Q&A: Shining Through With “Golden,” Luna Luna Talks Collaborations & More

Q&AMusic

Jun 3

☆ BY ASTRID ORTEGA ☆

A WORLD OF SWEETHEART JAMS — Luna Luna is bringing their bright and rosy energy to us with their new single, “Golden.” The Dallas, TX-based four piece sonically blend pop and indie to create their unique sound, inspired by artists like Mac DeMarco to Daft Punk’s Random Access Memories. Listening to Luna Luna is like getting a good bite out of everything.

The band started off as a solo project of Colombian-born, Dallas-bred Kavvi. He began making music at 14 years old through GarageBand and quickly began his journey with music. After performing under the moniker Luna Luna in 2017, he met Danny Bonilla, the pair feeling drawn to work together as a duo. Soon after, Luna Luna became a four piece as they introduced drummer Kaylin Martinez and bassist/backup vocalist Ryan “Gordo” Gordon. Finally, it just felt right — and Luna Luna became what Luna Luna is now.

Their new single, “Golden,” is a shimmering tune with elements like layered vocals, steamy guitars, and Daft Punk-esque beats. The first 10 seconds of the track brings your mood up instantly. Upon first listen, I immediately knew this was going to be a groovy and fun song. Luna Luna never shies away from creating energetic music and “Golden” is no exception to that. You’ll be up on your feet and singing along in no time.

Then, there is the 2:17 mark. The 2:17 mark: the perfect comedown to a cheerful song; it’s like transcending fully into the world of Luna Luna. Here, you’ll hear an angelic vocal, a sweet acoustic tune, and a glittering dreamy effect that leads perfectly into the introduction of a slightly upbeat electronica beat. The entire song feels like going out and having the best time of your life, with the outro of the song being the calm and reminiscence of the night on your way home.

Check out their new single, “Golden,” out now, and read down below to get to know Luna Luna!

LUNA: To start off, how are you guys? How has 2021 been so far?

KAYLIN: It’s been pretty good so far! We’ve experienced new things together and have grown closer. We’ve also started playing shows again and can’t wait for more to come!

KAVVI: 2021 has been way better than 2020 so far, that's for sure. Really excited to start putting new music out this year.

LUNA: Your new single, “Golden,” is coming out on the 14th! The song is full of glittery melodies and so much optimistic energy! That seems to be a recurring element in Luna Luna’s music — what inspires that?

DANNY: When we were making the record I had a newly found confidence in myself and wanted to encapsulate that energy with the song. Pretty, expensive, and sexy is what “Golden” is all about!

LUNA: I remember with the release For Lovers Only really falling in love with your sound. It was definitely at the peak of more genre-blending music, and each song incorporates more than just “pop.” How would you say your sound has evolved throughout the years?

KAVVI: Yes definitely, I’ve always been a fan of music from all genres, so that’s why you hear different elements from all kinds of music in our songs. I think our music just keeps getting a bigger sound. I’ve always wanted to make songs that were fit for stadiums and this new batch of songs that we have coming up definitely sound that way.

GORDO: Throughout the years, our sound has definitely matured. Every project we take on comes with a list of sounds that we’re eager to try, along with melodies and chords that best captures a feeling.

LUNA: I watched the music video for “Golden” and I really love that glowing, dreamy effect — it really feels like entering a different world. You guys describe this as a world of “sweetheart jams,” which I think perfectly describes your sound. What inspired that world for you guys?

KAVVI: I think that’s a title that other people gave to our music (laughs). I think it does fit though. From the first album, all the songs were definitely about just pure love with zero blemishes. I think that world just came from the soul — it was premeditated; it just happened.

GORDO: All we’re trying to do is capture and share moments from our life through our music.

LUNA: Pretty Boy Aaron is featured on “Golden,” which is a good contrast with rap and synthpop. Are there any other artists you hope to collaborate with?

KAVVI: There’s definitely a huge list, but to keep it short, it'd be wild to make something with Tyler, Frank, Pharrell, Tame Impala, Kali Uchis, even Bad Bunny, to be honest (laughs).

LUNA: You guys are from Dallas, and we are definitely seeing a lot of cool latinx artists coming out of Texas, which is really refreshing to see! How would you say the music scene there has impacted you guys as artists?

KAVVI: Yeah, the music scene here has exploded over the last few years. There’s a lot of talent coming out of Dallas, from artists like Pretty Boy Aaron, A-Wall, [and] Kaz Moon. Just seeing the level of talent rise here in Dallas has motivated us to push harder and make the best music we can make.

LUNA: I know that there are a lot of people out there intimidated to start making music — especially young POC artists — would you have any advice to give them?

KAYLIN: Don’t let lack of experience keep you from trying. Find songs and artists that inspire you to learn and try to embody that energy/feeling. Nobody becomes a pro overnight, and it’s okay to not know everything!

LUNA: To wrap things up, I like to ask a fun little (slightly difficult) question. If you guys had to pick four records to have with you on a stranded island, what would they be?

KAYLIN: Oof, that’s a tough one! I would bring Language by The Contortionist, Pageant Material by Kacey Musgraves, CTRL by SZA, and The End by Daughter.

KAVVI: Lonerism by Tame Impala, Rubber Soul by The Beatles, Futuresex/LoveSounds by Justin Timberlake, and For Lovers Only by Luna Luna.

DANNY: Voodoo by D’Angelo, Prince by Prince, Mamas Gun by Erykah Badu, IGOR by Tyler, the Creator.

GORDO: Space is Still the Place by The Bright Light Social Hour, D by White Denim, Sun Structures by Temples, Multi-Love by Unknown Mortal Orchestra.

LUNA: Thank you for talking with us! We’re really excited for more Luna Luna. Is there anything we should be expecting from you guys in 2021?

KAYLIN: Of course, thanks for having us! You can look out for some new music! And hopefully by the end of the year you can catch us on the road :)

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