We were lucky to catch up with Christian Lombardo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Christian, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Most of what I learned how to do has been through trial and error. Lots of failures and learning by example. I’m still failing and learning constantly. The small wins are worth it though. The biggest obstacles are usually monetary investment. Like with most things, having money would open a lot of doors but I do think the “struggle” part makes you better at your craft, more authentic and honest.

Christian, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I was born in Hazleton, PA and started playing multiple instruments around eight years old which led to joining bands when I was a young teenager. I played my first “bar“ show when I was 15. I’ve been playing shows around the country since then in multiple bands. One of my bands named The Sunset Villains released a song called “The sky is falling“ that helped propel me to get on the radio and open for multiple national acts. I eventually met my wife and settled around the Toledo Ohio area and had some children. I don’t travel as much anymore, but still playing music for a living and release new music on all the streaming platforms, all of the time.

I come from a working class, coal- mining town in Northeast Pennsylvania. Getting out to see the country was a struggle, but my music was just good enough to help me to tour and find my way.

I am a songwriter, performer and multi-instrumentalist. Always releasing new music. I play original shows, cover shows and write and record my own music. I have worked in multiple studios over the years, but eventually made my own. My band, The Sunset Villains, had a little bit of success on the radio and online. I now play in a local cover band called Pop’s Garage and perform solo acoustic original and cover shows.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I lesson I learned (and am still learning) is that your idea of “success” in this medium needs to be modifiable. Reaching or not reaching certain benchmarks does not and should not define your mission. As cliche as it sounds, the process is what’s important. You can always depend on that. Writing, producing and performing are in my control. A lot of other things are not and I think that learning to be ok with that is the trick.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I think a major challenge for a lot of creatives is funding. I’d love to see an ethical way for creatives to get good loans and/or grants so they don’t have to rely on things like “getting a major records deal” or “living in poverty” to “make it.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/ct_lombardo
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ct_lombardo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CTLombardo/
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/CT_Lombardo
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC-HGdTADH-XcWebuWlqRSEg
• Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/DW9D6xuQpALTk9897
• Other: Spotify:

  Apple Music:

  https://music.apple.com/us/artist/christian-lombardo/313955298

  Tik Tok:

  https://www.tiktok.com/@ct_lombardo?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Image Credits

Laura Laffey
Susan’ Page
Kathleen Miller
Kim Lacourse