We’re putting the spotlight on the freshest, boldest, and most unapologetic creatives shaking things up. From rising musicians and visionary designers to digital disruptors and underground artists, this series is your front-row pass to the next big thing. Think cool, think boundary-pushing, think why aren’t they famous yet?!
Luna Lovebad is the celestial siren we’ve been waiting for. Hailing from Compton, this trans Latinx goddess blends dreamlike aesthetics with raw, unapologetic artistry. Whether she’s serving ethereal visuals on Instagram, channeling sonic magic in tracks like Lit Up and Picture Frame, or diving deep into the digital realms of Final Fantasy XIV on Twitch, Luna exists in a world all her own. With an otherworldly presence and a voice that drips like honey, she’s not just making music—she’s creating a universe. A true cyber muse, a modern-day bruja, and the ultimate #ComptonPrincesa, Luna Lovebad is here to enchant, disrupt, and redefine what it means to be iconic.
MEET CUTE: LUNA LOVEBAD
Photos / Danica Robinson
Styling / Phil Gomez
MUA / Rory Alvarez
Hair /Isaac Davidson
In conversation with Phil Gomez
Phil: When we first met, I could tell you were going to change the game. What drives you?
Luna: Thank you, love! It means a lot, especially because I’ve been so out of the game artistically. I took some time to prioritize my mental and physical health. It made me realize that a lot of my young adult life I was living in survival mode. I’m in a much better headspace and feel the time away was necessary to ignite my drive and love for creating.
As a child of parents and grandparents who migrated from Mexico, knowing they worked hard to give me the opportunity to do better has always been a big contributor to what drives me.
Phil: Growing up in Compton, how did your environment shape your identity as an artist?
Luna: I grew up in Compton during the 90s. What was depicted in film and television was accurate but only a glimpse of what went on. Gang violence, Bloods vs. Crips, racial tensions between the Black and Latino communities, police brutality, crime, drugs, and the L.A. riots were all things I remember growing up. I lived in a neighborhood with a very heavy street presence, and there are so many… I was raised in a traditional Latino, somewhat strict household. My family rarely let me play outside of our gate because it was so active.
I was aware of what was going on around me, but my mother, who worked for the Compton School District, kept me busy in after-school programs, singing lessons, and piano. My dad was a local DJ, so I spent a lot of my time hanging out with him in our garage, where he had his DJ setup. I’d always be singing, dancing, and pretending to scratch and scrub records (my dad was really good). With the recognition and praise for my talents from my family and teachers/instructors, I felt an obligation to do well by them, and I steered away from trouble as much as I could. It motivated me to audition and get accepted to an art high school as a music/vocal major. Growing up in a city with a reputation like Compton has pushed me to work harder to show I’m not just a product of my environment.
Phil: What’s something about you that people don’t immediately notice but plays a big role in who you are as an artist?
Luna: I would say that one aspect that people don’t always immediately notice but plays a huge role as an artist is my passion for human rights, particularly trans/queer rights, women’s rights, and the rights of BIPOC folks. It’s the struggles, victories, and complexities that come with navigating these human experiences and advocating for equality that shape who I am, not only as an artist but also as a person.
I think the themes in my music offer a unique lens through which I express heartbreak, emotional/mental struggle, love, and resilience. They’re central themes of my music and how I connect with listeners who resonate with these themes.
Phil: What’s one thing you can’t live without?
Luna: As cliché as it sounds, music. I’m such a ‘without music I’ll die’ ass… person. That, or my Hello Kitty Fujifilm Instax. I take it almost everywhere.
Phil: You’ve been a muse to many, including myself. How does it feel to have that kind of influence?
Luna: It’s so surreal at times. I’m so firm on knowing who I am, yet I hate being perceived, but the reality is I’ve been able to work with some of my favorite artists, photographers, hair/makeup artists, designers, and labels, and in return, they make me feel seen and understood. They’d see beauty in parts of me that I would hide or felt were flawed.
When I was posting selfies and my writing on the internet (i.e., Myspace), I never saw it as me documenting my transition or growth as a gender-ambiguous scene queen to “tha doll.” Nor did I realize how impactful it was to other people online who felt different or misunderstood. I was just a latchkey kid who was chronically on the internet. As an adult, I’m grateful for the community I have and to be able to inspire others, as well as using my influence for causes that are important to me.
Phil: “Lit Up” is still on my rotation… What’s the tea with new music?
Luna: I have so much unfinished music. I’m at a point where I’m writing new material and looking to collaborate with more queer/femme producers/engineers. Working with cishet male producers gives me brain damage, which is a big reason why it’s taken so long. There was always some ulterior motive. So, femmes, gays, and they who make music, hit my line!
Phil: Who would your ideal music collaboration be with?
Luna: Kelela, hands down. That’s mother right there. Manifesting one day it’ll happen.
Phil: What’s it been like to work with Marc Jacobs?
Luna: You know what? It’s such a full-circle moment. I had Marc’s magazine ads that Juergen Teller photographed all over my walls when I was a teenager. I would collect them like Pokémon cards. I don’t think shooting for Marc would’ve been possible if I didn’t find ballroom and my house father, Jamari. I’ve personally haven’t met Marc yet, but when I was invited to be part of his fragrance campaign, I was gagged. His team are mad supportive and love the House of Marc Jacobs.
Phil: What’s the best piece of advice someone has ever given you?
Luna: You’ve got to trust in yourself, check in with yourself; that real, effective self-care can be lonely and a bit uncomfortable at times.
Phil: Who’s the biggest celebrity that you’ve partied with?
Luna: I don’t think I have, lol.
Phil: What’s a moment so far when you felt like you truly made a difference?
Luna: I try to make it a daily habit to use my platform for good because you never know who’s listening and could make a difference in that someone’s life, even if it’s just one person. If you have influence or a following and you aren’t [using it for good], it’s like, hoe, what are you doin’??
Phil: What’s your advice for young queer and trans creatives who are trying to find their voice?
Luna: We have to live in our truth and not be afraid of it. Now more than ever, there’s a lot of fear-mongering trying to silence us. Despite the world being in a state of chaos, I think the most radical thing you can do is use your voice because our voice shapes our future. You never know who your voice will reach and inspire.
Phil: What’s something you’ve manifested recently that you’re excited about?
Luna: I guess you’ll have to see in a few months!
Phil: What’s a recent obsession that you can’t get enough of?
Luna: Labubu, Nommi, and blind boxes in general! It’s sick how obsessed I am right now. It’s like playing the lotto, but you always win something cute. I’m currently scoping out fits for my Labubus so they match my purses.
Phil: What’s your guilty pleasure?
Luna: I don’t think I have any pleasures I’m guilty about. I’ve no guilt about watching almost all of the Real Housewives franchises, or listening to the Wicked soundtrack and Kendrick’s new album back-to-back, eating ice cream while in a bubble bath. I don’t care.
Phil: In one word, how would you describe yourself?
Luna: Ethereal ✨
Corset and purse, WIEDERHOEFT. Watch, LUAR. Ring, PALA. Earrings and Choker. TALA by TALA ALAMUDDIN.
bodysuit, TAOTTAO. Coat, ADRIANNE LANDAU. Necklace, TARINA TARANTINO. Earrings, TANIA CLAIRE.
Full look, SEKS. Veil, JENDUE. Necklace, LOLITA.
Full look, SCARLETT GASQUE. Bra top, RORY ALVAREZ. Earrings, SEVILLE MICHELLE.
