Luna Li Enchants Bowery Ballroom with a Whimsical Journey Through Her Discography

This past Monday, Luna Li took the stage at New York’s renowned Bowery Ballroom, delivering a performance that cemented her place as one of indie music’s most versatile and enthralling voices. Fresh off the release of her new record, When A Thought Grows Wings, the Korean-Canadian multi-instrumentalist enchanted the packed venue with a set that was as lush and reflective as her recent album suggests.

Hannah Bussiere Kim, known under the pseudonym Luna Li, is a Korean-Canadian multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and producer known for her dreamy, genre-blending sound that incorporates elements of indie rock, pop, and rich orchestral arrangements. Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Luna Li grew up immersed in music, beginning classical piano lessons at a young age and later mastering multiple instruments, including guitar, harp, and violin.

Luna Li began gaining attention with her early EPs and her ability to seamlessly blend intricate instrumental performances with introspective, elegant vocals. Her 2021 debut full-length album, Duality, showcased her skill as both a front person and an arranger, but it was her sophomore album, When A Thought Grows Wings (released in August 2024), that marked a significant evolution in her sound. The album was shaped by personal changes, including the end of an eight-year relationship and a move from Toronto to Los Angeles. It featured themes of environmentalism, growth, and self-discovery, paired with collaborations with acclaimed producers Monsune and Andrew Lappin. Luna Li’s blend of orchestral pop with indie sensibilities has resonated with a wide audience, establishing her as one of the most exciting and innovative voices in indie music today.

Opening with “Confusion Song,” Luna’s dreamy vocals immediately pulled the crowd into her world, setting the tone for a night filled with emotional depth. Armed with a guitar one moment and a harp the next, Luna glided seamlessly between instruments, showcasing her remarkable talent and musicianship. Her set felt like a delicate balance of dreamy soundscapes and intimate storytelling, with songs that captured themes of environmentalism, heartbreak, and personal growth.

Tracks like “Fantasy” and “I Would Let You” were highlights, bringing the orchestral richness of When A Thought Grows Wings to life in a live setting. As Luna layered her melodies with textured arrangements, it was clear just how much her collaborations with producers like Monsune and Andrew Lappin have elevated her sound. The lushness of the album translated effortlessly onto the stage, as strings, guitar riffs, and harp interludes danced with one another to create a transcendent atmosphere.

Her vulnerability shone through during “Afterglow,” a song she introduced with reflections on her move to LA and the tumultuous year that shaped the new record. As she poured her heart into each lyric, it felt as if the entire room was holding their breath, hanging onto every note.

One of the evening’s standout moments, and my personal favourite point in the set, came when Luna announced her signature “Jams Medley,” a five-song assortment of tracks from her jams EP accompanied by gorgeous instrumental interludes that allowed the audience to truly appreciate her musicianship. It was a moment in the set that felt both intimate and expansive, a reflection of Luna’s ability to bridge the personal with the universal.

The excitement in the room reached a fever pitch during her second to last number of the night, an unreleased track that served as an ode to embracing life’s uncertainties. The crowd swayed along, fully absorbed in the music, as Luna’s voice soared, blending the dreaminess of her latest offering with a sense of catharsis. I cannot wait to stream the studio recording on repeat upon its release in the coming weeks, however, nothing will compare to witnessing Luna Li live on stage; she is simply an extraordinary, exceptionally talented musician you must experience in person. By the time she left the stage, it was clear Luna Li had not only won over the audience but had left an indelible mark.

Her Bowery Ballroom performance was a celebration of growth - both as an artist and as a human being. The richness of her music coupled with her undeniable talent as a multi-instrumentalist makes Luna Li a force to reckoned with and a standout in today’s musical realm. As she continues to evolve, it’s hard to not feel excited about where she will take her sound next.