Interview: In Conversation with Cito – The Shadowy World of BLVD HVNNY (Video/Audio)
In a world veering ever closer to the edge of itself, BLVD HVNNY is borne—a spectral pulse in the gathering dark. This is the shadow-self of Cito, known for fronting South African bands WONDERboom, El Cantante, and Absinthè. With BLVD HVNNY, a more introspective and cinematic expression takes form—gothic, electronic, and unafraid to dwell in the sublime weight of melancholy.
What began as a solitary studio project—beat-driven, synth-laced, and self-contained—soon outgrew its walls. The live stage demanded more. And so, BLVD HVNNY evolved into a full-bodied force: a five-piece band of formidable musicians who now breathe life into the sound both on stage and in studio. While the music still leans into its electronic roots, each element is played live—sampled textures rendered through real instruments, giving the songs a visceral, haunting immediacy.
Their evocative reimagining of Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds’ The Weeping Song, featuring Ross Learmonth of Prime Circle, held the #1 spot on Mix 93.8 FM’s SA Top 40 for five consecutive weeks and was crowned Song of the Year. Visually, the world of BLVD HVNNY is just as potent. Joaquín, directed by Bradley Devine, claimed Best Music Video at five international film festivals, while Nocturnes added three more to the collection.
The debut album, IX, is a sonic descent—a beautifully fractured mirror of mood and memory. It features lyrical collaborations with long-time co-writer Erin Alden (Lilac Sky, Joaquín, Scarface); gothic icon Ashton Nyte of The Awakening (who also lends his voice to She’s One of Us Now); and the haunting presence of Bronwyn Leigh Fink on a stirring rendition of Yazoo’s Winter Kills. That same track was further elevated by a powerful creative reunion with old school friend and world-renowned producer Craigie Dodds, who’s masterful, genre-defying touch drew out the song’s buried intensity and cast it in a bold, twisted light.
At the helm of the rest of album’s production are two studio visionaries: Matthew Fink—formerly of The Awakening and producer to a host of South African alt pop rock records—and Barry Berk, whose refined ear and immersive mix work have left their unmistakable mark on every track.
With BLVD HVNNY, Cito delves into exquisitely sculpted darkness—unravelling personal mythologies, chasing echoes through shadowed halls, and weaving together goth, trip hop, and electronica into something that lingers, long after the final note.
In this interview, we spoke to Cito about ‘IX’ and the journey that he has been on to see it become reality. We also talk about the evolution of BLVD HVNNY, the desire to expand, what the future might hold, and so much more.
Watch and/or listen to the full interview via:
LinkTree | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Soundcloud | YouTube
