Luna Kills – Exclusive Interview
Luna Kills is a Finnish metal band from Helsinki, formed in 2019. The band plays modern metal with alternative and nu-metal vibes, blending in electronics inspired by video game soundtracks.
Luna Kills deliver nihilistic and angry anthems, blurring the lines between genres with a mix of heavy riffs and catchy pop elements. Their second album, "not to be bitter, but it helps", was released in 2021, with tracks like "honey trap" and "liar, liar" gaining attention both in their home country and abroad. Critics called the album "otherworldly" and praised its "diverse tracks that redefine alternative rock."
Currently, Luna Kills are actively working on their third album, having already released the singles "deep cuts" and "super sick" ahead of it. I had the chance to speak with the band members about their challenging journey, their views on the modern music business, as well as upcoming releases and the changes that have already taken place within the band.
Currently, Luna Kills are actively working on their third album, having already released the singles "deep cuts" and "super sick" ahead of it. I had the chance to speak with the band members about their challenging journey, their views on the modern music business, as well as upcoming releases and the changes that have already taken place within the band.
A few days ago you released a new single. Congratulations! Tell us about it. What is the story behind the song?
The song is an angry anthem about people who constantly give unsolicited opinions about who you should be, how you should dress up and behave etc. It’s a reminder that you should be who you want to be and not let anyone influence your sense of self.
You also shared an amazing video! It looks very stylish and really sick. Whose idea was it? How was the shooting going?
It was a collaboration between the band and Guilty Visuals who shot and produced the video. Shooting was very fun and creative, we had actually a little bit different video in mind when we first planned it, but since we’re all very creative individuals we kinda went into the shooting with open mind, a lot of ideas and had a really good and easy time filming.
Album «not to be bitter, but it helps» was released in 2021. Are you planning to please your fans with a new album this year? What will it be like?
We are currently working on our next album which is set to release in 2024! The singles “deep cuts” and “super sick” are going to be included in it. For us the new album feels a little bit heavier than its predecessor but also more fun and experimental.
The song is an angry anthem about people who constantly give unsolicited opinions about who you should be, how you should dress up and behave etc. It’s a reminder that you should be who you want to be and not let anyone influence your sense of self.
You also shared an amazing video! It looks very stylish and really sick. Whose idea was it? How was the shooting going?
It was a collaboration between the band and Guilty Visuals who shot and produced the video. Shooting was very fun and creative, we had actually a little bit different video in mind when we first planned it, but since we’re all very creative individuals we kinda went into the shooting with open mind, a lot of ideas and had a really good and easy time filming.
Album «not to be bitter, but it helps» was released in 2021. Are you planning to please your fans with a new album this year? What will it be like?
We are currently working on our next album which is set to release in 2024! The singles “deep cuts” and “super sick” are going to be included in it. For us the new album feels a little bit heavier than its predecessor but also more fun and experimental.
This spring you were on tour with Lost Society and in the autumn, you will be warming up the stages for Sonata Arctica. What are your plans now?
Currently we have been working solely on the next album and we will be entering the studio in June. We will have a few gigs in the summer but mostly we will spend our time songwriting!
Tell us about the history of your band. How did Luna Kills appear? What goal did you initially set for yourself and did you manage to achieve it?
Luna Kills was originally formed under different name which vocalist Lotta Ruutiainen and guitarist Samuli Paasineva founded. We released “Before The Satellites” under the old name and really consider it to be separate from our new discography. The band re-branded in 2019 with bass player Lassi Peltonen joining the groupand drummer Dennis Hallbäck in 2021. Initially our goal was just to make banger rock music where we could really put our passion and emotions into as well as get to perform it live as often as possible. Over the years we’ve played over hundred live shows so we think that goal is close to hitting its mark.
Currently we have been working solely on the next album and we will be entering the studio in June. We will have a few gigs in the summer but mostly we will spend our time songwriting!
Tell us about the history of your band. How did Luna Kills appear? What goal did you initially set for yourself and did you manage to achieve it?
Luna Kills was originally formed under different name which vocalist Lotta Ruutiainen and guitarist Samuli Paasineva founded. We released “Before The Satellites” under the old name and really consider it to be separate from our new discography. The band re-branded in 2019 with bass player Lassi Peltonen joining the groupand drummer Dennis Hallbäck in 2021. Initially our goal was just to make banger rock music where we could really put our passion and emotions into as well as get to perform it live as often as possible. Over the years we’ve played over hundred live shows so we think that goal is close to hitting its mark.
We want to get to know you better! Tell us about the band members. What unites you?
We are united by the passion for music and gaming hah. All of us are really driven people and working towards the same goals.
Your first single was released in 2016. How have you changed during this time? What conclusions can you draw at the moment?
When we made our first singles and album we were still finding who we were as musicians, creatives, as individuals and as a group so of course there has been significant growth and learning over the years. We’ve always had the same vibes and curiosity about making music but we’ve morphed more into the sound and mood of what we always wanted to be. Of course we’re still growing and learning everyday though and we feel that each release is a snapshot into the times they were made.
What have you achieved so far? What are you really proud of?
We’ve done a lot and had great opportunities and recognition over the years but we are so driven to keep on going and achieve our goals step by step so we don’t often actually stop.
We are united by the passion for music and gaming hah. All of us are really driven people and working towards the same goals.
Your first single was released in 2016. How have you changed during this time? What conclusions can you draw at the moment?
When we made our first singles and album we were still finding who we were as musicians, creatives, as individuals and as a group so of course there has been significant growth and learning over the years. We’ve always had the same vibes and curiosity about making music but we’ve morphed more into the sound and mood of what we always wanted to be. Of course we’re still growing and learning everyday though and we feel that each release is a snapshot into the times they were made.
What have you achieved so far? What are you really proud of?
We’ve done a lot and had great opportunities and recognition over the years but we are so driven to keep on going and achieve our goals step by step so we don’t often actually stop.
What issues are important to you? Do you have a taboo in your lyrics?
Equality, mental health issues and also recognizing your own faults and points to grow. Lyrics often come from quite nihilistic or angry points of view but they are always meant to be challenging and study your sense of self and the reflection of the world. Nothing is taboo but there is absolutely no way that we ever write happy or joyful songs.
Do you think that a musician must have a musical education? Is this a happy ticket to life and to the stage?
No and yes. Educating yourself is important and it gives you great tools for music but you find your passion and own expression through yourself.
What is your driving force that helps you overcome difficulties?
Sisu, it’s a Finnish saying and mindset that means guts and perseverance haha. Small achievements, great moments and companionship in the band makes even the difficult times worthwhile.
Where do you get your inspiration? Do you take stories from books/movies Or does real life affect your lyrics more?
From a music perspective we really draw inspiration from popular culture such as gaming and movies. Lyrics are more personal and come from real life.
What do you think a person needs to achieve success in their business? What qualities should he have in order to succeed in music/singing?
You have to believe in yourself and your craft. There are tons of people telling you what and how to do things but you always have to stand behind your music yourself.
What do you think is the best way to deal with haters? How do you react to negative comments?
Best way is really just to ignore hateful things. It's always going to be hurtful to hear bad comments so it's just better to try to focus on the good things even if it gets really hard sometimes.
Which bands or artists are your idols and why? Which of them would you like to share the stage with?
Don Broco, they just make the most amazing, creative and uplifting music and apparently also are killers live. We also stan Mick Gordon, Polyphia, Sleep Token and Wargasm just to name a few.
What would you like to change in show business?
This question is a whale haha. From our perspective and experience it would be vital to focus on the artistic expression and broader take on music. And bring more equality to the table.
What are your plans for the next few years? What do you want to achieve? What situations would you never want to face?
We really don’t want to face another pandemic haha. Our plans are to release new music, play tons of live shows to more people, grow bigger and have fun.
Equality, mental health issues and also recognizing your own faults and points to grow. Lyrics often come from quite nihilistic or angry points of view but they are always meant to be challenging and study your sense of self and the reflection of the world. Nothing is taboo but there is absolutely no way that we ever write happy or joyful songs.
Do you think that a musician must have a musical education? Is this a happy ticket to life and to the stage?
No and yes. Educating yourself is important and it gives you great tools for music but you find your passion and own expression through yourself.
What is your driving force that helps you overcome difficulties?
Sisu, it’s a Finnish saying and mindset that means guts and perseverance haha. Small achievements, great moments and companionship in the band makes even the difficult times worthwhile.
Where do you get your inspiration? Do you take stories from books/movies Or does real life affect your lyrics more?
From a music perspective we really draw inspiration from popular culture such as gaming and movies. Lyrics are more personal and come from real life.
What do you think a person needs to achieve success in their business? What qualities should he have in order to succeed in music/singing?
You have to believe in yourself and your craft. There are tons of people telling you what and how to do things but you always have to stand behind your music yourself.
What do you think is the best way to deal with haters? How do you react to negative comments?
Best way is really just to ignore hateful things. It's always going to be hurtful to hear bad comments so it's just better to try to focus on the good things even if it gets really hard sometimes.
Which bands or artists are your idols and why? Which of them would you like to share the stage with?
Don Broco, they just make the most amazing, creative and uplifting music and apparently also are killers live. We also stan Mick Gordon, Polyphia, Sleep Token and Wargasm just to name a few.
What would you like to change in show business?
This question is a whale haha. From our perspective and experience it would be vital to focus on the artistic expression and broader take on music. And bring more equality to the table.
What are your plans for the next few years? What do you want to achieve? What situations would you never want to face?
We really don’t want to face another pandemic haha. Our plans are to release new music, play tons of live shows to more people, grow bigger and have fun.
June 12, 2023
- Tuuli TalvinenFounder & Editor-in-ChiefInterviewer