LUNA AURA is an independent singer, songwriter, and producer originally from Phoenix, Arizona. Her music style has unexpectedly, but excitingly blurred the lines between pop, grunge, and rock. The songs are full of rebellious undertones and unapologetic individuality. She began writing songs and performing at the young age of 14, and hasn’t stopped since.
LUNA AURA has played alongside bands and artists like Corey Taylor, The Killers, P!nk, Muse, and Weezer, just to name a few. She has performed at countless festivals including Louder Than Life, Aftershock, KAABOO, and Lost Lake.
In 2020, LUNA released her first EP, THREE CHEERS FOR THE AMERICAN BEAUTY, followed by her next two EP’s: SWEET SENSATION in 2022 and THE FICTION in 2023. She has also released singles like “BENT” and “TOO LITTLE TOO LATE.” Last year, LUNA toured cross-country supporting legendary music artist, Corey Taylor with rock duo, Wargasm. We caught her show for the first time at the Cincinnati show.
We had a really fun conversation with LUNA on ShipRocked. We got to chat about what she does in her downtime on the road, her dream collaborations, and what’s in store for 2024.
What’s your perfect day in Nashville?
I like to go to brunch, and they have some really good restaurants there. I don’t know, just anywhere. I don’t like repeating places. I like going to new places because I like trying stuff all the time. There’s a place called Eggstravaganza. But I also have a terrible memory, so I’m not gonna remember all the names. I also just moved to Nashville like four months ago.
How would you describe your music to new fans?
It’s a little grungy. It’s a little, I guess pop, sort of. It has pop sensibilities. It’s just very in-your-face. It’s very energetic. It’s very ‘f*ck you’ energy.
What were the highlights of the tour with Corey Taylor and Wargasm? You kind of went all across the country.
I think the highlight of the tour was just how genuine and nice everyone was. We just all got along so well and we had such a great time. Wargasm is a lot of fun, especially their drummer. He’s extra fun. I hope he sees this because he’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.
Everyone was having a great time, and I think the best part about it was also being able to be in front of all these new people. Being able to, when we’re tired, at the end of the day, talk to each other and have a good time and have a hang, that was my favorite part of the tour for sure.
What are your must pack items for tours or just travel?
Ten pairs of tall black boots because I just have a problem. It’s a thing. I feel like I do it every time. I’m just making fun of myself. SPF. I stay out of the sun.
How has that been working for you on ShipRocked?
I haven’t really gone outside that much. (Laughing) I hang out at the casino bar a lot. When we’re walking around the boat and everyone’s like, “So what are we doing now?’ I’m like, ‘let’s go home.” and they know that that means we’re going to the casino.
I made tons of friends. All the bands on here have been so lovely. I have my little group of friends to hang out with, which is what I love about this. They allowed us to bring people with us and have a cool experience. So, it’s been really fun.
What do you do in your downtime on the road other than not go in the sun?
I don’t have a whole lot of downtime. When I do get downtime, I like to watch some Real Housewives. All of them. Every franchise. New York and Salt Lake might be the two best.
We are going to be new Bravo Best Friends! Who’s your dream collaboration?
Dang, that’s a hard one. I don’t know, actually. Maybe it’s a tie between Gwen Stefani and Refused. I feel like I can do either.
Do you have any Ship Rocked highlights so far?
I think the highlight was the fact that I woke up late and got to stay on the ship [during the storm in Jamaica.] I felt safe, first of all. Second of all, there was nobody on this boat. You could just go do a bunch of stuff and there weren’t a whole lot of people using all this amenities. It was like indoor recess.
What’s your craziest travel story?
Probably yesterday (the storm.) Just everyone getting their life vests on and just being like, ‘what’s going on?’ It’s so strange. It was very surreal and creepy. But me and my band were just like, ‘Well, I guess we should go to the casino bar.’ Laughing
What does 2024 have in store for you?
2024 has more music, more playing shows, more touring, all that fun.
What’s inspiring you to write right now?
Being on the ship, honestly. I’ve been spending a lot more time not writing as much and just kind of taking in life. I feel like now when I go back into the studio, I’m going to feel very inspired and re-energized with all new stories. I’m down to write anything. I feel like I just love songwriting, it doesn’t really matter the genre. I love writing for my project. I love writing for other people as well. I love producing.
Coming from LA, I did it for almost 10 years. Nashville feels like a really peaceful space for me. I’m in the trees now and I feel more grounded and like my mental health is a lot better. I’m really happy there.