What started as a playlist title soon became a reality for Caroline McDearman and bandmates Mia Campisi, Monroe Harris and Lily Rutherford.
“I had this playlist on Spotify called ‘If I Was in an All-Girl Band,’” Caroline McDearman, a senior majoring in business management, said. McDearman now drums for the student band Luna Blue.
The four UT students knew each other through the Music Industry Club.
“We were all getting dinner one time and talking about how we all had this collective dream of making an all-girl band,” McDearman said.
At this dinner, McDearman, Harris and Campisi felt their dreams starting to come alive.
“That was kind of just one of many random, impulsive thoughts we have, and then Caroline was like, ‘Yeah, Lily Rutherford plays guitar, let’s do it. I’ll learn drums and Monroe will learn bass.’ They both learned this summer, and they’ve been killing it,” Campisi, lead vocalist and a senior studying public relations, said.
Listening to their performances, you would have no idea that McDearman and Harris are fairly new to their instruments.
All four members came from different musical backgrounds at varying levels prior to starting Luna Blue. Music has always played a major role in their lives through involvement in musical theater, choruses, lessons, other bands and simple appreciation for the art.
Finding the name Luna Blue was a process, starting with cultivating an overall identity revolving around ideas of space and the color blue with a whimsical energy.
“We went through lists and lists of names,” McDearman said.
When preparing for performances, the four work together to combine their vast music tastes, balancing their set list between crowd pleasers and personal favorites. Some of their favorite artists include Olivia Dean, Chappell Roan, Renee Rapp, Djo and Bob Dylan.
Luna Blue has hit the stage twice this semester, with their debut performance at Yacht Club and second performance at Yee Haw’s “Battle of the Bands.”
“There was this moment, such a niche core memory, of getting ready for Yee Haw at Caroline’s place,” Rutherford, guitarist and a senior studying marketing, said.
UT student band, Luna Blue, performing at Yacht Club. Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025.
Performing hits like “Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?” by Arctic Monkeys and “Red Wine Supernova” by Chappell Roan, the band’s chemistry is tangible.
Inspired by groups like boygenius and Paramore, they embrace the alternative roots in their sound. McDearman not only plays the drums but also sings backup vocals.
“She plays drums and sings at the same time, which is really impressive,” Rutherford said.
Campisi’s vocals captivate with an unguarded sound and impressive control. Harris and Rutherford’s interactions on stage ooze with confidence and authenticity while demonstrating exceptional control and precision.
Separately, they are all talented, but together they shine with synergy.
Off the stage, Luna Blue is working hard, typically practicing once or twice a week. For each member, it creates a space for a creative outlet and shared passion.
“We have rehearsals in my apartment, and it just started off as us just jamming,” McDearman said.
Seeing recordings of them on stage and talking with them together, it is apparent how they admire each other’s skills and lift each other up.
“Before we were about to perform, I was talking to Mia, and she can really get in her head sometimes, especially as a lead singer, like, that’s a lot of pressure. I was just telling her how incredible of a singer she is,” Harris, bass guitarist and a senior studying business management, said. “It was just a really sweet moment.”
As they develop their talents, they’ve also gotten closer as friends.
“I love playing with them. Also, I got three best friends out of this, especially with transferring here, and I didn’t know anyone,” Harris said. “Now, I have a group of girls that know me so well, and I feel like I can trust them with anything. I just love it.”
Looking ahead to the upcoming semester, Luna Blue is booking more stages and working to create their own songs.
