COMPLEX: 1 billion streams, how does it feel to have accomplished such a feat for the first time in Italian musical streaming history?
Kina: Reaching 1 billion streams feels absolutely surreal. Coming from Acerra, a small town in the province of Naples, the thought of my music connecting with 1 billion listeners worldwide is beyond anything I could have imagined. Growing up, I never dreamt that my tracks would resonate with such a vast and diverse audience. It’s both an honour and a privilege to know that my music has touched so many lives. This achievement isn’t just a personal milestone; it’s a testament to the universal language of music and its incredible power to connect people across the globe.
What were your original aspirations with your music? When you first started creating, what was your goal?
I started making music during a sad moment in my life, when I needed to express my emotions. I reached a point where I had so many tracks on my computer, and then my friends said, “Why don’t you upload these online?” That’s when everything started. I never aimed for big numbers; my goal was to pour my emotions into notes and hopefully help other people in similar situations to overcome their struggles by bringing comfort with music.
What does Naples mean to you, and how did it inspire you to embark on a musical journey?
For me, Napoli is the small streets opening up to stunning views of the sea, the conversations you overhear from the balconies, the food in the streets that warms your soul with every bite, and, of course, its people. Neapolitans are one of a kind. Walking through Napoli, you’re always welcomed with a coffee and a warm smile, no matter where you’re from. In Napoli, we speak the language of love through kind gestures, making it truly a place for everyone to feel at home. My hometown, Acerra, and Naples have played a key role in inspiring my tracks and fueling my creativity. Even though I live in Lisbon now and travel a lot for music, Napoli is my heart, and it beats inside of me wherever I go.
Who or what were some of your earliest musical influences?
My earliest musical influences were from electronic artists like Avicii, Swedish House Mafia and more. When I started producing music at the age of 8, I initially started with progressive house. The artists that introduced me to lo-fi and sad music were XXXTENTACION and Lil Peep. I really connected with that type of music, and they gave me the courage to express my real emotions through music. That’s how I created Kina.
What is the music scene like in Italy? How does the scene relate to your sound, or is your sound more so inspired by a worldwide trend of music?
I believe that in the past year, the Italian music scene has been mostly dominated by great trap and pop acts. My type of music was never at the forefront of the mainstream, despite its popularity on social media and the top-notch quality of Italian lo-fi artists. It felt like my music and style resonated more abroad than at home. But I don’t really see myself as part of a worldwide trend; I mostly always pursue what makes me happy and conveys my emotions best.
