An Interview with Cristian Marchi

We spoke to Cristian Marchi on his new single ‘Summer Is Magic’, his career and what inspires his production and collaborations.

First of all, how are you and what are you up to at the moment in terms of shows, touring and producing? 

I’m doing well and I’m currently in a very intense but also very exciting phase of my career.This summer I’ll be touring almost every week, performing at clubs, beach parties, festivals and events both in Italy and abroad. At the same time, I’m in the studio working on new releases for CM Music as well as several projects that will see the light of day in the coming months.

You’ve had a new release ‘Summer Is Magic’ with Canadian vocalist SOLEA, how did you come up with the concept of the track and what do you personally believe makes summer so magic? 

The idea was to capture that feeling of freedom, lightness and energy that we’ve all experienced at least once during a special summer.When I heard Solea’s voice, I immediately knew she was the right person to bring this song to life.

For me, the magic of summer isn’t a season, it’s a collection of emotions, encounters and memories that often stay with us for a lifetime

How do you approach collaborating with vocalists, producers, or other DJs? 

I always look for people who can bring something authentic to the project. I’m not interested in collaborating just because of a name or numbers.The best collaborations happen when there’s mutual respect and a shared vision of music.

Looking back at your journey, what were the key moments that transformed you from someone passionate about music into the artist you are today? 

Without a doubt, my early years in radio and clubs taught me the most important lesson of all: understanding people and learning how to read a crowd. Then came a number of records that marked important milestones in my journey, from Love Sex AmericanExpress to, more recently, Fast Cars & Superstars, which helped me reach an international audience and opened new opportunities around the world. But looking back, I believe the real common thread throughout these 35-plus years has been never stopping learning, constantly challenging myself and evolving with the industry without losing my identity.

You’ve been in the music industry for over 35 years. Were there any turning points that almost led you down a different path or has working as a DJ/Producer always been the main goal? 

Music has always been my main goal.There have been difficult moments, as there are in any long career, but I never seriously considered doing anything else. I simply learned how to reinvent myself every time the market changed.

What challenges have you faced in the music industry, and how did you overcome them? 

The biggest challenge has been living through completely different eras of the music business. I started with vinyl records and the first AKAI samplers, then came CDs, digital music, streaming and social media. Each time, I tried to see change as an opportunity rather than a threat. I believe the ability to adapt is essential if you want to remain relevant over time.

What inspired you to launch your own label, C M Music, and what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who are in the process of starting their own record label? 

After so many years, I felt the need to create a structure that could represent my artistic vision one hundred percent. That’s exactly why CM Music was born. My advice to anyone starting a label is to focus first on the quality of the music and only then on the business structure. A label is not a logo; it’s the credibility you build overtime.

How do you balance staying true to your style while adapting to changing trends in electronic music? 

I try to distinguish genuine trends from passing fashions.I enjoy evolving and experimenting, but without chasing every trend of the moment.People recognize authenticity, and I believe that’s the most important thing to preserve.

What has been the most memorable performance of your career so far and why? 

It’s difficult to choose just one. Performing for the Italian Consulate General in New York during the Republic Day celebrations on June 2nd was certainly one of the most emotional moments of recent years.Representing Italy in such a prestigious setting was a great honour.

Finally, what’s next for Cristian Marchi in 2026?