Arrivederci, Avanti
“Don’t wait for the stars to align, reach up and rearrange them the way you want … create your own constellation.” Pharrell Williams
Dear all,
Coming full circle: 12 years ago today, I launched a simple one-pager website for my buddy Ray Chen - shortly after telling him, with far too much confidence, that his former site looked ridiculous on an iPhone and I could build a better one. For context: Responsive web design was only just getting started in 2013 and I had just finished an evening web development course. 😂
That first project laid the foundation for what turned into our digital agency, sforzato.
Around 250 websites, countless social media posts, and many design sprints later, I’m handing over full operational control to Christopher and my brother Jonathan, who both became my partners in early 2023.
Thank you, gents, for joining me on the ride: you both have what it takes to steer the company to an even higher flight level with state-of-the-art solutions for the cultural sector and beyond!
While I remain a shareholder in sforzato and naturally stay involved behind the scenes (occasionally reappearing in the group chat with half-baked metaphors), I’m now doubling down on David’s Dearest:
It started - and will continue - as my space for cultural recommendations. It is also becoming an entertainment engine (read: production company) and upcoming collaborations may very likely include a drum set, a drone, and a possibly unhealthy number of Oscar Wilde references.
If your next idea involves rhythm, risk, and refined taste - I’m all ears.
And with that, here are this week’s recommendations:
📚 Gian Segato’s essay “Agency Is Eating The World” inspired me deeply - not just because of the AI part, but because of its celebration of agency itself: of making things happen and not waiting for permission. I highly recommend it to anyone still holding back on acting.
🎬 300 years after Vivaldi published Le quattro stagioni, Netflix gives us The Four Seasons - a gently hilarious look at three longtime couples navigating life, love, and seasonal getaways through spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Departing from drama and leaning fully into comedy, it stars Tina Fey and Steve Carell - with just enough Vivaldi to suspect he’s quietly showrunning from the afterlife.
🎶 With the cast’s vacation vibes firmly established and the show already renewed for Season 2, the real question is: will the soundtrack lean into Max Richter’s Vivaldi:Recomposed or rather opt for Astor Piazzolla’s tango‑esque take on the Seasons? Either choice feels like a win.
If you’re in the mood for midlife musings, Vivaldi on loop, and just enough sitcom warmth to feel like an extended chat with old friends, that’s the show of choice for your summer holidays.
Warmly -
David