Double Page Spread - Interview

Double Page Spread - Interview

Luna Skyler is a new and rising star in the indie genre, and we were lucky enough to interview her. Fitting somewhere between indie pop and indie rock, Luna Skyler has no aspirations of being the new Lana Del Rey, but the first Luna Skyler. Skyler started out on YouTube, covering her favourite songs by artists like Hozier and Arctic Monkeys, but her magical and ethereal vibe she gives the songs made them her own. Her audience and fame is growing every day, and her first single ‘Hollywood Soldier’ is currently holding the number one spot in the UK charts. Luna Skyler is out of this world, and the sky is definitely not her limit.

Your music fits into a whole new genre of its own. What was it that inspired you to have such an ethereal, out of this world vibe to it?

‘Since I was young I have always had a deep fascination with all things absurd. [Laughs] I guess it just inevitably found its way into my music and lyrics. I wanted to be something new, and something different in the industry, and I think I have managed pretty well in doing that. When the album comes out you’ll really be able to hear the influences and interests I’ve had since I was a child. I have always found peace in my thoughts, and looking up at the stars and letting my mind go to weird and wonderful places, which really comes through in my music and lyrics.

There’s always negativity in the music industry. How do you cope with negativity targeted at you?

‘Negativity is unavoidable, unfortunately. There are always people who have nothing better to do other than compare you to others, accuse you of copying, criticising your look etcetera. I don’t believe in spreading negativity, so I tend to ignore it. Of course fans get defensive, but as I said; spreading the negativity makes it worse. Ignoring it is the best way, ‘cause if you don’t retaliate, they have nothing else to say to you.’

What do you want to get out of your career? Is it more about the fame, money, music or fans?

I’ve never been it in for the money. I mean, sure, it’s a bonus! [Laughs] but since I started on YouTube it was always about getting my music out there and heard. And my fans – they mean the world to me. I wouldn’t be sitting here doing this interview. I’m so grateful for everything honestly. This is beyond what I thought I would achieve, and getting this far has made me just want to keep going further and pursuing my career even further.’

Who would you say are your music heroes?

‘Hmm... Well, it’s always something I’ve wanted to do, but having people like Lana Del Rey, who is one of the most successful female indie artists of today, and seeing where they started and how far they’ve come inspires me every day. I listen to a lot of music; I don’t stick to one genre. So yeah, I have a lot of inspirations and people who inspire me to be more and do more.’

You’re a big inspiration for a lot of girls, and you’re highly respected as a feminist icon. What message would you give young girls who are trying to make it in a male dominated industry?

‘Keep trying. It’s hard, trust me it really is, I’m not gonna sugar coat it, but it’s so worth it. Being a female working in this industry is hard, but if we don’t stop trying to get the equality that is so overdue, it’ll never change. So girls; keep going at it and help change the way the industry is run.’