With two Italian language cover albums behind him, Gold Coast singer Fortunato Isgro says his latest record Journey is the next step forward in his career. ‘‘I’m trying to steer away from that [traditional Italian music] now and that’s where my journey is taking me,’’ he says. ‘‘I’ve grown up always singing Italian stuff and now I’m trying to be more modern.’’ The album name has even more signifi cance for the singer, who ventured out of the realm of familiarity and put an Italian twist on an ancient Chinese proverb. As every journey must begin with a single step, those crucial fi rst steps of Isgro’s career began at the age of eight. With a growing passion for music, the youngster taught himself to play the keyboard by ear. Eight years later, the boy with the powerful voice began performing in clubs and pubs for the fi rst time. He eventually developed a fan base spanning the east coast of Australia verging on cult status. With the help of Essendon-based producer Joe Mandica and Isgro’s father Anthony, Journey was recorded at Northcote’s Toyland Studios. The album features 10 songs performed in English and Italian, including collaborations with musicians Vince Madaffari, Sam Olivieri, Andrew Burns and Mandica. ‘‘Joe pretty much produced and wrote the lyrics for the album,’’ Isgro says. ‘‘They’re kind of based on his life experiences.’’ Isgro describes the album as a blend of modern styles with infusions of Italian and English language and music. The crooner is headed straight for Melbourne’s Italian heartland for the launch of the album, and will perform at Carlton’s Forza Italia at an event will be hosted by 3AW radio personality Tony Tardio. ‘‘There’s something about the album, people say to me, that sounds a bit Beatle-ish.’’