LUNA MAYE Sound Artist

1. How long have you lived in Philly? I’ve lived in Philly for almost 7 years! I moved here unexpectedly after being recruited by Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants to be their Director of Events at the Hotel Palomar. It was a dream come true, my life in D.C. was getting stale with pain of a dark relationship and feeling like I was getting swallowed up in the “corporate” hospitality world. Working for a sexy, boutique & chic hotel was exactly what I wanted. The artistic and creative energy of Philly was exactly what I never knew I needed that bad. I transitioned from girl to woman here. From unworthy to worthy. From seeker of approval to truster of my own heart. I have Philly and this community to thank for that.
2. How do you describe yourself in THREE WORDS? Deep, Sensual, Visionary
3. How would your best friend describe you in THREE WORDS? Goofy, Strong, Soft

4. How did you start your career? Was an Event Planner for 10+ years and my last “corporate job” before transitioning to being a full time Sound Artist & Creative (3 years ago) was at The Barnes Foundation. The journey started when I was 6 years old, yeah you read that right haha! I loved throwing themed birthday parties. Always having an affinity for music, events & therapy as three guiding north stars in my purpose + passions.
   
   After deciding to not go to school for vocal performance, I dove head first into event planning and graduated early and began my career at the ripe age of 20. The first job I negotiated 50 more cents to the dollar for my Residential Concierge Job in Boston. Lezzz get it ya’ll!! Always negotiate, never accept the first offer! Even if it’s only 50 cents, it signals to the universe and to your employer that you are willing to ask for what you need and value yourself! All that said, straight up I think I was paying them to work, as the train from Providence to Boston was $$$$.
   
   From there, I got my first big break and moved to D.C. to be a Conference Coordinator at The Gaylord National (I call it the Land of Oz - it was huuuuuge!) I was planning 500+ person Indian Weddings and 25,000 person conferences. It was cutthroat too!  I think I beat out 300 people in the interview process. Very all consuming, but I was green and hungry and ready to make a “name” for myself. That takes on a whole new meaning now. So much of that perspective means nothing to me now. I honor my story and the journey.
   
   That caliber of job starting out, really set the tone for me in my hunger and drive. I believe we can do anything we set our minds to and that as we begin our careers we need not act like we know everything. The more we have confidence in our abilities with the capacity to ask for support and guidance - and actually receive feedback and integrate it - that’s what gets you to be a Director of Catering at a world-renowned cultural institution by the age of 27. Plus privilege, loving family & support network and a relentless work ethic. Which I define much differently these days as I rinse off the go go go, sell sell sell, mentality of the patriarchy and enter into the visionary mystery of the matriarchy.
   
   There is no part of the job you are “too good for”. When my client threw their phone away in the trash, I went looking for it and didn’t ask someone else to do it. Because my Team saw me get down and dirty and get the job done, when it came time for me to direct them, they did so willingly because they knew it was an “us” not “you” environment. Don’t ever be “too pretty”, that's for entitled people and blocks your capacity for abundance and opportunity. The universe is always watching.
5. Who’s your mentor? My mother first and foremost. An incredible visionary, teacher, giver of love and inspiration. The way she has left a legacy in her career as an educator and in her life ignites me with a fire of honor to stoke the flames of that legacy. 
   
   My primary teacher is Maureen Dodd who was the woman to introduce me to the singing bowls (the main instrument of my artistic expression). She is my creative mentor and we are in deep study with each other on all things sound meditation, heart coherence, relationships, somatic movement, tantra & the quest of the creative expression.
   
   I also deeply study the teachings of John Wineland as it pertains to the practice of Tantra and interpersonal relationships. If you are craving a deeply sacred and profound relationship with yourself, a partner and the world - dive deep into his teachings. They have changed the landscape of my heart, mind and body.
6. What do you fantasize about? The New Earth. What it looks like, feels like, tastes like. Not in an idyllic utopian sense, but rather the grit, authenticity, passion, fire that’s required to build a more equitable and loving world - together.

7. What keeps you up at night? Transmissions from the Archangels at 4AM when the veil is the thinnest.
   
   Other than that, I sleep quite well. I don’t take that for granted, there are many that don’t feel safe when they lay their head to rest. I know it’s my job to rest up, so I can wake and be of service. Also, I’m grouchy AF when I’m not well-rested. Ask my Burning Man Crew haha!

8. How has the pandemic affected you? Aside from the daily contemplation of human existence and the impending doom of the world….
   
   In this time of being a single woman who lives alone, to really allow myself to be open to receiving support and that I don’t have to do everything on my own. I get to be held, supported, looked after and the more I open myself up to that, while also cherishing my own sacred solitude (necessary for artistic creation) I open myself up to enriching and nourishing relationships that are the foundation The New Earth can be built upon.
9. How has the BLM Movement influenced your life and your work? I am continually perplexed and fired up that so many folks have such an adverse reaction to the phrase “Black Lives Matter”. What the fuck? Why is it even up for debate that we are saying that a human’s life matters? The dense matter of shame has prevented us from accepting the fact that we have treated BIPOC as less than human for far too long. The time is up. We have a long way to go.
   
   I also am noticing the tendency for the collective consciousness to revert back to ingrained patterns of behavior that deflect personal responsibility. There is salvation in taking responsibility. We all are responsible, whether or not our egos want to admit it, our cells know.  We are pointing fingers way more at each other then being in the practice of looking in the mirror and asking ourselves, “How am I taking personal responsibility for the energy I am bringing into the world today? How does that energy reflect that which I want to see in the world?” This is powering the way I am showing up in my artistry and service. “It's an artist's duty to reflect the times in which we live.” -Nina Simone
   
   In order for this body of mine to be healthy, channel art & just straight up be able to exist, I have to operate from an impeccable level of integrity. It’s the sacred contract I signed with the angels when I arrived here. The BLM movement has brought forward so much within my own relationship with integrity, service, humanity, activism. From the awareness of how microaggressions within my own behavior show up, where I spend my money fueling the system with which I strive to dismantle, what is authentic allyship, where have I benefited from this system in every way that is designed to suppress and oppress our BIPOC community? Where can I put my money where my mouth is more, deepen even more into the truth and the heart of the matter and know when/how to roar like a lioness in the face of injustice. Where I need to call myself out on my bullshit, where I need to be of support and protection to my sisters and brothers. Where I need to shut the fuck up and listen - this most of all. “We need to drown out the dog whistles with the roars of the angels.” - Marianne Williamson.

10: What's one thing most people would be surprised to know about you?

I tend to overthink a lot how the expression of my authenticity affects others - to the point where I’ve toned down my potency in ways that don’t serve me or the collective. Turning 30 helps just really stop giving a fuck about that and learning “how to be thoughtful with your power.”

Also, I can smash two hoagies in one sitting if I’m really hungry. What can I say? I’m a Philly girl. Liberty Kitchen has my A+ Best of Philly Award (I actually think they won the actual BOP award ha!)
 

BONUS Q: What's your favorite spot in Philly? My personal morrocan tent play den inside Haus of Intrigue. It’s my happy place where I do my best writing and fantasizing.

Also, Marrakech - my favorite place for an experiential dinner and being hypnotized by belly dancers.

Luna we love you! Hope our readers have some insight in what makes you so unique and amazing.