Q&A: Cristina Hron Fights Against Queer Hate With “Forbidden Fruit”
A GLAM LESBIAN POP ICON — Cristina Hron is the latest player in today’s LGBTQ+ music scene. Starting her musical journey with her single “Closer” in 2020, she followed up with “Cloud 9” in 2021 and “In Your System” in 2023. Now she’s blessing us again in the new year with “Forbidden Fruit,” her brand-new single out now.
The song explores Hron’s coming out story in a world that is often still unwelcoming to LGBTQ+ issues. The singer-songwriter plans on fighting against this hate by continuing to release music, becoming increasingly relevant as an artist and a queer icon.
To find out where this journey will take her, keep reading our interview with Hron below and learn more about her musical journey so far.
LUNA: Who is Cristina Hron? How and when was your musical project born?
HRON: My name is Cristina Hron, and I am the “glam lesbian pop icon” the world didn’t know it needed. I like to say I came out of the womb singing, and my journey writing music began later on in my career. I make pop music for the LGBTQ+ baddies and allies — anyone who wants to listen and have fun, really. My goal is to make music about things we need to be talking about, but also make it a party at the same time.
LUNA: How has your music changed within the past few years?
HRON: Coming out as queer and deciding pop is my definitive musical embodiment are the two main factors that have influenced my artistry lately. It hasn’t necessarily been easy deciding I want the world to see me as who I am unapologetically and [to make] music about it so that other people can relate and have someone to look up to that may be in their same shoes.
The message of my songs may have changed, but it’s still very much me. Not only that, but I was in a fight with myself for a while trying to decide if I wanted to take the pop or rock route, and now that I’ve made a decision and stuck to it, it’s given me a clearer path for my career and future.
LUNA: Who are your biggest influences?
HRON: I grew up listening to Madonna, Donna Summer, Cher, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, and Mariah Carey, so it was no secret I wanted to be a pop star just like these iconic women from a very young age. I practically had Madonna’s entire Confessions Tour choreography memorized by the age of four. However, I would say my actual musical influences today would be Ariana Grande, Victoria Monét, and Rina Sawayama.
LUNA: Could you introduce your favorite singles you've released so far?
HRON: “Forbidden Fruit” is 100% my favorite song I’ve ever released to date, but if I had to put any of my past discographies in the limelight, it would have to be “Cloud 9,” which I released back in 2021. While I did not produce this one myself, I wrote the whole thing in my room one night as a topline to a track my producer at the time gave to me.
Even though it’s essentially one of those songs about literally nothing or anyone, it came so easy to me. I find that songs flow best and sound the most like you when you’re not trying too hard to impress anyone. I like it, it makes me feel good, and the melodies are so bomb. It’s nothing deeper than that.
LUNA: How did you develop your style? Will you experiment with other genres in the future?
HRON: I’ve been playing around with different fonts of pop, with “Forbidden Fruit” being a more orchestral, R&B take on pop. I’ve found that each release has been another step around the pop clock, all revolving around this universal fun, shiny sound. I would like to go more into hip-hop-ish pop as well as bubblegum pop as I progress, but I would also like to get into more music that blends orchestral styles with the contemporary sounds of today.
LUNA: Let's talk about "Forbidden Fruit." What inspired the track, and how did it come to life?
HRON: “Forbidden Fruit” is a very true story of my life, one you’ve read into the lyrics. It dives into the harsh reality for many queer youth today [who are] getting outed. It truly sucks to be discovered on someone else’s terms in a world where it’s still problematic to be part of the community. The song speaks out against hateful societal and religious stigmas, targeting anti-LGBTQ+ bigotry still present today. It’s a beautiful thing to love who you love and to be proud of who you are, so I just hope this song can touch a lot of people so that they don’t feel alone in their struggles, but almost liberated in a way.
The song has taken almost two years to come to life, but I am very proud of it and am excited for everyone to listen to it. Hopefully I can make just a little bit of a difference in someone’s life.
LUNA: Who produces your tracks? How do you choose which producers to work with? Do you have some dream producers you'd like to work with?
HRON: Lately I have been working with a friend of mine named Teane Maseko, a producer and film composer originally from South Africa. He produced “Forbidden Fruit” with me, and we have actually been working on lots of new music to come as well, which I am really excited about! I mainly work with producers who understand the vision I am going for without having to explain much. There is usually a great connection, otherwise it wouldn’t really work.
I have also always worked with engineer and producer Christopher Billik (the great O.Z.) to mix and vocally produce my songs. I am very picky about my vocals, so I am infinitely grateful that I have him to deal with my needs and always know exactly what I want. I simply work with extraordinarily talented people, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. As for dream producers, definitely Timbaland and Max Martin — the holy grails of pop music. If anyone can reach them, let them know they have a willing client who will not be laid to rest without making a banger with them first.
LUNA: Is music your main occupation at the moment? If not, how are you balancing your day job with your music career?
HRON: I’m currently in school for music in LA, so music has always been my one and only option for my occupation. I’ve always known that if I’m not singing and making songs for the rest of my life, I will never be satisfied. I do keep a side job to fund my musical endeavors, but most of my energy has to be put toward my music, and my music first.
LUNA: Have you ever been on tour? Would you like to embark on one?
HRON: I have never been on tour! I am in the very early stages of my career, but it is one of my many dreams. I want to sell out stadiums and sing about girls all day and night. I would like to start with a small tour around the more prominent cities of the US if I was given the opportunity, but by the end of my days I want to have sold out all over the world. I love performing, and if I could do it every second of every day I would.
I would love for my music to reach enough people who would want to see me live and to have that much of an impact on the world, while getting to do the one thing I love most.
LUNA: Who's your dream feature?
HRON: I would love to have a song with Timbaland. Every single work of his is always a bop; I would actually be honored. I would also love to one day make music featuring voices such as Tate McRae, Troye Sivan, Victoria Monét, Doja Cat, or Sabrina Carpenter. Before I could ever reach that caliber, though, I have several friends and colleagues of mine that I would love to release with in the near future. I may or may not have some songs lined up already…
LUNA: Where do you see yourself in one year as a musician?
HRON: Hopefully I have a larger discography released as well as a bigger fanbase. I also am planning to start making and selling merch! Be sure to watch out for an official Cristina Hron website coming soon. I hope to be performing more around the LA area and reaching as many people as I can to spread my music and message.
One of my biggest supporters and also my favorite and only uncle once told me, “If you’re going to be talking about these things in your music, use it to make a difference.” Now I just have to stay true to my word.
