Soundwaves and Spotlight: Luna Luna & Chloe Tang Light Up M3F Festival

By Stella Violet

M3F Festival has long been a Phoenix staple, bringing together an eclectic mix of artists, fans, and charitable contributions that make it more than just a music festival—it’s a community-driven experience. 

This year, two standout performances came from Luna Luna and Chloe Tang, both of whom brought their unique artistry to the festival stage.

Credit: @lunaluna on Instagram 

Luna Luna: A Festival-Ready Performance with Heart

For indie-pop band Luna Luna, M3F was another opportunity to showcase their dreamy, nostalgic sound—but on a bigger stage than ever before.

“My experience was great! What makes this festival special is that it feels very homegrown,” they said, echoing the sentiment of many artists who appreciate M3F’s community-driven roots.

Preparing for a festival set meant taking their usual performance approach to the next level. 

“We spent weeks researching how our favorite artists approach festivals, and we incorporated elements that we knew would enhance our show within our resources and budget,” the band revealed. 

Dance rehearsals, strategic setlist curation, and visual planning all played a role in making their M3F set stand out.

One of the most memorable moments for Luna Luna was seeing their closest supporters in the crowd. “Seeing my family and friends show up with big signs for me? I’ll never forget that,” they shared.

Credit: @beefjerkybih on Instagram 

Chloe Tang: A Visionary Setlist and Emotional Debut

For singer-songwriter Chloe Tang, M3F was more than just another performance—it was a long-awaited dream come true. “This was my first festival performance, and the amount of times I’ve seen that happen in an artist documentary and wished it was me is astronomical,” she shared.

Tang, known for her high-energy pop-infused sound, approached the festival with meticulous preparation. “I like to work backwards when it comes to setlists,” she explained.

“Instead of asking ‘which songs are my favorite to perform?’ I focused on creating unforgettable moments.” 

Her performance featured a “Britney Spears” dance segment to OPTIONS and an audience sing-along with 2.0, ensuring that every moment of her 30-minute set was engaging and immersive.

Beyond the music, Tang embraced the challenge of performing in the festival setting. 

Unlike the dimly lit venues where artists can “hide behind the mysterious vibes of the room,” M3F placed her in broad daylight on a massive stage. “It was a different experience, feeling so exposed, but I loved being able to see the audience’s eyes and body language so clearly. It made the connection even stronger,” she said.

As for what she wanted the audience to take away? More than applause or admiration, Tang hoped they understood her artistry. “I don’t necessarily want them to be impressed or complimentary. I just hope they got a good idea of the world I want to create.”

For both Chloe Tang and Luna Luna, M3F was more than just a gig—it was a milestone, a challenge, and a deeply personal experience. 

Their performances demonstrated that great live music isn’t just about setlists or visuals, but the passion, energy, and connection that artists bring to the stage. And for festivalgoers, their sets were a reminder of why M3F continues to be one of Phoenix’s most cherished musical events.

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