I started a top 40 dance party cover band 8 years ago, and the moment I knew it was really going to take off was the moment Christian Lombardo showed interest in auditioning. “Auditioning”. As if he wasn’t a shoo-in. I had already seen some of his work–a promo video when he was the lead singer of local group Rock Candy, and some of the music videos he had done with The Sunset Villains when he toured nationally. I thought, “THIS GUY wants to be in MY band?” He “auditioned” and the rest is history.

I want to share his music, background, and talents with you all, so I asked him some questions to dig into his journey a little bit deeper.

Ashley: You’ve gone from being in a nationally touring originals band to fronting a local cover band and releasing your own music as a solo artist. How would you describe that journey and what each phase has taught you?

Christian: Humbling in the best way possible. There are definitely things I miss about touring the country while promoting my own music but it was very draining with little reward. I never had a “hit” so there was so much struggle. Don’t get me wrong, the memories that go along with the “struggle” are priceless but that’s because I can look at them now with rose-colored glasses and the benefit of hindsight. I have much more stability in my life now staying local, playing in my cover band with people that I love, making a living off of it and writing/releasing original music at my own pace. I’ve learned that touring the country as an “unknown” trying to “make it” is a young man’s game.

Ashley: Well I, for one, am glad you’ve decided to stay local! When you sit down to write your own music, what’s your process like? Do you start with lyrics, a melody, or a feeling?

Christian: Most of the time I sit down with a guitar because I’m feeling a certain way. That’s when I know I need to get something out. I start playing and singing out nonsense lyrics. Until eventually, some grouping of words and melody strikes me and I build a story around that, using my life experiences. 

Sometimes I’ll see or hear a grouping of words that I think is unique and I’ll write it down for later to try and put some melody to.  

Sometimes I’ll hear a melody in my head, out of nowhere, pull out my voice notes app and record it for later.

Ashley: How does performing your own original songs compare to singing covers with your band? Do you approach them differently?

Christian: Some of the fundamentals are always the same. I need to practice a lot and make sure I have everything down for original music and cover music. Note for note. That’s just my work ethic and I think it translates to both.

While performing original shows, the crowds are more like spectators for the most part. It’s a different vibe because I’m showing my personal art and feelings and seeing if they will connect and relate. More of a selfish endeavor.

There is more of a fluidity when performing cover shows for the most part. It’s more about entertaining than it is about artistic expression. It’s more about serving the audience than serving yourself. More of a selfless endeavor. Which also has value.

Ashley: Well I’ve seen you in action doing both and I think both are top notch. Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how do they show up in your style today?

Christian: As a child, I grew up listening to Queen and Neil Young at a very young age. Because of my mother’s influence. I then got into Green Day, which led to bands like 311, Sevendust, and the whole “Nu” Metal movement. I also was very heavily influenced by pop and hip hop. I was a huge Tupac Shakur fan while listening to Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC. I was kind of all over the place. I’m a product of MTV’s TRL and radio. It probably explains why my song styles are kind of all over the place. But very rooted in rock.

Ashley: Yeah, I was a TRL kid myself. When you played with The Sunset Villains and had songs on the radio, what was that experience like for you? Did it change how you saw yourself as an artist?

Christian: I mean, of course it was amazing. We would go from one radio station to the next and it was a lot of fun, but a lot of pressure. At the same time, I always felt like it wasn’t enough. I know that sounds weird, but I think there was always chasing the next thing. I guess that could be good for ambition, but I also didn’t enjoy the moment as much as I should have. I felt like I just had to keep going and getting more achievements. But I think that’s the dirty trick. Never enough.

Ashley: I can definitely relate to always looking ahead to the next thing. What do you enjoy most about being part of the Toledo music scene, and how does it differ from playing nationally?

Christian: I love that there are so many places to play! It took me a little while to get my footing around here, but it’s great to have so many venues that want to book you. Full cover band, acoustic, duos and trios. Lots of opportunities.

Ashley: What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a musician, and how did you push through it?

Christian: Confidence. Still working on it… I think any artist will tell you about the struggle with their ego. Too much and then all of a sudden, not enough. The only thing I can do is to keep trying to get better. Oh and making a living as a musician. But it’s gotten a lot better! 

Ashley: Well if you ever need a confidence boost just come to me, you know I’ll pump you up! Okay so between your old band, your solo career, or your current cover band—what’s one performance that stands out as unforgettable?

Christian: That’s the great thing about making/playing music. There are so many great moments. Sometimes unbelievable moments. I played a show with Jason Derulo and Avril Lavigne and had thousands of people singing my song back to me in an arena in my hometown. Can’t get much better. 

Ashley: That sounds incredible. I can only imagine! What’s next for you musically? Any new releases, collaborations, or big shows on the horizon?

Christian: Just shot a new promo video with my cover band, Pop’s Garage! Keeping it fresh for new places to play. Writing new material and hoping to do more collaborative songwriting. It’s been awhile. 

Also, working on some country music because it’s the one genre that I haven’t been attracted to. So I’m digging in to understand more.

Going to be doing more live original/story-teller music nights.

Ashley: What do you hope people feel or take away when they hear your music or see you perform live?

Christian: Connection. It’s always connection. Whether that’s celebratory or some type of commiseration. I think we all just want to be understood. 

Ashley: Where can people find more information about your upcoming shows and original music?

Christian: This link goes to all of my socials and dsp’s! 

https://linktr.ee/ct_lombardo

Christian has played a huge role in me being connected in the local music community, and I’m so thankful to get to be doing music with him.