LUMEN is an independent singer and songwriter whose artistry is defined by versatility, intention, and emotional depth. He connected to music early as a form of expression and escape, beginning to create at the age of 17 and writing from a place of emotion—using melody and lyrics to process experiences, relationships, and moments of self-discovery. Inspired by pop, R&B, and an expansive range of musical styles, LUMEN is committed to creating music across genres, allowing each song to take shape naturally rather than forcing it into a category. His approach centers on storytelling, melody, and atmosphere, crafting records that are emotionally resonant and thoughtfully crafted.
LUMEN is officially debuting his music career with a pop-driven sound, introducing a focused chapter in his artistic journey rooted in intention, growth, and long-term artistry.
With “Mopeds in Thailand” out now, we took some time to hear from LUMEN. Read below to learn more about LUMEN, the story behind “Mopeds in Thailand,” and what’s to come.
Hi LUMEN! Let’s start with how did you get your artist name?
LUMEN comes from the Latin word for “light.” The name found me after spending several years in a very dark place. When my father passed away, it felt like my world went quiet and everything dimmed at once. At the same time, I had found love, which grounded me and gave me something real to hold onto — but there was still a part of me that felt incomplete.
For years, I searched for ways to have that light in my life. I focused on my career, bought my first home, traveled the world, and checked off all the things that were supposed to make me feel fulfilled. But none of it fully filled the gap. It wasn’t until I returned to music — getting back into studios and reconnecting with what I loved — that I realized I had been looking in the wrong place. The light was never outside of me. It was always within.
The name came to me during a run, and it just stuck. LUMEN is a reminder that music is my light — and now I want to share that light with the world.
What city are you from, and where are you based now?
I was born in Los Angeles, raised in Ontario, California, and I’m currently based in Atlanta, Georgia.
At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music? How did you get started?
Honestly, music has always been part of me. As a kid, I would hear songs on 106 & Park or MTV and then I would rewrite my own lyrics to the same beats. Even as I got older and started writing original songs, I kept most of it to myself — not because I didn’t believe in it, but because I wasn’t ready to step fully into that version of myself.
A few years ago, I attended a taping of Family Feud, and I remember Steve Harvey saying something between takes that stuck with me. He talked about finding your God-given gift — how you’ll know it’s meant for you when it feels effortless and doors begin to open. That’s exactly how music has always felt to me.
This is the year I made the decision to stop sitting on the gift and pursue music intentionally. Once I did, everything aligned naturally. I’m just getting started, but the feeling I get when I bring a song to life confirms that this is exactly where I’m meant to be.
How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?
My sound is versatile and emotionally driven. I move between pop, R&B, and even touches of country and K-pop, but melody is always at the center. There’s often a sense of nostalgia in my music, but it still feels current and intentional. Right now, I’m very much in a pop-focused chapter, but I don’t believe in limiting myself — the song always decides what it wants to be.
Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?
Staying active is a huge part of my life. I’m in the gym five to six days a week, I run 5Ks and 10Ks, and I completed my first Tough Mudder this year. Keeping active clears my head and keeps me grounded creatively. Outside of that, I’m very focused on work and building.
If you had to choose, would you rather be a singer or songwriter?
If I had to choose, I would choose songwriting. I’ve always dreamed of being an artist, but songwriting would challenge me to think more creatively — not just for myself, but for other people as well.
I worked as a casting director, and that experience taught me how to spot talent and think about the bigger picture and I believe songwriting could be the key to helping other artist elevate within their music. Whether my voice is on the record or not, I care most about the art being right. Long-term, I want to be known as someone who creates meaningful work and shines a light in the world, through music!
Who are some of your main musical influences?
I’m heavily inspired by pop and I grew up around old school R&B, so my influences span generations and styles. Aaliyah and Prince are at the top of that list — both artists who were fearless and ahead of their time. I’m also inspired by The Weeknd, JOE, Donell Jones, Tate Mcrae, Justin Bieber, and recently, Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet era.
What’s one of the proudest moments of your music career so far?
Releasing my first official single. Putting music into the world under my own name — on my own terms — was a major personal milestone.
What would you say are the greatest lessons that you’ve learned so far?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that shortcuts are scams. Most shortcuts lead nowhere. I care deeply about quality, and if that means holding onto a song or a project for years until it’s truly ready, I’m okay with that. A lot of people encouraged me to rush into music, but I waited for the right moment — and that patience gave me clarity and confidence in what I’m building.
Now onto your release, “Mopeds in Thailand.” What inspired this song? What is “Mopeds in Thailand” about?
The song was inspired by a real experience. I traveled to Thailand with close friends and completely fell in love — with the people, the food, the culture, all of it. It was the first time in a long time where I felt present without trying to be. Time felt irrelevant. Everywhere we went, we rode mopeds, and it became this symbol of living in the moment. I wanted to capture that feeling and turn it into an anthem — a snapshot of a moment in my life that I’ll always carry with me.
What was the inspiration behind the cover artwork for “Mopeds in Thailand?”
The cover reflects everything I loved about Thailand. I wanted it to feel like a memory — being on a busy street in Bangkok, surrounded by mopeds, street food vendors, and life happening all around you. The traffic moving opposite of what we’re used to in the U.S. made it feel even more surreal. It’s chaotic, vibrant, and alive — exactly how it felt being there.
What was the creative process like when making “Mopeds in Thailand?”
I already had the hook of the song playing in my head and knew exactly what kind of sound it needed. When I found Dominik (YoungTaylor) and heard his music style, it felt like an instant connection. There was no forcing anything — and the beat aligned perfectly with the melody I kept hearing in my head.
How long did it take to complete “Mopeds in Thailand?”
Well, I wrote the song in about 20 minutes and recorded the very next day. I made a few tweaks afterward — tightening lyrics and background vocals — but overall, it came together rather quickly. Some songs just arrive that way, like magic!
What is your favorite lyric in “Mopeds in Thailand” and why?
“I’m thinking we should explore some more, for sure… and laugh at things we’ve never laughed at before, and point out all the cute a** ladyboys.”
That line always makes me laugh because it captures the spirit of the entire trip. One of the funniest moments happened when we visited an elephant sanctuary. Our guide kept saying, “Wait until you see all the ladyboys,” over and over, and my friend and I had no idea what he meant at first and it wasn’t until we got to Bangkok that it clicked — and we couldn’t stop laughing. It became an inside joke for rest of the trip. If you’ve been to Thailand, you get it.
What message or messages do you hope fans take away from “Mopeds in Thailand” and your music in general?
I hope people feel joy and presence. I want listeners to step away from their screens, break routine, and remember that life is meant to be experienced. Whether you’re working nonstop, raising a family, or just feeling stuck — take a moment for yourself. Be open. Be curious.
With my music overall, I want people to come in with an open mind. Whether it’s pop, R&B, or something unexpected, I want the music to meet you where you are.
What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects, or do you have any upcoming shows that we should be on the lookout for?
Right now, I’m focused on the music and building a strong foundation. I’m intentionally growing my presence online and letting the songs lead the way. No official shows yet — but you might catch me at a karaoke night or open mic around Atlanta.
Where can we follow you on social media?
You can find me on all platforms at @itslumenmusic — Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Thank you for the great interview; wish you much continued success!
