American pop singer Luna Melero is a new discovery of mine, with my first introduction to her music being the amazing track, Ultimatum. It’s a pop song with a slightly mainstream vibe, although it’s much better than most of the stuff you usually hear on the radio, making Luna stand head and shoulders above the rest! Find out more about Luna below…
By Jane Howkins
You released a single titled Ultimatum. What can you tell us about the track?
Ultimatum is one of my favorite tracks on my upcoming album called Gateway Love. The song is inspired by 80s freestyle music and artists like Debbie Deb, Lisa Lisa, The Cover Girls, Exposé and Stacey Q. Not a lot of people are familiar with this genre of early dance music, but it was very popular in the Latino culture and club scene back then. I’m on a mission to bring it back with Ultimatum and more new music that pays homage to that style.
How has the reception to the single been so far, and where can the song be purchased?
Ultimatum is getting a lot of love, especially in Los Angeles where 80s freestyle music reigned supreme. It’s available on all music platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, etc., but you can also download it for free directly from my website: www.lunamelero.com/music
Do you plan to release any more singles in the near future?
You bet! I am releasing one song each month for the entire year [2023]! The next song coming your way is called Warm Magic – it’s out on April 28th, 2023. Warm Magic is the psychedelic pop sister to Ultimatum and is about traveling to different dimensions to find your power through spirituality.
Are there any plans to release a full-length album or an EP?
100% yes! Gateway Love will be my first full-length album. She is an 11-track project that I started writing in 2021 with my producer/co-writer Deadfriend. Each song that I am releasing throughout 2023 is on Gateway Love and I’m so excited to finally share her in her entirety with the world! She tells my life story through song, and metaphorically details everything I’ve experienced until now – from relationships, partying, embarking on my spiritual journey and so much more!
Your music is clearly based within the electronic pop genre. What/who influences you most as an artist? What have you been listening to recently?
This is always such a tough question to answer because I am influenced by so many people and things. I’d have to say my biggest musical influences are Selena, Cher, Stevie Nicks, Madonna, Gwen Stefani, Lana Del Rey and Lady Gaga. As far as musical genres go, I grew up listening to all sorts of 80s music with my parents. I discovered pop artists like Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Jessica and Ashlee Simpson as I got a little older.
But in my teens I went through two very rebellious stages. The first was in junior high school. I started listening to a lot of emo bands like AFI and The Used. The second rebellion was in my senior year of high school. I fell in love with electronic dance music and the party scene – I was a big rave and festival goer listening to artists like Kaskade and Deadmau5. Today, I find myself listening to artists like Cannons, Pearly Drops and Purity Ring. I tend to lean towards music that has an electronic rock and retro type vibe to it.
What do you think is the biggest issue you currently face in the music industry at the moment?
I can only speak for myself on this, but I’d say the biggest issue for me is generating a big enough budget to fund my million dollar ideas. As an independent artist, I’m fully funding all my creative endeavors. It’s bittersweet because on one hand, I’m not in debt to a label (or anyone for that matter), and that’s liberating. But on the other hand, it’s hard to put together a million dollar idea when you don’t have a million dollars.
You have to be crafty and resourceful and that’s not always easy to pull off. But I find a lot of fun in the DIY ethos of being indie. I’m confident in myself and my vision, and I trust that the universe will provide exactly what I want and need when the timing is right. And so far, the U#universe has really had my back. I’ve been blessed with a thrifty nature and a can-do spirit, and a lot of support from my small but brilliant team, and that’s what has gotten me to this point. So I’m going to keep working though it until my biggest issue becomes how I’m going to find a venue big enough to seat all my beloved fans.
Do you have anything else exciting coming up this year?
I am excited to branch out and start leaning into my modeling and acting skills this year! I’m auditioning for a few roles in indie films, which I’m really excited about, as well as doing a lot more editorial modeling. I love modeling so I’m most excited about that. I’m also hoping to tour a bit this fall. My goal is to hit a few major cities here in the US to promote all the new music I have. It’s been wild seeing all my passions fall into alignment with each other. I have really strong feelings about this year!
You’re based in Los Angeles. How is the local music scene faring at the moment?
I’m happy that the music scene here has made a full recovery since the pandemic. Local venues are open and different collectives of indie artists are organizing events again. Festival season is well underway, so it’s exciting to see the scene thriving again. I’m also diving into the world of event production and plan to coordinate a few live music events of my own later this year to support the local indie scene.
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
I have not had the pleasure of touring the UK yet,but I would absolutely love to! Maybe I can plan a trip and coordinate a string of shows while I’m there for you to come and check out!
Any last words for the fans?
I absolutely adore my fans! They are my lucky stars and I’d be nothing without them. The supportive space they hold for me to create and live my life as the artist I dream to be means the universe to me. I am eternally grateful for them and I hope they feel how much love I put into everything I do, because everything I do is for them. It’s an exchange of loving energy that only we understand, and it’s so special. We are each other’s light and that gives me so much life and purpose. Thank you!