Francesca Lombardo: The Sonic Alchemist Bridging Classical Grandeur
By Leila Antakly for Ninu Nina
From Opera Halls to Berghain: A Shapeshifter’s Journey
London-based Francesca Lombardo is no ordinary DJ. A classically trained pianist, opera vocalist, and Ghostly International-inspired electronic maverick, she’s spent a lifetime dissolving boundaries—first as Jackie Misfit (playing Brixton Academy and launching Echolette Records), then as the driving force behind Def by Disco’s live act, and now as a sought-after solo artist sharing decks with Sven Väth and Agoria.
Classical Roots, Electronic Rebellion
Growing up surrounded by her father’s instruments, Lombardo mastered Chopin at the Conservatorium but craved distortion. “I was always attracted to machines,” she admits, citing Aphex Twin and Plastikman as early obsessions. That tension—between opera’s precision and techno’s chaos—fuels her productions: lush, cinematic, and unapologetically emotional.
Production as Intuition
“My tracks follow a concept,” she says. Whether it’s the melancholic swirl of a Depeche Mode synth or a Traum-inspired groove, Lombardo’s work is felt, not calculated. Recent releases pulse with the drama of her classical past and the grit of London’s underground, earning nods from Marco Carola and Loco Dice.
What’s Next?
With a live hybrid set that blends keyboards, vocals, and DJing, Lombardo is rewriting the rules of performance. Expect fireworks.
Vibe Check:
Soundtrack: A Berghain sunrise scored by Philip Glass, with basslines by Ricardo Villalobos.
Essential Track: Her Echolette releases—where opera meets oscillator.
Follow: @FrancescaLombardo (but really, follow the music).
