WTF Is KRUSH CLUB? How Lumi Athena's Sonic Innovation Hijacked Your For You Page
Though they were born in Alabama, the kid who would eventually be Lumi Athena became a teenager in Mexico. Moving to Mexico was a big change for Lumi Athena. In Alabama, they'd felt like they didn't quite fit in, but in Mexico, everything clicked. The parties were different there, more open and accepting. It was like a breath of fresh air for them. Being around people who embraced them for who they were gave them the confidence to pursue their passions, especially music. Mexico was where they found themself, and that sense of freedom and acceptance continues to influence their music today.
During the upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lumi Athena found solace and purpose in the digital realm. With ample time on their hands, they delved into their creative impulses, sparked by the purchase of a budget PC. What began as a casual exploration soon evolved into a deep dive into gaming, notably Fortnite, where Athena honed their competitive edge. As they navigated the virtual landscapes of Fortnite, a newfound passion for digital creativity began to take root, setting the stage for their musical exploration.
What It Takes to Invent a Subgenre
“Honestly, when I started, it was just messing around, making memes, and throwing together these chaotic, brain-rot clipping audios.”
As Athena delved deeper into the digital realm, they stumbled upon AfterEffects, a software that would become instrumental in shaping their creative expression. Experimenting with TikTok audios on YouTube, they discovered a knack for visual storytelling, crafting edits and thumbnails that captivated audiences.
“But the next thing I know, SMOKE IT OFF is going viral. I realized I had something going on.”
Songs like “ICEWHORE,” “SMOKE IT OFF” (featuring collaborator jnhygs!), and “LET ME SEE YA MOVE” (with Cade Clair) turned into the musical style of “KRUSHCLUB,” a subgenre uniquely their own. Lumi Athena found their stride in the whirlwind of virality, doubling down on platforms like TikTok to connect with their growing community. Rather than conforming to industry norms, they defied convention, staying true to their vision and embracing the chaos of creativity. Drawing inspiration from musical luminaries like Tyler the Creator and Yeat, Lumi Athena carved out their niche, crafting a world of unexpected beats, shocking musical turns, and an authentic personal style.
“The more I believed in my sound, the more I owned my look. People probably didn't expect to see me when they heard my song, but that unexpectedness is a big part of who Lumi is.”
A Young Artist at the Beginning of Something Special
Lumi Athena has begun a long musical journey that you can join with a listen and follow. By tuning in early and showing your support, you're doing more than just enjoying great music; you're also playing a vital role in deciding who gets to shape the future of music. Will it be the exciting indie acts that defy convention and create their sound or more safe bets from the big studios?
There are too many adventures to be had through music to let young artists go unheard, so why not join a young rebel's crew of supporters? Lumi Athena could be today's rising star, and that's a story you'll want to follow from page one.
