“I was reflecting on how sometimes we willingly revisit past pain, almost as a way to stay connected to something we’ve lost”: Polish breakthrough act LUNA reflects on her latest single, ‘Personal Torture’ and her upcoming album ‘No Rest’.
Hi Luna, how are you?
Hi! I’m doing great, thank you. It’s been such a whirlwind of a year, but I’m loving every second of it.
If you had to summarize last year in just five words, what would they be?
Transformative, electric, challenging, creative, unforgettable.
This year, you represented Poland at Eurovision and started building anticipation for your sophomore album, No Rest, with the release of two standout singles, ‘Personal Torture’, and ‘Wild West’. What has been the biggest highlight for you so far?
It’s hard to choose just one! Eurovision was such a monumental experience—stepping onto that stage felt like a dream. But I’d also say the process of creating No Rest has been a highlight in itself. I’ve grown so much as an artist this year, and being able to share that growth with the world has been incredibly rewarding.
Could you walk us through the creative process behind ‘Personal Torture’ and share the initial inspiration for the track?
‘Personal Torture’ came from a moment of emotional exhaustion. I was reflecting on how sometimes we willingly revisit past pain, almost as a way to stay connected to something we’ve lost. The writing process was very cathartic—I poured a lot of raw emotion into it, and it evolved naturally from there. It started with a simple piano progression, and as we built the production, it became this powerful, haunting piece that really captures that inner turmoil.
What significance does the title hold in relation to the song’s themes?
The title reflects the way we can become our own worst enemy, replaying moments of heartbreak or doubt. It’s not about literal torture—it’s about that emotional cycle we sometimes trap ourselves in, almost as if we’re addicted to the pain because it’s familiar.
The song is paired with a visually stunning and emotionally intense video. How does the video enhance the narrative of the track?
The video is a journey through inner conflict—it’s abstract but intentionally so. The visuals are meant to evoke the feeling of being trapped in your past and present self, in your own mind, with fleeting moments of clarity and hope. The interplay of light and shadow mirrors the themes of vulnerability and resilience.
How did your distinct brand of electro-pop help you craft such a captivating atmosphere?
I’ve always loved the juxtaposition of raw emotion and polished production. With Personal Torture, I wanted the music to feel cinematic, almost like it’s pulling you into another world. The synth layers and vocal effects allowed me to build a soundscape that complements the emotional intensity of the lyrics.
Were there any particular challenges or creative breakthroughs during the recording process?
Finding the balance between intimacy and grandeur was a challenge. I wanted the song to feel personal but also expansive. The breakthrough came when I just started recording short conversations with myself in the bridge part. It helped me to ground the whole track and release all the tensions.
What do you hope listeners take away from ‘Personal Torture’, both musically and visually?
I hope they feel seen. ‘Personal Torture’ is about confronting your inner struggles and finding strength in vulnerability. Musically, I hope it gives listeners a space to process their own emotions, and visually, I hope it inspires them to embrace their complexity.
With ‘No Rest’ set to release on February 7th, can fans look forward to another single and perhaps more visuals before the launch?
There’s one more single coming within the release of the album. I also promise to bring more surprising visuals in my upcoming live performances. I cannot wait to continue the journey of No Rest.
Finally, what are you most excited about this year?
Touring! I can’t wait to bring ‘No Rest’ to life on stage and connect with fans in person. I’m also excited to start working on new music—it’s always a thrill to see where the next chapter will take me.