Francesca Lombardo On Womanhood, Labels, and Leading on Her Own Terms
by unmixed magazine
There’s a quiet myth in dance music that being a woman in the scene is easier now. That doors are open, stages are equal, and visibility solves everything. But Francesca Lombardo isn’t here for tokenism — she’s here for legacy.
A classically trained artist, DJ, producer, label head, and mother, Francesca has been carving her own lane for over a decade. Not because the industry made room — but because she took it.
From founding Echolette Records to balancing motherhood and music with intention, Francesca is a blueprint for doing it your way — without compromising the art, the vision, or the truth.
We sat down with Francesca to talk womanhood in a male-dominated space, the invisible labor of being a female leader, and why softness might just be the sharpest tool in the room.
Unmixed: There’s always this question — “what’s it like to be a woman in the music industry?” But we want to flip it: What’s a part of womanhood that’s made you a better artist, producer, or leader?
Francesca Lombardo:
Mmm, good question! I think every woman is different and has different levels of sensitivity, but for me, being a highly sensitive person has definitely made me a better artist. Curiosity and perseverance also helped shape me as a producer. As for leadership — I think the ability to be friendly matters. I don’t even see myself as a ‘leader’ necessarily. I just do what I love, and that inspires others.
Unmixed: You’ve run your own label, built your sound, raised a family — all in a scene that doesn’t exactly cater to that kind of complexity. What’s the hardest part of holding all those roles at once?
Francesca Lombardo:
The hardest part is finding time to give each role what it deserves. Sometimes I want to stay in the studio writing music, but I have to shift focus to the label. Or I want to spend the whole day with my son, but I have to leave for a gig. Still, I love each of these roles, and once I switch gears, I’m happy again.
Unmixed: Let’s talk gatekeeping — especially behind the scenes. Have there been moments where your authority was questioned just because you're a woman?
Francesca Lombardo:
Honestly, I’ve never experienced that directly. If someone makes me feel uncomfortable, I just move in a different direction. Maybe I’ve avoided it — or maybe I’ve been lucky?
Unmixed: Do you think being a mother has shifted your relationship to music or leadership?
Francesca Lombardo:
Being a mother has definitely made me a better person. I value my work more and respect myself more too. I now know what’s important to me, and I focus on what brings me joy. My DJ sets feel more intense, more experienced. I’ve become a better producer too — I have less time, so I’ve learned to use fewer tools, but more effectively. I used to have too much of everything — even in the industry. Now I know that less is more. I lead with more clarity — in music and in life.
Unmixed: There’s still a narrow image of what a “female DJ” is supposed to look or sound like. Have you ever felt pressure to fit that mold?
Francesca Lombardo:
Never. I think everyone should be who they are, play what they want, dress how they want — and not care what others think. What’s the point otherwise?
Unmixed: How do you navigate being seen in a scene that often sidelines women as novelty or exception?
Francesca Lombardo:
I don’t think about that. My only goal is to move people with my music. If a scene treats women like a gimmick, I’m not interested. I’d rather not engage with that energy at all.
Unmixed: If you could dismantle one myth about women in the music industry, what would it be?
Francesca Lombardo:
That women aren’t as technical or skilled in production and engineering. That’s just not true. I’ve met incredibly talented female producers who’ve inspired me deeply.
Unmixed: What advice would you give to women who don’t just want to be part of the scene — but lead in it?
Francesca Lombardo:
Go for it! There’s so much more to be done. Don’t copy anyone or follow trends — the beauty of being a DJ or musician is sharing your own art. No one else can do that like you.
Unmixed: What’s something you’ve unlearned about “success” as a woman in music?
Francesca Lombardo:
Success comes with a price. You’ve got to know your limits before you go too far.
Unmixed: What’s next — creatively, personally, or in how you want to show up for other women coming up behind you?
Francesca Lombardo:
I’m about to release something new on Echolette this summer, plus a “Wanna Dance” remix pack in October with some incredible artists. I’ve got more surprises coming — but I’ll keep those secret for now!
Francesca Lombardo isn’t asking for permission — she’s writing the blueprint. Whether it’s in the booth, behind a label desk, or raising the next generation, her presence proves that softness and strength aren’t opposites — they’re the formula.
