Luna Waves – is the brainchild of Bedford-based singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Rob Muir. Raised on Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Soundgarden and The Smashing Pumpkins, Rob considers himself a ’90s kid at heart. However, he was exposed to a miscellany of influences – such as The Beatles, Pink Floyd and Jimi Hendrix – by his musician father, which have coloured and shaped the Luna Waves sound. Further inspired by contemporary artists like Tame Impala, Radiohead, Jeff Buckley, Kurt Vile, Kevin Morby, Daniel Johns, Gemma Hayes, Wild Nothing, Beach House, Slowdive, Sunflower Bean and Wolf Alice, Luna Waves covers emotional and ethereal sad pop landscapes, all while wearing its heart on its sleeve.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Hello Luna Waves. What strengths do you have that you believe make you a great musician?
I think my biggest asset is that I started playing guitar when I was 13 years old and I think has has allowed me to dabble on other instruments such as bass, keyboards and synths which has helped me to expand my sound over the years. The other really important thing for me is that I have never lost my hunger to discover new music and feed off the inspiration that other artists provide for me.
What is your dream project?
I like the freedom of working under the alias of Luna Waves. I could literally create any style of music and release it at any time but sometime I do miss collaborating with other musicians which I am hoping to do on my 4th album.
Your latest track is 'Blood Moon'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
Blood Moon was inspired by the end of the world/apocalyptic feelings many of us were having during the height of the pandemic. I liked the idea of creating something otherworldly and mixing genres to convey the sense of uncertainty and the smokescreens that the government were creating (here in the UK). Musically is came together really quickly and was built around the psych rock rolling baseline, which is still my favourite part of the song.
What makes you angry?
I mean, all sorts of things - injustice, poverty, the state of my country but ultimately I try to stay positive when I can as I don’t like to stay angry or bitter for too long.
What is the most surprising fact you’ve learnt about yourself?
I think most recently I have been surprised by the volume of material that has been coming out of me - I released 2 full length albums in 2022! It’s nice to have my drive back.
What do you dislike about your work?
I am my own worst critic and never fully satisfied with my work but I think that is fairly natural based on the discussions I have had with fellow musicians. But I think if you can’t get excited by your own music then something is probably wrong there and ultimately I wouldn’t realise it if I didn’t like it. I do recognise the importance of critical feedback though which is always helpful when trying to improve.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
Immerse yourself in music, art and surround yourself with love and people who make your feel good! Everything else is just empty noise.
Is the artistic life lonely? What do you do to counteract it?
Speaking as a solo artist, it can definitely be a lonely place but at the same time I find creating/writing a bit like its own kind of therapy. I think the key is knowing when to step away from it and to take a break to preserve your sanity. I am always happiest when working on music and I always feel a bit empty when I’m not.
What do you think is the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen or experienced?
It’s hard to beat travel for me, nothing better than visiting beautiful new destinations but I hope I am yet to see the most beautiful thing I have ever seen or experienced.
What are your plans for the future?
I am currently working on my 4th album, provisionally titled Hourglass. I am about 80% done with the tracking and hope to put it out in summer 2023.