Alunah gave an interview to Eleni Leonida, due to their upcoming appearance in Athens 7th-8th of March at Heavy Psych Sounds Fest.
Eleni Leonida: Alunah was formed in 2006 in Birmingham, initially under the name Aluna. Can you share the journey of the band’s formation and the reasons behind the name change?
Alunah: The band was formed out of the most purest circumstance really, three like-minded fans wanting to start a band and it blossomed from there. It took a couple of years to get things off the ground as these things sometimes do. Ironically on the very same day we received the cd’s of our first release (a demo essentially) we received a cease-and-desist notice from another entity already using the name. Hence the change, and the realisation that we are cursed
Eleni Leonida: Your music blends elements of doom metal, hard rock, classic rock, and psych rock. Which artists or bands have significantly influenced your sound and style?
Alunah: Initially it was the joint love of Sabbath, Kyuss, Goatsnake, Orange Goblin etc. Over the years I guess the palette has expanded in a natural way but the core of that thick dense sound is still what holds everything together.
Eleni Leonida: Early in your career, your themes revolved around folklore, magic, mythology, and nature. In recent years, there’s been a shift towards topics like space, sex, and depression. What prompted this thematic evolution?
Alunah: Up to the point of the most recent album there has been two different vocalists so essentially two different lyricists. We don’t really put perimeters on what the lyrics can be about so I guess that has given freedom for themes to evolve with the music. We are reasonably easy going and open to explore ideas…unless it compromises what Alunah stands for.
Eleni Leonida: Can you walk us through your songwriting and recording process? How do you develop your distinctive sound that merges various rock and metal elements?
Alunah: It’s all very organic. We are a band that thrives on being in the same room as each other when writing and recording. That was always the appeal of being in a band in the first place. We feed off each other when playing, hence no click tracks.
The sound & writing comes from the personalities involved in the process at that time. I’d like to think the reason it remains distinctive is because at the core of everything is the love of the music and not the desire to chase success, financial reward or Instagram hits at any cost.
Eleni Leonida: Over the years, Alunah has experienced several line-up changes, including the departure of original members and the introduction of new ones. How have these changes influenced your music and band dynamics?
Alunah: Well, like I say…the personalities involved at the time of course have a bearing on the writing. It helps keep things fresh, we’ve never released the same album twice, but there is a still a common thread and sound linking the albums altogether. The band dynamics of course vary with every change I can’t deny that.
Alunah – We are fortunate that here in ’25 the four of us whilst having individual opinions, have the same values and outlook on life.
Eleni Leonida: Your latest album, “Fever Dream,” was released in 2024. How does this album differ from your previous works, and what has been the response from fans and critics?
Alunah: It seems to have been received well, lots of features in end of year polls and the tracks in the way we present them with our new singer Daisy are really bringing a positive vibe from those who have seen us so far.
Eleni Leonida: You’re scheduled to perform in Greece on March 7th at the Heavy Psych Sound Festival. What can fans expect from your live show, and how do you feel about playing for the Greek audience?
Alunah: We are extremely excited to be visiting Greece for the first time. The early incarnation of the band were in talks to visit many years ago but it all fell through, so for it to become a reality now is great. Anyone who plans to see us can expect to see a band in its purest form, 100% into what they play with no compromise.
Eleni Leonida: Reflecting on your past tours, are there any memorable moments or challenges you’ve faced that have significantly impacted the band?
Alunah: We’ve been lucky enough to share stages and tour with some of our musical heroes so I guess those are always the times that come to mind. But the experience of dragging a broken van round the Austrian Alps with an engine held together by gaffa tape probably give the band it’s “never say die” attitude.
Eleni Leonida: Are there any upcoming projects or releases that fans should look forward to in 2025 and beyond?
Alunah: The album is still only a few months old so the main focus this year will be touring through Europe and the UK where possible.
Eleni Leonida: What message would you like to convey to your fans in Greece and worldwide as you continue your musical journey?
Alunah: A big thanks for the support, it keeps an underground band like us alive and we are forever grateful that we get to do what we love.
