Nashville’s Indie Rock Resurrection: Luna Halo is Back!
Nashville, known for its vibrant music scene, is buzzing with excitement as the rock band Luna Halo makes a sensational return after more than a decade. Their reunion was catalyzed by a heartfelt invitation to come together for a farewell show at the cherished Mercy Lounge, a venue recently announced for closure. The nostalgic evening rekindled memories from their early years and propelled them back into the recording studio to create fresh tunes.
A Look Back at Luna Halo’s Origins
To truly appreciate this reunion, we need to rewind a bit. In the early 2000s, Luna Halo emerged as a vibrant part of Nashville’s raw rock scene. Comprising Nathan Barlowe as the lead singer and guitarist, his brother Cary on guitar, Aaron Jenkins on bass, and Chris Coleman on drums, Luna Halo hit the road with unbridled enthusiasm. “We decided to just get down and dirty and start playing clubs and doing it ourselves,” Nathan reminisced. “It was a wild time with bunk beds and a $200 split after each gig!”
This hard work paid off, as Luna Halo quickly gained attention, touring with big names like Velvet Revolver and Hoobastank, catching the eyes of industry giants, including Rick Rubin. Nathan proudly recalls how Rick invited him over to listen to 60 of his songs in his home. “It was surreal, and the constructive criticism was invaluable,” said Nathan.
The Success and Subsequent Challenges
Despite the momentum, challenges loomed overhead. After their self-titled album was completed, Rick Rubin departed from his label, delaying the album release by nearly two years. By the time it hit the shelves, it felt outdated—leading to Luna Halo losing their record deal. Life moved on, and band members took paths leading to personal success; Nathan joined Keith Urban’s band, while Cary scored a No. 1 hit with Lady A.
As life unfolded, they evolved into family men with a total of ten kids among them. Despite the distance, the bond remained strong, often feeling more like family than bandmates.
A Heartfelt Reunion and New Music on the Horizon
Fast-forward to 2022, the call from Mercy Lounge brought the band back on stage for one last show. “It was monumental,” Nathan described their reunion performance. It inspired him to start writing again, this time not under the pressure of record labels or expectations. “I wrote about 20 songs, then we picked nine to record in a week, without rehearsal,” Nathan shared excitedly.
With their new EP titled “The End Is the Beginning,” the band is ready to showcase their unique sound, heavy on high energy, driving guitars, and Nathan’s soaring vocals. Unlike their previous endeavors, this project doesn’t carry the burden of expectations. “We’re doing this for ourselves because we love each other,” Cary emphasized, underscoring the heartfelt nature of their reunion.
Navigating the New Age of Music
In today’s music landscape, the game has fundamentally changed. The days of relying solely on CD sales and radio play are gone. Now, it’s all about streams, social media, and TikTok. After creating a Luna Halo Instagram account, Nathan chuckled, “We have three followers right now.” It’s a learning curve they never foresaw.
The seasoned musicians are keenly aware of how the industry has changed even as they embark on new musical endeavors. Drummer Chris reflects on how the methods of delivering music have transformed—now focused on listeners accessing songs easier than ever. “It’s a whole different format,” he remarked.
What’s Next for Luna Halo?
Looking ahead, while there aren’t huge plans for an extensive tour, the band shows willingness to play a few shows in 2025. They are challenging themselves creatively without adhering to past styles. Nathan candidly admits that initially, he was apprehensive about proving if they could still create music that resonated like before. However, their inherent chemistry shines through, especially during collaborative writing sessions, resulting in fresh and invigorating sounds.
As Luna Halo ventures forward, they do so with a spirit of hope rather than expectation. “Who knows, we could surprise ourselves,” Nathan stated optimistically, marking this nostalgic return a thrilling chapter in their story. The essence of the band, after experiencing life and growth, now enters a new season of music that celebrates their journey as friends and musicians.
So, here’s to Luna Halo’s reawakening in Nashville’s music scene—proving that rock, friendship, and heartfelt creativity are timeless!
