Christian Lombardo is a producer for whom music has long ceased to be just a profession and has become a way to speak about what matters most: the power of inner light, the freedom to be yourself, and the beauty of emotional rebirth. His new single, “SHINE ALONE,” captures the experience of finding strength in moments of silence and solitude. Despite its joyful, almost cinematic sound, at the heart of the track lies a profound idea: true radiance begins within, even when no one is watching. In this interview, we’ll talk with Christian about how “SHINE ALONE” was born, why the balance between emotional vulnerability and technical precision is so important to him, and what it means today to create music that makes you want to dance in the sunlight, but also makes you stop and reflect.
Hi, Cristian. We’re very happy to meet and chat with you! You are a producer with over ten years of experience in hip-hop, pop, and electronic music! Tell us, how did it all start? Do you remember the moment when you first realized, “Yes, music is my thing”?
Thank you! I started producing music when I was 13, mostly out of curiosity and a deep emotional need. I had always been drawn to melodies. I would imagine them in my head even before knowing how to turn them into real songs. When I first opened Ableton, I didn’t know anything about music production, but something inside me told me it was my path. I’ve had a difficult past, both with my family and socially at school, and music became a kind of safe space, a way to express myself. From the very beginning, I experimented with various genres: dubstep, EDM, hip-hop, and pop. I’ve never been able to stick to one genre, and I think that’s part of what sets me apart. It might confuse some people, but it allows me to create music that’s genuinely driven by emotion.
They say you masterfully combine emotion and precision, as if vulnerability in your music sounds with perfect sonic polish! Do you think it is even possible to separate feelings and form in art?
No, I don’t think you can separate the two. The best songs are those that blend raw feeling with thoughtful production. For me, emotion always comes first, but how I shape and present that emotion through sound design, arrangement and mixing is equally important. They need to work together to tell a complete story.
You have already delighted fans with bright collaborations, the singles “Burn” and “Drowned” with Magsonics and Veronica Bravo sound truly powerful. And now – a new work: “SHINE ALONE” featuring REIDØ and KEL. Tell us, how did the idea for this song come about?
With “SHINE ALONE”, I wanted to create a global summer anthem. Something light, danceable, and happy, but with a deeper message beneath the surface. I love creating contrasts. While the track sounds uplifting, it talks about a form of loneliness that becomes empowerment. It’s about finding strength and identity even when you feel unseen. That duality really shaped the core of the song.
In “SHINE ALONE,” the vocals sound especially bright, REIDØ gives the song strength, and the hook by KEL stays in your head for a long time. These voices organically weave into your music. How did you understand that REIDØ and KEL were exactly the artists you needed to create this track with?
KEL was actually the first voice on the track, and her performance blew me away. Due to personal reasons, she chose not to be listed as a main feature, which is a shame because she contributed so much. Later, I felt the song needed more movement and contrast, so I reached out to REIDØ. His energy and delivery brought a whole new dimension. The result is a kind of musical dialogue, two perspectives, like in real relationships. It created a full storytelling arc within the song.
“SHINE ALONE” sounds very inspiring, it makes you want to dance. The mood of the song and the overall atmosphere say: “You can shine, even if no one is around.” What does such “strong solitude” mean to you?
For me, “strong solitude” means accepting yourself fully, without needing external validation. I’ve spent years trying to prove my worth; to the world, to myself. At some point, I realized that if I can still shine, even when no one’s watching, that’s true strength. This song is about that emotional turning point.
Although “SHINE ALONE” sounds light and catchy, it hides a lot of emotions – a great balance between fun and meaning. Share with us, how did you manage to keep this lightness while delivering such an important message?
It was a careful process. I focused on using bright chords, cinematic textures, and rhythmic elements that evoke joy, while still letting the lyrics carry the emotional weight. It’s like smiling through tears, a kind of catharsis that feels good and meaningful at the same time.
Summer is a time of sun, parties, and of course, new hits! “SHINE ALONE” fits perfectly to play under the brightest sun rays. So, tell us honestly, did you just couldn’t resist the summer vibe, or was there some clever plan behind it?
Both! I definitely felt inspired by the summer energy. It’s a season full of emotions and memories but I also strategically wanted a song that could resonate with people globally and have the potential to go viral. I worked hard to balance commercial appeal with authenticity.
Every producer has their own style. For some, it may be a special way of creating melodies, for others characteristic beats or the atmosphere they convey. How do you yourself understand that this track is your music? Do you have some“tricks” or feelings that help you recognize your own sound
That’s a great question. I usually recognize my music by how emotionally connected I feel to it, and whether it gives me goosebumps when I listen back. I often rely on instinct and if I don’t feel something while creating, I start over. I’m always chasing that perfect blend of vulnerability and power.
Cristian, your music is the result of working together with different artists, and much depends on the choice of partners. Is there an ideal type of performer for you with whom it is especially pleasant and easy to work? Who would you like to record the next track with?
I really value emotional honesty in collaborators. The best sessions happen when the artist is open and willing to explore deeper ideas. Right now, I’m absolutely obsessed with The Kid LAROI; his sound and emotional delivery really resonate with me. I’d love to work with him someday.
Every new project is a step in a new direction and an opportunity to discover something new for yourself and the listeners. What themes do you plan to explore in your upcoming works, and how would you describe the new stage of your career in just three words?
I’m currently working on new projects that dive deeper into raw, emotional territory. I want to be more unfiltered, talking about the struggles I’ve faced and the person I’ve become. “SHINE ALONE” marks a turning point for me, a new artistic beginning. After years of experimenting and searching for my voice, I finally feel like I’ve created something that truly represents who I am. I know there’s still a long road ahead, but my goal is simple: to keep growing, to reach as many people as possible, and maybe one day to have a team around me that truly believes in this vision. I’m not asking for shortcuts, just the chance to prove what I’m capable of.
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