Introducing The Viral Lo-Fi Music Sensation… Kina

Kina has achieved platinum certifications from the age of just 24 years old, amongst going viral on social media, and being the first Italian artist to reach one billion Spotify streams with an original song. Born in Naples, Kina began creating music from a young age, quickly establishing himself as a leading voice in the lo-fi bracket. We were lucky enough to chat to Kina about his incredible journey in the industry, whilst also discussing his newest single release ‘Now I’m Alone’ featuring Robin Cause.  

Hi Kina, it’s great to chat to you today! Can you walk us through your creative process? How do you typically approach writing and producing a new track?

Thanks for having me! My creative process is pretty fluid; I try not to follow a strict formula. It really depends on how I’m feeling at the moment. Sometimes I sit down with a clear idea, and other times I just start playing around with sounds until something clicks. For example, with “Now I’m Alone,” I was just going through some samples on a night when I felt stuck, and I stumbled upon this beautiful guitar riff by Andree.gtr and Murad. That sparked everything. From there, the track just started to build itself. I love letting the music guide me rather than forcing it into a certain direction.

How have social media platforms, particularly TikTok, contributed to the growth of your music career?

TikTok has been a game-changer, honestly. It’s crazy how quickly a song can blow up on there. “Get You The Moon” really took off because people started using it in their videos, and it just spread like wildfire. The great thing about TikTok is that it allows the music to speak for itself—there are no barriers. I’ve seen people create such beautiful, emotional content with my tracks, and it’s incredible to see how each person interprets the music in their own way. Social media, in general, has made it easier to connect directly with fans, and that’s been a huge part of my journey.

Your new song explores themes of love and heartbreak. What message do you hope to convey to listeners who might be going through similar experiences?

I think everyone goes through moments of feeling alone, misunderstood, or heartbroken, and sometimes it feels like nobody else can relate. With “Now I’m Alone,” I wanted to create something that makes people feel seen and understood, like they’re not alone in what they’re experiencing. It’s okay to feel lost sometimes, and it’s okay to take time to heal. I hope when people listen, they find a sense of comfort, knowing that someone else has felt what they’re feeling, and that’s okay.

In what ways does creating music serve as a form of therapy for you?

Music is my escape, my way of processing everything. There are times when I can’t put into words how I’m feeling, but I can channel it all into a track. Even just experimenting with different sounds can help clear my mind. I remember when I was just starting out, I would spend hours in my room producing, and by the end of it, I’d feel lighter, like I’d let go of something. That’s still true today. It’s therapeutic because, no matter what’s happening in my life, I can always lose myself in the music.

How does “Now I’m Alone” featuring Robin Cause differ from your previous work? Has your music style evolved since you first started in the industry?

“Now I’m Alone” is a bit more raw and stripped down compared to some of my earlier tracks. When I first started, I was really focused on creating these lush, layered soundscapes, but this track is more about letting the emotion come through in a simpler, more direct way. Working with Robin was a big part of that—his voice just cuts through everything and carries so much feeling. I’d say my style has definitely evolved; I’ve learned to let the music breathe more, and I’m not afraid to experiment with new sounds. I think I’m more confident now in letting a song be what it needs to be.

Is there a particular artist or album that has significantly influenced your sound or that you find yourself continually inspired by?

There are so many, but if I had to pick one, I’d say XX by The xx. That album really taught me the power of minimalism in music—how a few simple elements, if used right, can create something really powerful and emotional. I’m also a huge fan of artists like Bon Iver and James Blake; they’re masters at blending organic and electronic sounds, and I always find inspiration in how they create such unique textures in their music.

As someone born in Naples, how has your experience been navigating the UK music scene?

A: It’s been interesting, for sure. When I started locking in on lo-fi and bedroom pop I didn’t expect it to become particularly popular in Italy, let alone in my area. However there are people all over the world that immediately connected with it and the UK was one of those places. I’d say that the UK is a more complex market to navigate than many others: you have to compete with so many talented artists both local and international. That’s why I love it, it’s inspiring.

Looking ahead in your music career, what are three bucket list moments or achievements you’re aspiring to accomplish as an artist?

A: ugh that’s a good one. I’d say the first one would be to play in a very unique venue, something that fits well with my music style you know? That’s always been a dream of mine – like I make music that is different from what you can expect to hear at a festival, and I think being able to provide a whole experience around it would be truly special. Then, I’d love to work on a film score. I’ve always been fascinated by how music can set the mood for a story, and it would be an amazing challenge to create something that brings a film to life. And third, I want to continue collaborating with artists I admire. I’m always on the lookout for voices that inspire me, and it would be incredible to keep finding new ways to blend different styles together.

Make sure to check out Kina’s latest single with Robin Cause, ‘Now I’m Alone,’ here or below.