Emerging Madrid-based artist Lua de Santana talks her forthcoming debut project, festival season and why she’s at a beautiful moment in her musical journey, ahead of Sónar Lisboa festival.

You’ll struggle to find an artist as unapologetically experimental as Lua de Santana in Madrid’s rapidly growing creative space. The Spanish-Brazilian artist is pulling from the global electronic continuum and pairing genres like Baile funk, ballroom and techno with her indulgent voice to make something inherently her own. Growing up in Galicia and now settled in Madrid, the 24-year-old has had a sonically rich upbringing, listening to genres that span bossa nova, reggae and everything in between. And now, she’s gearing up to play 10 dates across the world for festival season, bringing her acclaimed live set to fans this Summer.

 

The rising star has been announced as one of the many acts taking to the stage at Sónar Lisboa in Portugal this weekend. Among the singer and model are local artists like DJ Lycox, DJ Narciso and DJ Firmeza as well a global superstars like Marcel Dettmann, Nina Kraviz and Or:la. The array of talent being showcased will ignite the spirit of the city’s contemporary rave culture.

 

Ahead of her set, we sat down with Lua to get the inside scoop on her forthcoming debut project, festival season and why she’s at a beautiful moment in her musical journey. Find out more below.

Hey Lua de Santana, what’s going on in your world lately?

I’m trying to navigate the dissonance between my personal matters and my up-and-coming career. I recently lost someone I love and it’s crazy how life doesn’t stop for any of us, and we are supposed to keep going like nothing, right? At the same time, I’m at a very genuine and beautiful moment in my musical journey where my team and I are slowly recognising the baby fruits of our hard work and growing together individually and as a family.

We’ve heard you have a debut project on the way. How’s it shaping up at the moment?

Right now, the project feels like a big puzzle, but I can’t wait to share it when the time is right. These past years I have had the opportunity of working with amazing artists from across the world and our synergy was precious. As you would expect, nothing is to be expected when it comes to the sound but there will be a fusion of genres, languages and energies.

What experiences do you draw from to create your work?

My life, really. I like to work from the inside out and explore how personal experiences connect to a larger universal context. For this project, I’ve taken a lot of inspiration from Neil Postman’s book Amusing Ourselves to Death – a must read! – and the movie, I saw the TV glow.

What are some of your earliest music memories?

One that I remember specifically in the sweetest way was when my dad, my uncle “Mora”, and I was singing and playing the guitar after getting hyped after our first listen to Daddy Yankee’s ‘Gasolina’.

How has it been finding your way as an artist in Madrid? What’s the scene like there?

Everyone was so welcoming, and there’s always a tonne of cool things going on: brand events, music camps, parties, fashion showrooms, MBMFW and amazing concerts. That said, diversity is still an issue and, like anywhere, it’s more challenging to thrive as POC. Also, as a woman, it’s very frustrating to see how the mediocrity of my masculine peers is rewarded, though it only fuels my motivation.

You’re performing at Sónar Lisboa this year. What are you most looking forward to about your time in Lisbon?

I am so excited for the show, I still can’t believe I’ll be playing at Sónar Lisboa and it’s all thanks to DENGO CLUB. Also, I can’t wait to reconnect with some of my old friends I made on the way, re-visit the city and see known faces of the local and exemplary Ballroom community.

Is there anyone on the line-up you’re trying to see?

Of course, I wish I could see everybody, but I’m especially excited for Anderson do Paraíso, Pa Salieu and (LA)HORDE in Sónar Barcelona and super happy to share the stage with friends like Clementaum and Saint Caboclo in Sonar Lisboa.

What can fans expect from the show?

A lot of screaming, dancing and letting go. I’ll try to leave them wanting more…

Do you have any pre-show rituals?

Nothing crazy really! I just like to chill before a show. I hate when everybody – excluding my team – wants to be in my dressing room. I usually just warm up my voice with a comforting YouTube video and stretch my body. This last thing is a lie but I need to lock it in now.

What’s next for Lua de Santana?

This year, I had the pleasure of joining some friends in the studio and dropping two beautiful collaborations with June Freedom, Dano, and Duki. More are on the way as we speak! I have over 10 shows booked for the festival season, which is crazy – I’m mad grateful – and I still haven’t stopped developing my own project and visuals with a lot of care and love. I can’t wait to introduce you to this new era!