Meet Eva Loona Smith

We had the good fortune of connecting with Eva Loona Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eva Loona, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Though it may be like beating a dead horse, I decided to pursue music because like many creatives, there is simply nothing else I would be able to do. I have and always will be drawn to the powers of music. I feel that a common misconception is that music is an impossible and solely difficult career to pursue, but the truth is that you don’t have to be a famous star to have a fruitful career in music. While I am still quite green and only now finding my footing as an artist in the modern music industry, I know that whatever I do I will be surrounded by a career in music. Whether it be as a touring musician, a music therapist, an instructor, a ghost writer, or a session worker, I know I will work in music.
None of my footing would be possible however, without the support of my family. They have always showed up for my shows and have always backed my ideas. With this, I just graduated from CSULA in the Spring of 2025 debt free with the help of financial aid, and currently live rent free in my childhood home while I get my finances together to move out. I am so grateful and lucky for the community I have grown up around. The musical community I have played a role in shaping over the past few years is also one I will never take for granted.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As an artist, I write in English and Danish. I was born in Denmark and go back and forth between there and the States. I have released projects solo as well as with my band Fine Folk that fit within the Folk-Rock and Americana category, but my artistic vision lies in many areas. While I love Folk and the foundations of traditional music, I also love the aspects of traditional Blues and R&B, as well as Soul, Rock, and experimental indie stuff. I love using multiple instrumental factors to paint a sonic picture when writing and recording rather than confiding to one particular genre or creative box. I am so happy to have finally graduated with my Bachelors in Commercial Music and cannot wait to keep collaborating with fellow musicians, working on my own thing, traveling with music, and just taking opportunities as they come. I am in no rush in music, seeing as anything meant to last takes time to grow.
I would be lying if I told anyone that it has been a terribly difficult road for me as a musician and person in this world. I have always had a supportive network around me and have always managed to live a balanced lifestyle. I have pushed myself through school and my musical projects, through working where I could, and playing where I could. There have of course been some personal setbacks that really made me question some of my choices, and some people that found ways to put me down, but these all ultimately being experiences that made me stronger. During a short period where I was living in Valencia, Spain, I experienced an overwhelming sense of loneliness and loss of purpose, but I also simultaneously learned to be content with satisfaction without a product to show for your growth.
I have certainly taken away some lessons from my trials and errors in music thus far. Aside from the obvious things that encourage and shape one to becoming a good collaborator and functioning member in the community such as being kind to everyone from the jump, respecting each other, and making friends, the first and greatest takeaway I carry with me from my life so far is that everyone is on their own journey and coming from different backgrounds and communities, and that there is no use trying to compete or “catch up” to anyone. Being patient with people is so important as you don’t know what they’ve been through. We will all get to where we’re supposed to be when we get there. Another takeaway is that it is essential to ask questions and grow from the knowledge of those around you. Nobody gets anywhere without asking for help and trusting each other. While many of us may have different political beliefs and different values, we can always benefit from truly listening to one another and trying to understand. My final takeaway is that when inspiration strikes, don’t let that spark go to waste. I struggle with living in the moment, but reminding myself that the things I do well today will only make tomorrow easier, is a great thing.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Seeing as I have spent most of my life in Long Beach, CA, I’ll give some shoutouts to the LBC! When it comes to food and drink, I love Jug Band Coffee! They have some of the best coffee roasts, as well as instruments all over the walls. They host open mics on Thursdays and are such a nice community centered spot. I also love Murphy’s Pub on 2nd street. They have beers from all around the world to where you can fill out a passport card! They also have trivia every Wednesday! I love Taco Shore on 2nd street as well for some super yummy tacos and for their full bar! They have the sweetest crew and are located right by the beach. Olives Grocer is the best sandwich in town and walkable from my house. One of my favorite restaurants is Spicy Sugar on Broadway. Their Thai dishes are so perfect and detailed.
As for music spots, Vine Bar on 4th street never disappoints with a good musical time. It is also where I have debuted many of my songs. The Good Bar is another local spot for me. I play there once a month with The Grateful Goons! They have great brews and a photo booth!
As for things to do, Yoga on the bluff is free every day at Bluff Park at 11AM and 6PM; great way to start or end the day. I also work at the Gondola Getaway company that offers super unique tours of Naples in Long Beach on a Gondola. We sing and offer food and appetizers.
In general you can’t go wrong with Long Beach. It is Bike-able and walkable. It is the most diverse city in the country, and it’s by the beach! The people here also love to express themselves and I am honestly inspired musically and creatively every day by peoples’ fashion, shows, and community organization.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Aside from wanting to thank my friends and family, I need to give a big shoutout to the LA Folk Community and my band Fine Folk for always being there in supporting my creative vision and for trusting me. There is nothing better than being inspired by your peers on a daily basis. Shoutout to everyone doing the hustle and following their dreams because it takes true bravery to put yourself out there and we’re doing it!!

Website: https://sites.google.com/view/evaloonascreates/home

Instagram: @Eva.loona.s

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eva-luna-smith-287818340/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/evaluna.smith.96/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSdXMzv3K5ryisxmBfq7Evg

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5nh7TF5peAwkpfesUF5DMZ?si=ruqMTc8ST7Oo2RJeEMmgCQ
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/eva-loona-smith/1590210180

Image Credits
Gialise Francesca Photography
Pacific Coast Photographty