EMQ’s With Lunar

EMQ’s With Lunar

Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with USA Progressive Rock/ Metal band, Lunar. Huge thanks to their Guitarist, Blamore Lemus, for taking part. 

What is your name, what do you play and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?

My name is Balmore Lemus and I play and record guitars for Lunar. Lunar started with childhood friends, Ryan Erwin and Alex Bosson. They recruited other friends, Brian Lewis, and Ryan Price, and then came across Chandler Mogul via the internet. It wasn’t until much later while Alex and I were on a Dire Peril tour, that we got news of Ryan Erwin’s passing. Alex Bosson’s drive and passion shone through everything he had done up until then, and after getting to know what a genuinely kind human being he is, it was a no-brainer to offer my help to finish the album and he hasn’t got rid of me yet!

How did you come up with your band name?

Ryan Erwin and Alex were both huge Opeth fans and new that the name was supposed to be the name of a lost city on the moon. While on the topic of the moon, they came across Lunar as an option and agreed that it was the one! 

What Country / Region are you from and what is the Metal / Rock scene like there?

We’re all from the U.S. and most are in California with the exception of our singer, Chandler. As for the Metal / Rock scene, I cannot complain one bit. There is so much diversity in the music / sub-genres happening now that there are plenty of options to choose from.

What is your latest release?

The newest album is called, “The Illusionist.” The newest single is “Juggling Chainsaws.” The lyric video is out now if you haven’t had a chance to check it out yet, but we’ll be teasing and sharing more new stuff as we go!

Who have been your greatest influences?

I can go on for quite some time with this one, but to keep this one short, Maiden and Priest. All day, every day

What first got you into music?

My stepfather, actually. I was 9 and already listening to the radio and building a taste for music that was easily available. It wasn’t until my stepdad introduced me “N.I.B.” that I developed a taste for Heavy Metal and the like.

If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?

For me, it would have to be between Guthrie Govan, Victor Wooten, Stephen Forte, or the entire Edu Falaschi band. But that will change every day. Ha ha.

If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?

It’s been a dream to play Wacken, of course, but anywhere that wants us to play is the goal!

What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?

I don’t know that I would say weird, but the most unique was homemade baked macaroons. They were amazing!

If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?

Thank you for taking the time to check out what we do and please spread the word if you dig the work!! 

If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?

Ronnie James Dio. The man was Thunder and Majesty incarnate. A beautiful genuine soul with the love of life and music in his heart. He is terribly missed.

What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?

I enjoy the aspect of interacting with musicians and creating with a common goal. The excitement of working on an O’Dea that is firing on cylinders is why I still play. If I have to choose one thing to “hate,” it’s the way the market is now for up-and-coming musicians. It feels as if it isn’t enough to devote your entire life to your craft. You have to wear a multitude of different hats to get eyes on your work. You need a social media hat, a video editor hat, a marketing hat, a graphic designer hat, etc. 

If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?

The appreciation for touring musicians. Around the world, musicians are appreciated for taking the time to take their show on the road and share it with the world. Not so much here in the states. 

Name one of your all-time favourite albums?

Erotic Cakes – Guthrie Govan

What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?

Ooof. That’s a philosophical question. I’m going to say Vinyl if only for the reverence and appreciation for the art. Vinyl has become so much more rad and the ability to get to appreciate the artwork, lyrics, and extra details in Vinyl format is right up my alley.

What’s the best gig that you have played to date?

Waterloo, Iowa. The crowd was small, but they were fierce.

If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?

Creating something. I’m at the point where I don’t have a choice. I need to create. Whether it be on Guitar, paper, poetry, art, or anything really. It’s a way of expression that has helped shape who I am.

Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?

Musicians? Guthrie Govan, Jacob Collier, Victor Wooten, Paul Gilbert, and Marco Minneman. If it’s anyone? My partner, Rachel, and my son Liam, my best friend Mario, his wife, Cynthia, and our nephew Niko.

What’s next for the band?

Whatever our fearless leader, Alex Bosson commands! He is the mastermind and is always wanting us to dip our fingers in the pie, so we’ll take it as it goes!

What Social Media / Website links do you use to get your music out to people? 

Facebook.com/lunarbandofficial
Instagram.com/lunarbandofficial
Twitter.com/LunarBandOffcl 
YouTube.com/@lunarbandofficial
Lunarbandofficial.bandcamp.com
Spotify
Apple Music

Lyric Video – “Juggling Chainsaws” Ft. Obscura’s Christian Münzner – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrA61tilg7k

Time for a very British question now. As an alternative to the humble sandwich, is the correct name for a round piece of bread common in the UK either a Bap, a Barm (or Barm Cake), a Batch, a Bun, a Cob, a Muffin, a Roll or a Tea Cake

I know it’s not an option, but I’m going to say a crumpet. Because that’s all I’ve really heard about. I apologize. Ha ha!

Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?

A big thank you to Alex Bosson and Lunar for having me be a part of this group, and an even bigger thank you to all that support this band. It is a labour of love to do what we do and we’re grateful for all the love and kindness we receive! And of course, thank you to Ever Metal for taking the time to ask us these questions!

Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.