NAOLUNA’s new EP, “Spectrum,” is a deeply personal and emotionally resonant musical journey. Following a profound loss – the sudden passing of her 13-year-old nephew – the artist has poured her heart and soul into this captivating project.
Each track on “Spectrum” serves as a window into NAOLUNA’s evolving perspective, as she navigates the complex emotions of grief, resilience, and self-discovery. From the poignant tribute in “39” to the introspective “Mirror,” her emotive lyrics are masterfully woven into dynamic, atmospheric soundscapes.
NAOLUNA’s self-taught approach to music composition shines through, particularly in the rich, grounding bass tones of the Moog Minitaur, which lend an added weight to the album’s emotional core. Fans and newcomers alike will be drawn into her candid reflections on loss and the transformative power of art.
“Spectrum” is a powerful and vulnerable release that showcases NAOLUNA’s remarkable ability to channel her pain into beautifully crafted, resonant music. This EP is a testament to her resilience and artistry, inviting the listener on a journey of deeply personal exploration.
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What inspired the song “Spectrum”? Is there a personal story or experience behind it?
This year has been full of many events. I hadn’t performed live since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, but in May, I resumed live performances. During the preparation for that, my precious 13-year-old nephew passed away suddenly on March 9th due to an unknown cause. My entire family was in shock, as if our world had turned white.
We were left questioning the meaning of life. His sudden departure was so incomprehensible that we were simply left watching time pass. After the May live performance, which he had planned to attend, his two younger brothers and his mother, my sister, came to watch instead.
Seeing them from the stage made my heart ache. Since then, I’ve felt a sudden urge to create something. I just threw myself into it, and before I knew it, this album was finished. It’s still a mystery to me where all that energy came from.
Can you talk about the meaning behind the lyrics and how they relate to the overall theme of the song?
1st EP
“Spectrum” “Emotions and everything in life appear differently from various perspectives. Just as colors change with the angle of view, this work expresses the multifaceted nuances of music.”
- Stas This song was created when I resolved to achieve my goal, no matter how difficult the path ahead might be. I continue to move forward, believing that I can do it. I express my determination to keep singing, never forgetting the promise of standing on a big stage.
- Discord A dear person is drowning in deep darkness, and I try to help them. But that darkness is deeper than I thought. Every time I try to believe, I end up getting hurt too. I keep asking you again and again, “What is it that you don’t want to lose?” Caught in a struggle, I start to lose sight of what true love really is. These are the feelings expressed in this song.
- 39 This song was written in memory of my 13-year-old nephew who suddenly passed away on March 9th of this year. It carries many thoughts and a heartfelt meaning of “Thank you.”
- Finite Every time I see or hear about the current state of the world, I feel a constant fear that it could happen close to us at any moment, leaving me unable to live my daily life properly. Realizing that I am wasting precious time while feeling this way, I decided to create this song as a reminder to fully enjoy and live in the present moment.
- Mirror When I feel dissatisfaction with you, yet still stay by your side, it’s because, like a mirror, you reflect me. If I don’t change myself, nothing will change. If I were to live freely according to my own desires, we would surely drift apart, and it would no longer be a mirror. The person who is always by my side is my mirror. I want to love myself as I am, and that’s what I express in this song.
How did you approach the musical composition for “Spectrum”? What instruments and sounds did you use to create the distinctive atmosphere?
When I was in middle school, I was fascinated by bands and wanted to start one as soon as possible. I figured that if I was the vocalist, anyone could do it as long as they had a voice, so that’s how I started music. A few years later, I wanted to compose my own music, and I learned that I could input various instruments using a MIDI keyboard on a computer. Since then, I’ve been composing in that style, self-taught.
I download and create sounds that I like. However, for the song “39” on this album, I absolutely needed a deep bass that resonated like the vibration of the ground. I used the Moog Minitaur, one of the few instruments I own, to create that bass sound, which was essential for that track.
Can you describe the recording process for the single? Were there any challenges or memorable moments?
It was a very tough period, so I tended to create dark and sad songs. But when I try to make those types of songs, I end up crying while singing, and my emotions get so out of control that the songs become overly dark and don’t turn out well. So, when I’m feeling down like that, I deliberately try to create upbeat songs. I focus on making music that I can enjoy myself and that helps me feel like I’m moving forward. That’s why this album ended up being more up-tempo. By the time I finish a song, I often find that the sadness I had before has naturally lightened.
Where are you from, and how has your upbringing influenced your music?
I am from Japan. I’ve lived a very happy life up to this point. I don’t know if it’s because my family situation was a bit complicated, but I think I’ve always been good at understanding the emotions of others, the circumstances around me, and the situations at hand. Even now as an adult, I cry easily, and even if something isn’t directly related to me, I get overwhelmed with emotion and cry as if it were my own experience. I think that aspect of my heart greatly influences my music. There are times when I feel like my emotions are hard to control, but I manage those feelings by channeling them into my music.
How would you describe your musical style? What genres or artists inspire you?
I think I’m inspired by many different artists, but the one who had the biggest impact on me was Bjork. Once I heard her music, I couldn’t forget it. When I saw her live performance at Fuji Rock, I had an experience I had never felt before. I felt vibrations deep in my body and a sense of unity with nature. I still vividly remember that sensation. She’s truly an amazing artist.
What is your creative process like when writing and recording new music? Do you have any specific rituals or routines?
When I’m in the middle of creating, I usually shut myself away in my workroom with snacks and juice. From time to time, I take a break by doing something I enjoy without working at all. When I return to work, I find it goes much smoother. When I’m feeling stuck, I watch movies for inspiration, to stir up emotions I may have forgotten, which often leads to inspiration for new songs. I can’t write fictional stories, so I always sing about real events or feelings I’ve experienced.
What does the name “NAOLUNA” mean or represent to you?
My name is Nao, but since there are many artists with the same name, I was struggling to decide what to call myself. That’s when I thought of combining something I like with my name. I love the moon, so I combined my name Nao with “Luna,” which means moon in French. I wanted to keep my real name as part of my artist name because I want to stay true to myself as an artist.
What are your plans for the future? Are you working on any new music or projects?
I want to collaborate with someone to create a work together. I’d also like to create music that could be used in movies or other media. I’m also thinking about working on a second album. I want to try new things and challenge myself.
What are your long-term goals as an artist? Where do you see yourself in five years?
I want many people to listen to my music, perform on big stages, and be involved in major projects. Since I’ve been working alone all this time, I’d love to create something with someone else. I don’t know what the future holds in five years, but I’d be so happy if more people knew about me than they do now.
What message would you like to send to your fans and supporters?
I’ve poured so many emotions into my new release, “Spectrum.” It’s a work you can enjoy from start to finish, so I’d be thrilled if you gave it a listen. Thank you for reading to the end.
