Charles Darkly Interviews: Francesca Lombardo
Her inaugural Crosstown Rebel’s mix-tape smashed 17,000 plays in the space of a few months, and with an album in the pipeline for the label next year, there’s good reason for the fresh smell of hype in the air. A few months back Francesca was booked to headline Manchester’s favorite condiment based club night, that being Drop the Mustard. With eagerly awaiting expectations met, we raised our hands in mass salute of the first lady on the decks, as male dj’s across the club clambered around her throne, hoping that she might play with our wonky motor city sensibilities a little more. After Francesca’s set we both headed out to the smoking area, hop scotching a murky set of Mancunian puddles, gently cornering ourselves for a brief chat. Quickly realizing that the lady just gets it, I sent over a few Q&A’s, where some of which are totally devoid of question marks...
Charles Darkly: We’ve already toasted your ‘Changes’ release on Crosstown Rebels Francesca. As Crosstown’s 98th release we’ve closely watched Damian’s collective develop into a mature warrior class of frosty acidic sound. Can we expect more similar material to that of your recent ‘Changes’ release?
Francesca Lombardo: Yes, frosty and warm, sexy and elegant.
CD: With Damian Lazarus on your side you look set to become a captain of your industry. Where do you see all this taking you in the next few years?
FL: I am not a psychic… but I can feel it will be great fun and more positive things are coming as well as the possibility of growing as an artist producer. I have many ideas, but everything at the right time.
CD: Do you prefer cheekiness or absurdity?
FL: Absurdity…but I might change my mind tomorrow.
CD: The dj’s work is never done. Having read the likes of Seth Troxler’s RA Tour Diary, it’s clear there are highs and lows. How’s your personal tour diary taking shape?
FL: My personal touring diary is looking good, and getting more and more busy all around Europe.
CD: Which Rebel throws the best after party?
FL: I haven’t really spent much time with the Rebels yet as everyone is crossing different towns at different times…I can say Ricarda Faber would be the best after party host for now...we will see in the future.
CD: What’s your degeneracy of choice?
CD: What’s the most bodaciously awesome tune you’ve heard recently?
FL: Oooo there are so many… I will go for Tinnitus by Aidan Lavelle.
CD: Do you have any dance music role models who have inspired you? Or are you a master of your own environment?
FL: I have many producers who inspired me, from any genre. I love all music and I don’t only think of one style when I produce. I obviously put my own touch in everything I do. I get inspired everyday by music and sounds…I could not give a list of names it would be too long.
CD: When a door closes a window opens. Do you climb through the window, or do you take the door?
FL: I wait till the window closes and I go back through the door.
FL: All the colours depending on the track. ‘Sofiel’, the angel of Nature… it sounds exactly like it…which came out on Crosstown in June.
CD: Your stated artist influences are Depeche Mode, Aphex Twin, Plastikman as well as legendary record labels such as Ghostly International and Traum. Was it always dance music for you, or did you go through other musical phases, maybe an industrial metal grindcore stage for instance?
FL: No, my musical background is actually quite wide. I played and sung in trip hop, electronic, jazz and rock bands since young age for fun as well as opera. I listened to all styles and I still do. All the times I was introduced to a new style I never left it. My biggest phases were probably Techno and psychedelic Rock.
CD: What’s your favorite post party recovery technique?
FL: More partying.. till sleep.
Francesca's latest EP on the Crosstown Rebels Soundcloud.
Francesca's most recent mix on her Soundcloud.
News one Drop the Mustard's next party coming soon...
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