who believe in what you’re doing makes a big difference. I always felt like making music was my purpose. Also to make my family proud.

Where do you like to hang out where you live now and why?

Now we live around Kilburn, we often go to Camden or Shoreditch to hang out.

What did you learn at school outside the classroom?

Most of what we learned was from people and gigs. The more you observe the more you learn.

What was the first album you ever bought?

Gorillaz by Gorillaz

What’s on your rider at gigs?

We’re not very demanding, just food and drinks...then we’re fine. Maybe one day after the 10th studio album we’ll go nuts and we’ll ask for crazy things like a pink horse in the backstage or something!

What’s your favourite drink?

Jack Daniel’s and Black Label.

What is the most rock and roll thing you’d like to buy or do?

Ehm...a time machine to see Woodstock '69?

Have you done anything like this before?

Yes, I have worked in many pubs around London and played and high profile venues such as Corinthia Hotel and OXO Tower.