Indie Pop from Luan Luan

Born in Madrid and now based in Brighton, Luan Luan is an artist who blends elements of indie rock, funk, pop, soul and R&B into an ever-shifting sound defined by vivid emotionality and a synaesthetic perspective of the world. Their music is textured and colourful, bringing together intricate guitar patterns, layered instrumentation and poignant lyricism to create soundscapes that feel as much like a sensory painting as they do a song. Luan’s music invites connection while challenging indifference, earning the artist a reputation in the UK indie scene where meaningful songwriting and experimentation go hand in hand.

Their first step came in 2019 with debut single “Elements,” a track that introduced listeners to their heartfelt songwriting and unique approach to sound. It quickly attracted the attention of tastemakers, securing early support from BBC Radio, Platform B and Radio Reverb and a year later, Luan released “Yellow” during Pride month, marking a shift both sonically and thematically.

Inspired by synaesthesia and offering an exploration of queer love, it brought together bright, shimmering sound design with an intimate and personal context. Producer Tiiva then reimagined it with a remix in 2021, giving the track a new angle while retaining its emotional impact while recognition grew further in early 2023 when “Yellow” was placed in the Spanish TV series Escándalo, Relato de una Obsesión.

After a brief pause from releasing new music, Luan returned this year, re-emerging with new material leading to their latest track, “Would Be Better,” arriving as the second release from their upcoming debut EP and capturing a moment of transition both in their life and artistic expression. Penned in Brighton shortly after moving from Madrid, the single reflects on the turbulence of a toxic relationship, imagining a brighter and freer reality beyond it. Acting as a sequel to their earlier release “Nonsense,” the new single continues the story of that relationship, this time reaching towards closure with an undercurrent of hope.

Musically, the track shines with optimism, its bright melodies and lively energy mirroring the artist’s determination to find light amid difficult circumstances, however, it’s also full of juxtaposition, capturing the shaky ground of a dependent relationship. Opened by a drum strike, delicate flickers of noodling guitar lines add bluesy vibes before the uptempo shuffle of drums ushers in Luan’s smooth vocals as they spin catchy melodic flourishes alongside the dance of lead guitar lines.

Reaching a rousing key change for the finale, “Would Be Better” sees Luan Luan lay down a delightful indie pop jam that puts their songwriting talent, vocal flair and musicianship panache on full display. It’s an incredible preview of what their debut EP is set to to deliver; music that’s invigorating, personal and uncompromisingly honest.

Listen to Would Be Better below

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