Q&A: Soraya Reflects on Her Historic Coachella Debut and a Decade of Music Industry Evolution
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
☆ BY SOPHIE GRAGG ☆
SOME PEOPLE ARE BORN TO INHABIT MULTIPLE WORLDS AT ONCE - and Soraya is the ultimate blueprint for the 2026 creative. Whether she is diving in a kelp forest off the coast of Catalina or commanding a dance floor in the middle of the desert, her presence is defined by an organic, effortless authenticity. This year, that presence is culminating in a career-defining moment at the Empire Polo Club. As the first-ever Filipina-American woman to play the iconic Do LaB stage, Soraya is bringing a decade of industry expertise, including her years spent as a powerhouse music publicist, to the most influential stage in the desert.
It is a milestone ten years in the making, and a testament to the fact that in this industry, the longest grinds often lead to the most beautiful views. But for Soraya, music is just one piece of a much larger, impeccably curated puzzle. She is a true modern multi-hyphenate: a signed model with Nomad Model Management, an expert free-diver, a golfer, and a chef. Her ability to move seamlessly between these worlds is reflected in her brand partnerships, having headlined campaigns for everyone from ELF Cosmetics and Oakley x 100Thieves to high-octane collaborations with L’Oréal, FORK Eyeware, Afends, Roxy. As she prepares for a massive festival run that includes CRSSD, Lightning in a Bottle, Day Trip Festival, and Electric Castle, Soraya is proving that you don't have to choose a single lane to be the best in the field.
We got a chance to catch up with Soraya after her Coachella debut to reflect on her whirlwind of a year, all of the designers that make her look happen and what the summer has in store for her.
LUNA: It’s so crazy to think that this time last year, we were doing an interview right when you were putting out your first release. Looking back now that we're here at Coachella, how are you feeling? You’ve had such a massive year and have so much coming up, including Lightning in a Bottle soon. What comes to mind when you reflect on this journey?
SORAYA: I worked in dance music for ten years, but this last year alone has had such fast momentum that I feel like I haven't even been able to process it quite yet. My first release was on my dream label, which was sick. Everything started moving so fast to the point where I still don’t think I fully "get it" yet. I still feel like I’m playing to five people, even when people tell me they love my songs. It’s been really cool, I just signed to a new agent and I really love the team I have now. It took ten years to get here, but this last year has been nuts.
LUNA: You’re actually the first Filipina-American DJ to play here, right? Let’s talk about how important that is.
SORAYA: Yeah! Manila Killa was the first male, and I’m the first female. I’m really diving into my culture and my roots right now. I was adopted, and my birth mom is from the Philippines. Once I started getting more gigs and people found out I was Filipino, especially in LA, the support was amazing. It’s crazy to see the way people show up. There’s actually a Filipino group, BINI, playing Coachella this year too, which is the first time that's ever happened. It’s so cool to set an example.
I started in music ten years ago when it was really mostly men and there weren't many female role models. I remember seeing TOKiMONSTA and being so inspired. The Do LaB has been really good about booking women, but almost every woman in music right now has been grinding for at least ten years to get here. The industry wasn't as accommodating back then, so seeing it unfold now, seeing people more open, makes it feel even more gratifying.
LUNA: I always try to explain to my friends that we used to work together when you worked in music PR and now through your DJ project, but those are only two pieces of your puzzle. You’re into cooking, you golf, diving, you have so many different identities. How does all of that play into your artist project?
SORAYA: My agent and I were actually just talking about how to play those different identities into the brand identity. I lived in Hawaii for seven years and my life revolved around diving, hiking, and cooking. When I moved back to California, I was astounded by how little people seemed to do in a day! I just do those things because I enjoy them, and I’ve been inspired by people who find a way to piece music and food together organically.
I modeled since I was 16, and I’m lucky those lessons have played into what I’m doing now. I want to show people that you can have hobbies outside of music. I was free diving in Catalina last week in a kelp forest and then I came here. You can be your own individual and have another life without it fully consuming you, while still being good at what you do.
LUNA: It feels very organic. You’ve truly worked through every level of this industry to get here.
SORAYA: Definitely. I’ve been an artist liaison, a tour manager, and a manager. I’ve truly worked hard for where I’m at and gone through the motions of working festivals like this. The last time I was at Coachella, I was tour managing another artist and camping. I want to show people that it’s not always glamorous; you work through the industry and get there through the connections you make. I met my manager when I was an artist liaison, driving him and his artist around. It’s more rewarding when success comes later because I understand the ins and outs of how it all works.
LUNA: Let’s talk about your fit! Who are you wearing today?
SORAYA: Once I signed with my agent and things started moving, I decided to capitalize on the Coachella booking. I found this designer on Instagram named Valente and I loved her outfits. I want to build my brand around high fashion in an organic way, like the way Carlita or Peggy Gou do, where the fashion is an extension of them.
Angelica from Valente is actually Katseye’s designer now, and she’s so talented. She also owns a production company, so she actually came out today to film me and designed the outfit I’m wearing. My waist chains are from a a really sweet, smaller creator, ‘Waisted with Ari’, who is based in LA, and my shoes are from Asyllum. It’s cool to use my platform to uplift other female creatives.
LUNA: I love finding homies to work with in this industry. Last question, you have an insane couple of months coming up. What’s in store for the summer?
SORAYA: I’m almost done with my next demos right now. I’m playing EDC Las Vegas, and that same weekend I’m playing a show in Denver and Washington DC. Then I’m playing Lightning in a Bottle at the Junkyard, which is my favorite stage in the world. After that, I’m playing Petco Park in my hometown. This summer I’m also going to Transylvania for Electric Castle, then shows in New York and Chicago. In September, I’m playing Experts Only in New York. It’s going to be an absolutely crazy summer and I’m so excited.
