Get to know 2023 Alternative Album of the Year nominee, Luna Li in our “7 Questions With” series where we speak with first-time JUNO Award nominees from all genres.
Luna Li is more than a musical project. It’s a world unto itself, and a kingdom of its creator’s making. For the Korean-Canadian, Toronto-based multi-instrumentalist songwriter, composer, and producer Hannah Kim, the universe of Luna Li is hyperlush and inclusive by design. It’s an evolving, musical transmission that takes its cues from nature’s healing properties to explore vulnerability and identity. A blend of indie rock and psych; where experimental neoclassical morphs into pristine pop, Luna Li is the sound of an everyday symphony, crafted from the perspective of the female gaze.
1. How does it feel to be nominated for a JUNO award?
It’s absolutely incredible, and as someone who grew up in Toronto hearing about and watching the JUNOS, it’s extra special. I’m so grateful.
2. Tell us a bit about your JUNO-nominated project.
My debut album Duality was nominated for the Alternative Album of the Year. It was a long work in progress over the course of four years on and off in the studio with my collaborator/producer Braden Sauder as I spent my days teaching music lessons at my mom’s music school and nights in my room writing songs. The title Duality refers to a few different things; my identity as a Korean-Canadian musician, the melding of my classical background with a contemporary sound, and the contrasting themes of anxiety and loneliness with belonging and celebration.
3. What has been the craziest moment of your music career to date?
Playing my first headline shows over the past year in Canada, the US and Europe were huge moments for me. It was overwhelming and amazing to hear sold-out crowds sing all of my lyrics back at me. And playing violin for Japanese Breakfast on SNL was also a huge highlight.
4. What’s your favourite lyric from this project, and why does it resonate with you so much?
One of my favourite lyrics is from “Afterglow”: “If I ever met you in my dreams, or on the street, I would not say hello, I’d catch you in the afterglow”. I think it really captures the dreamy and wistful spirit of the Luna Li universe I’ve been building.
5. Which Canadian artist would you like to collaborate with and why?
I’ve been recently collaborating with Monsune on some music. He’s been really great to work with and I love what we’re making.
6. What would you like music fans to know about you? How would you introduce your music to
new or soon-to-be fans?
I call my music angel pop with a couple drops of psychedelic rock and cinematic elements.
7. What’s next for you?
I’m currently working on album 2 which is really exciting. Playing my first show in Asia this month, in Singapore. And doing some other one-off festivals this spring and summer. Last year was a lot of time spent on the road so I’d like to balance it out this year with some more time spent writing, grounded and nesting in one place.
Tickets for The 2023 JUNO Awards are on sale now! Don’t miss out on an unforgettable night of Canadian music hosted by Simu Liu on March 13.
