Luna Fernandes, a passionate singer and songwriter, discusses her musical journey at BIMM Bristol, where she blends her love for performance with her love for music production.
“I’m Luna Fernandes, currently studying Popular Music Performance (Vocals) and Music Production at BIMM Bristol. My love for singing began at the age of five in a music-filled home. With a musician father taking me to his shows, I was captivated by the world of music. As I grew older, I started writing my own songs and realised that music creation was my true passion. To pursue this, I needed to understand music production as well. Watching friends make beats piqued my interest, and I sought a place where I could learn both performance and production. BIMM Music Institute was the perfect fit, offering comprehensive programmes in both fields.
The Application Experience
My BIMM journey began with a recommendation and attending an Open Day at BIMM Bristol. The vibrant atmosphere and supportive environment made my decision easy. The UCAS application process was smooth, with BIMM’s application team providing continuous support through online events, taster days, accommodation options, and even the UCAS form. This welcoming approach made me fall in love with the university even more.
For my audition, I had two online sessions where I performed songs, showcased my productions, and discussed my musical inspirations. It felt more like a conversation about my passion for music than a formal evaluation. When I received my acceptance letter during lockdown, I was overjoyed. I celebrated with my family with a massive group hug and a movie night.
Life at BIMM and Beyond
Moving from Lisbon to Bristol, I stayed in King Square Studios, which was ideal due to its proximity to the college and city centre. Living in student accommodation was a fun experience, balancing independence and social interaction. BIMM’s top-notch facilities, including excellent rehearsal rooms and edit booths, helped me enhance my performance and production skills. The close-knit community allowed me to connect with students from different years and courses, fostering a collaborative environment.
Bristol’s vibrant music scene, with its abundance of gig venues, open mics, and creative events, provided endless opportunities to perform and network. A highlight of my course was the Live Sound Module, which opened doors for me as a sound engineer. The supportive tutors, especially Hugo Bishop and Becca Brown, have been instrumental in my growth, teaching me essential skills and offering invaluable advice.
Opportunities and Future Aspirations
BIMM has provided numerous opportunities to work with industry professionals. I’ve played at several BIMM Live events, recorded with various artists, and organised gigs and jam nights through the Student Association. These experiences allowed me to work in the music industry outside of the ‘uni bubble’, gaining practical knowledge and networking with professionals. Shadowing and working at different venues as a sound engineer, and attending masterclasses with industry professionals like KRS-One and Emeli Sandé, have been invaluable.
Looking ahead, my goal is to be a full-time creative. I’m currently working on a few single releases and have been hired as a live sound engineer at three different venues. I also see a future in event management and songwriting. By joining a group called Wilder Vocals, I hope to continue my journey as a session singer.
Advice for Future Students
To anyone considering BIMM, my advice is to embrace every opportunity and connect genuinely with peers. Research the city you’ll be living in and remember that you are part of a larger music community. Don’t be afraid to try new things and immerse yourself in the vibrant music scene. BIMM has equipped me with the knowledge and confidence to pursue my dreams, and I am excited for what the future holds.”
With dreams of becoming a full-time creative, Luna continues to embrace opportunities, driven by the knowledge and confidence gained at BIMM, and is excited for the future ahead.
