Meet David D’Luna | Lead singer, songwriter, and producer of Melancholy” “

We had the good fortune of connecting with David D’Luna and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi David, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born and raised here in the San Fernando Valley. Growing up, I was a quiet and shy kid. So it’s ironic I ended up becoming a face-painted rock singer. At the same time, it made sense because I was always very artistic. I was always making something. Whether that was a drawing, painting, comic, or story, I saw myself as a vessel for creating, which I still enjoy doing. I also grew up a huge wrestling fan. That is where I learned about The Straight Edge lifestyle from CM Punk (which is why I always paint X’s on my hands) and realized I wanted to paint my face and be an enigmatic performer like Jeff Hardy.

I found rock and metal music very early on when I was a kid, which also differed from the music that my family listened to. I immediately gravitated to the more horror/goth/Artistic visual elements of artists such as Marilyn Manson, Slipknot, Rob Zombie, Wes Borland, And Alice Cooper.

In my first band, we played more into the styles of Metallica, Avenged Sevenfold, System of a Down, Tool, and so many more metal artists. But I always knew that I wanted to incorporate more ethereal and experimental soundscapes like those of Deftones, Black Light Burns, PASTEL GHOST, The Neighbourhood, Lana Del Rey, Nine Inch Nails, Type O Negative, and My Bloody Valentine.

Eventually, I combined all the visual, sonic, and storytelling elements to create Melancholy, in which I barely have scratched the surface. But all these elements combined have shaped that persona and my sound, style, aesthetic, and vibe.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The thing I’m most proud of and continually excited about is the fact that I have been able to combine all the sounds and visuals I envisioned growing up into a cohesive, distinct style. Whether it was mixing Metal and punk ala Misfits and Avenged Sevenfold with Lana Del Rey-esque lyrics in my song “Eris”. Or using Depeche Mode-styled drums with Marilyn Manson/Nine Inch Nails-styled vocals and guitars in my song “VIP”. Or even an Electronic PASTEL GHOST style with real instruments in my song “Chasing Amy”. All while still going out and playing live acoustic sets and still being able to hype a crowd as if it was a metal show.

I pride myself on being a jack of all trades and bringing heat to a performance no matter where I go. When I go on stage, I always do my best to entertain and involve my crowd in the performance. To me, a performance isn’t just going out to play a song but a chance to give the audience a memory and a good time. If they paid for a ticket or left their house to come to spend time with me at a show, it’s my responsibility to make it worth it for them.

Music-wise, I tackle dark themes like depression, self-loathing, self-destructive tendencies, love, lust, and my journey to deal with all these emotions. In reality, it’s me doing self-therapy and exposing my wounds out in the open so that I may reflect on them. It’s hard sometimes, but I realized how important the message of sharing my struggles has been when I heard it resonated with others. Realizing that I am not alone in this and that by sharing my music, I could help someone else feel less alone gave me a different fuel.

I’ve gotten where I am so far with the support of my small circle, and help from many beautiful artists I’ve met. It hasn’t been easy. I’ve had many roadblocks over the last few years, like COVID or the usual challenges of being a solo independent artist. But the encouragement from those around me and listeners (many of whom I’ve never met) keeps me going.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m much more of an indoors person, but when it comes to going out, I love to get out of the Valley and take friends to Laguna Beach, where the waters are perfect, the people are kind, and the art and vibes are immaculate. We’d probably also hit Malibu for some hiking and outdoor shenanigans. Honestly, as long as there’s a beach involved, we’re going. I also tend to have fitness-oriented friends, so Lord knows we are hitting muscle beach and acting like kids in a playground. If we want to get crazy, then a trip to Paintball USA on the weekend is called for. Spots like Balboa or Veterans Park are a must as well. I’d take my friends to spooky little spots like The Bearded Lady’s Mystic Museum, The Museum of Death, or Halloween Town for spooky novelties and costume shopping. And more simple quests like thrift shopping and mall trips in Burbank and Sherman Oaks. Maybe some Imax movie nights at AMC or 4DX Movies at Regal. Some record/CD shopping and book store trips to ease the mind as well. Maybe some trips to some local comic book shops.
Some of my favorite food spots that I frequent with my buddies tend to be “More than Waffles” in Encino for some great breakfast or “Nat’s Early Bite” in Sherman Oaks. If we’re feeling Mexican of any kind, Cilatro’s in North Hollywood, Costa Grande in Van Nuys, or “Cactus Taqueria” in Sherman Oaks are definitely on the list. They’re going to “Kai Ramen” and “Umigame” in Sherman Oaks. If it’s a friend who has never had an “In N Out” ” indulgence there must be had. Dinners at “Octopus” and “Bob’s Big Boy” in Burbank, “Mels Drive-In” in Santa Monica, Ole’ Reliable, “Denny’s” in Devonshire, and Balboa in Northridge. If we’re feeling devious for some sweets, I love spots like Paris Baguette in Encino or Krispy Kreme. I’m also an ice cream lover, with some noticeable spots being “Humphery’s Yogart” and “Dolly Llama” in Sherman Oaks, or if you’re feeling more traditional, “Handel’s” in Northridge. And if you’re feeling a little less traditional and want some black ice cream, “Little Damage” in LA.
If my buddies want to have a night out, there’s no way we’re not going to spots like the Republic of Pie for some pie and great tunes or Kulak’s Woodshed in North Hollywood. There are also some cool spots like Daddy Diamonds, The Whiskey A Go Go, and The Viper Room in Hollywood. And with so many talented friends of mine who play all over, the possibilities are endless. If they want to see some burlesque or aerial acts, my friend Gigi Noree is probably at a show as well. And I have many DJ friends like Jose The Panda hosting all-night shindigs for lovers of that. And if my friends want to see something crazy, we’re going to a GCW indie wrestling match if they’re in town.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to shout out, my mother, who has supported my artistic endeavors since day one and never let me doubt myself.

I would like to shout out my wonderful teachers from the Musician’s Institute, Specifically Gisa Vatcky, Kateri Forbes, and Jessica Garcia.

I would also like to shout out Kulak’s Woodshed in North Hollywood and Unreleased in Los Angeles and their respective hosts’ and the beautiful teams who run them for giving me the space to flourish, work out, and give me the confidence to do this.

And finally, my close circle of friends who have been with and stayed with me throughout this journey. The ones who have never given up on me and the ones who have saved me. And to all the new friends I’ve made who inspire me daily.

Website: https://www.melancholy216.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melancholy_216

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DavidDeLaLuna216/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYNtzEM82fzNtar40MSlAQw

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2ky7XXh6g4n1U2XIWHBjBo?si=VUZ3dINwQkqUi-NjkqyTmA&nd=1&dlsi=071686fd532c4f73 Apple Music:https://music.apple.com/us/artist/melancholy/1521160120 Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-628136023?ref=clipboard&p=i&c=1&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melancholy_216 Bandsintown: https://www.bandsintown.com/a/15541894-melancholy-216?came_from=267&utm_medium=web&utm_source=artist_opt_in&utm_campaign=artist_name_header

Image Credits
Anthony “Stretch” Delgado Oi Melancholy