Music Spotlight: Luna Aura
Genre-bending powerhouse Luna Aura is creative, inspiring and thrives off individuality. Luna’s sound and voice are unique and she’s been able to grow into herself and her music, knowing exactly who she is and what she wants. In honor of Women’s History Month, we had the chance to talk to her about her advice to new artists, her female inspirations and more. Check it out.
Are there any women in particular that inspire you in the music industry?
Janis Joplin, P!nk, Joan Jett….the list goes on and on. I appreciate any female who is able to create and maintain a long-lasting career in an industry that is as rampant with sexism and ageism as the music industry. Especially a woman who does so unapologetically the way these women have. It’s the fearlessness and grit that these women possess that planted the seed in my heart to find my voice and do something with it. Being a woman, especially a woman in music, you have the responsibility to show your teeth and speak your truth. Because just like I spent my time watching and absorbing the powerful women that came before me, I have to assume there’s another young girl out there somewhere watching and waiting for someone to light the spark within her. Inspiration is the key to everything, but most importantly it is the key to change.
Who and/or what influences your overall aesthetic - from your music to your style to your fashion sense?
I’m a 90’s baby so I’ve always had a soft spot for that era’s aesthetic. I have a little bit of an obsession with dark comedies from the 90’s (Heathers, Jawbreaker, Sugar & Spice). I love the stark contrast between the coloring and the narrative in these types of films. Bright colors, pretty Barbie-esque visuals alongside a very dark and unsettling storyline. I can certainly say those films have played a huge role in both my fashion choices and my upcoming EP.
What advice would you give to women who are just starting out in the music industry?
Imagine nothing matters. That’s the best advice I can give. You might have people pulling you in 100 different directions because they think they know what’s best for you. The only person who knows what’s best for you is you. Don’t let anyone take your hand or make you feel like you’re doing it wrong. If you like who you are, if you like what you do, and if you like how you do it, then nothing else matters. Do you and do it well, and you will find the people to help you along the way.
Tell us about your creative process and what you have coming up in 2020.
I spend most of my time in rooms writing with people for a number of different projects. I write for TV and film, for other artists, and for myself. I find that I get stuck in a rut easily if I put myself in a box and don’t allow myself to express all my different sides and colors. My process is never concrete and it changes from day to day. If I’m not having fun creating something, I’ll just stop doing it and go watch the Real Housewives or something. There’s no point in forcing something because the audience consists of human beings who are hungry for authenticity.
I’m releasing an EP titled “THREE CHEERS FOR THE AMERICAN BEAUTY” this summer. Six songs that I’m very proud of and can’t wait to share! Looking into more shows and festivals for the end of the year.
Lighting round! Describe each of the following in one word: Who you are, what you value the most, and what you’d be if you were a food item.
Luna Aura
Truth
A sour patch kid – sweet with a punch