Luna Bruja blends notes of Neo Soul, Hip Hop and R&B to transcend her poetry with lyrics that resonate. A storyteller at the core, Bruja tries to speak to the the deepest parts of all of us. Her sound spans over multiple genres and continues to grow as she explores the ever changing world of music.
You can catch Luna Bruja LIVE on CincyMusic for the Overcast Hip Hop Music Festival!
When did you decide that music was your calling?I've been a poet since I could pick up a pen. I've always expressed myself in many different mediums, but writing was always my strong suit. I've always been a music fanatic, with influences that span across genres. But, I never really considered putting the two together. During a very strange, confusing and spiritually transitional time in my life (about 4 years ago), I met Alex, better known as Xzela. I was intrigued by her voice and songwriting and started attending her shows regularly. We instantly clicked on a creative level, and still at that point, I didn't see myself making music. The more time I spent around her and the music scene, the more I felt like I was right where I was supposed to be. One day, I decided to share my poetry with Xzela. Her immediate response was that I needed to put the words to music. I was nervous at first, and I lacked confidence, I had really only ever sang for the shampoo and conditioner bottles in my shower. But she encouraged me, and invited me to add a verse to a track on the project she was working on ("Low-ish", from her album Paint). She introduced me to the infinitely talented Devin Burgess, and after doing my verse in one take, they both looked at each other, looked at me, and said collectively, "So you're a rapper now." And basically, the rest is history. Since then I've performed both on my own and in collaboration with Devin & Xzela, released 2 projects, collaborated with other notable Cincy artists, and am currently working on a solo project. This path seems to have chosen me, and I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share my message with others.
What can fans expect at a Live performance?
When I first started out, I definitely had stage fright and was very timid onstage. But performing live with Xzela and exchanging that energy onstage really helped me loosen up and connect with my audience. Fans can expect to go on a bit of a spiritual journey with me from start to finish, with a mixture of Rap, Neo-Soul, Hip-Hop and R&B, and lyrics that are insightful and poetic. You can expect to really want to listen and submerge yourself in not just the sound, but the message. I'm a storyteller at heart and on the mic.
How has the past 6ish months been for you musically?
Surprisingly, for me, the pandemic has really given me the time and space to explore different sounds and kind of hermit myself with my craft. During the last 2 years, I had two pregnancies/children. That time was overwhelming and left me creatively famished. But the last 6 months in particular have been a great turning point for me, as the focus turns inward, and the output has so much more depth. I've had the opportunity to work with some amazing artists, and it has definitely lit a fire within me to create without boundaries and to reach for more.
What is next for Luna Bruja?
I am currently working on a solo project called "Metanoia" which is being engineered by Devin Burgess. I have been trying to complete this project for a couple years now, and I am finally in a place to be able to properly record, promote and complete it. I also have a number of collaborations in the works that I am extremely excited about, all which show the many different sides of Luna Bruja. In the meantime, I'm hoping to do some more shows via streaming until this whole crazy pandemic is over and I can finally get back on the stage. I really, really miss it, and I can't wait to reconnect with the scene and deliver something fresh with new confidence and perspective.
