Ana Luna Is Done Holding Back: The Genre-Defying Artist on Heartbreak, Identity, and the Hypnotic Power of “Dance in a Trance”
Ana Luna doesn’t just write songs—she creates emotional worlds you can disappear into. With her new single “Dance in a Trance,” the Ukrainian-born, Paris-raised, and now LA-based artist delivers music that’s as intimate as it is expansive. The track is a slow-burning meditation on identity, memory, and the emotional aftershocks of a relationship that once felt all-consuming. Rather than seeking closure, it sits in the liminal space between knowing and not knowing—where memory blurs and heartbreak becomes a mirror for self-reckoning.
That kind of emotional excavation runs through all of Ana’s work. Though she initially pursued acting—and continues to act today—it wasn’t until college that she allowed herself to fully step into music and songwriting. Her upcoming debut album reflects that journey; it’s bold, cinematic, and rich with emotional complexity.
In conversation, Ana Luna is as reflective and self-aware as her music suggests—but she’s also candid, curious, and unafraid to question herself out loud. We caught up with the rising artist to talk about the story behind “Dance in a Trance,” how her global upbringing has shaped her storytelling, and what fans can expect from her forthcoming debut album.
Q&A:
- “Dance in a Trance” feels deeply emotional and cinematic. Can you tell us about what inspired this song and how it came together in the studio?
“Dance in a Trance” is one of the songs on my album that explores heartbreak from an introspective, analytical perspective. It’s based on a true story—each track on the album represents a different emotion or layer of trying to understand both others and myself.
I wrote this song in 2023 after repeatedly running into my ex on campus. It was something I’d never experienced before. He wouldn’t acknowledge me, and when our eyes did meet, it felt like everything was empty. He looked different, almost unrecognizable.
This song is about the aftermath of heartbreak and dealing with memory and identity shifting. It explores the disorienting space where you’re no longer reacting with immediate sadness or anger. Instead, you’re left with a lingering sense of confusion. There’s sadness, anger, even self-hatred. “Dance in a Trance” captures the unconscious thoughts and feelings beneath those surface emotions. It’s about not recognizing someone you once knew intimately, questioning whether you loved their potential more than who they really were, and wondering if you were naive. It’s not a song about him—it’s a song about me. I’m searching for some glimpse of who he used to be, just so I don’t feel like it was all a mistake. There’s no closure in this song, no clean ending—just trapped in a lingering confusion that influences how I see myself.
Alexander Burke and Kraig Tyler co-produced the single, and the rest of my upcoming album. We were all juggling different schedules—at the time, I was finishing college and preparing to move to LA. Alex and Kraig were busy too, so coordination was key. They really understood my vision. While I was away, they began building the foundation of the song. When I returned, the intro and the core vibe were already there—and it sounded exactly how I imagined it… actually, even better. We had already recorded the lead vocals, and once I was back, we added guitars, drums, background vocals, and continued shaping the track. Our process was always rooted in emotion. Every choice came down to: How does this make us feel? What can we do that’s unexpected?
- How does “Dance in a Trance” fit into the emotional arc of your upcoming debut album as a whole?
When I started the production process, I was really intentional about who I worked with—I had a clear vision for how I wanted this album to feel. I had the privilege of working with Kraig Tyler and Alexander Burke, who co-produced the album. Not only did they understand my vision, they brought it to life in ways that went beyond what I imagined.
“Dance in a Trance,” like the rest of the album, needed to feel both big and raw—cinematic, but still intimate. I wanted to capture the emotional intensity I was experiencing at the time and make the songs feel like scenes from a film. The vocals and lyrics had to be front and center, while the production created an emotional backdrop that deepened the story being told. “Dance in a Trance” is one of the most heavily produced on the album, which is why it made sense as the first release. It really sets the tone for the honesty and emotional depth I’m aiming to share. The whole album is a kind of storytelling—not in a linear, narrative sense, but in a psychological one. Each song explores my inner world: how certain experiences affected me, who I was, who I am now, and who I might be becoming.
Interestingly, I never set out to make a full album. I always hoped these songs would eventually see the light of day, but I wasn’t trying to write a complete project. It just came together naturally, piece by piece.
- You’ve described your music as a kind of therapy—how did making this album shift your perspective on past relationships, or even yourself?
That’s such a great question—and honestly, one I’ve been asking myself too, especially now that I’ve had new experiences. There’s so much I could say.
Writing this album made me understand myself better because I had to dive deep into myself to understand where my emotions stemmed from, my attachment style, insecurities, fears, and desires. It grounded me, helped me, and showed me who I am. I am a very fiery person who feels things intensely, yet when I write, I try to understand the people involved, myself, and the situation as a whole. Sometimes I hate that about myself and wish I could just write a raw, rage-filled song. But making the songs on this album meant understanding who I truly am, both inside and outside of relationships.
It’s funny, because when I write, I’m always trying to make sure the songs will still feel true later in life. And now, having lived more, I feel both deeply connected and somewhat detached from these songs. I relate to many of them through my current lens, but I also interpret them differently now—even though I know exactly what they were originally about. Take “Dance in a Trance,” for example. I recently went through a situation where I was on the other side of it, and I caught myself thinking, “Wow… maybe my ex was just acting normal.” That shift in perspective was wild.
I don’t know exactly what my next project will look like, but I do know this album unlocked something in me. I’ve acknowledged my mistakes before, but I hadn’t really sat with my shadow self. This time, I had to confront the parts of me that may have contributed to the pain—the insecurities, the red flags, the things I didn’t want to admit. It made me want to go deeper, not just in relationships, but in the stories I tell across the board. I’ve always looked to my surroundings and my relationships for inspiration, but now I feel more drawn to explore my own internal world—both the pretty and ugly parts. That said, I’m also excited to push myself creatively in new ways. I’m drawn to all kinds of music, and I want to keep experimenting, both with my sound and the kinds of stories I tell. I want my music to keep evolving.
- You’ve lived in Ukraine, Paris, Germany, Boston, and now LA. How have those cultural backdrops influenced the way you tell stories through music?
It actually took me a while to realize just how much my background has shaped me. Of course it did—but I wasn’t consciously aware of it for a long time. Moving between countries and schools became such a constant that it just felt normal. But looking back, I can see how that experience deeply influenced the way I see the world, and how I make music. I think one of the biggest ways it’s impacted me is in how I approach storytelling. My music comes from a very psychological place. I don’t make music just to sound cool, even though I wish I could sometimes. For me, it’s a form of healing and understanding. It’s how I process life.
Growing up across different cultures, I was exposed to so many perspectives, people, and ways of being. That taught me early on that there isn’t just one “right” way to do things—unless you’re intentionally hurting someone, of course. I had to constantly adapt and be open to new ways of thinking, and that shaped my mindset and creative approach. That’s why my songwriting often focuses on trying to understand myself or the other person. I’m always searching for meaning—trying to find emotional closure, clarity, or introspection through the music. Each song is a reflection of that journey.
- When did you first realize that music wasn’t just something you loved, but something you had to do?
Honestly, since the day I was born. I’ve always been drawn to both acting and music. It took me a while to really dive into music in a tangible way because of insecurities, but in every daydream I’ve ever had, it’s always been about music or acting.
My grandma recently told me that when I was born, it was right next to a college that happened to be holding a graduation ceremony. They were blasting music, and she joked that “uterus me” must have popped out and said, “Yep, music it is.” So maybe it was meant to be from the very beginning.
I’ve always considered myself an artist—whether it’s through music, acting, or creative direction. As long as I’m creating, I feel fulfilled. I put in the work for certain goals, but I also try to stay open to whatever the future holds. Maybe I’ll be recognized as a singer-songwriter. Maybe I’ll write scores. Maybe I’ll be a ghostwriter. I don’t know exactly what it’ll look like—but I do know that music will always be part of it, because it just will.
- What’s something outside of music—whether a hobby, interest, or part of your personality—that might surprise people who only know you through your songs?
People are usually surprised by my cultural background. Because of my accent and the way my voice modulates, most people assume I’m American, but I’m not. I’ve lived in a lot of places, and that’s shaped who I am in ways that aren’t always obvious.
I’m also a huge dog person. My dad had a lot of dogs in Ukraine so I was surrounded by them growing up. I’m good with all dogs, even the little evil ones! Another thing about me that I think would surprise people is that I love skiing. It’s the one sport that brings out my competitive side. In general, I like adrenaline rushes, anything that makes me feel alive. I also wear headphones basically all the time, which people always comment on. I just love existing in my own little world while still being surrounded by people because I do genuinely love being around others.
I wouldn’t say I have one hobby I’m obsessed with. I like doing everything, as long as I’m making memories. People might have certain impressions of me, but the truth is I want to experience it all—from boujee, dreamy, elegant things to the dumbest, most chaotic fun imaginable.
