Written by Michelle Sy | August 16, 2025

photos by Michelle Sy

Rounding out the incredible lineup of Outside Lands 2025, Luna Li and Hope Tala took the stage at The Independent on Sunday, August 10, for the final aftershow of the weekend. One of San Francisco’s most iconic venues, The Independent offers an intimate setting for both artists and fans.

Luna Li, the stage name of Hannah Bussiere Kim, is a singer from Toronto known for her wide-ranging musicality and ability to play multiple instruments. She did not disappoint, bringing out the flute, violin, and guitar throughout her set. Luna’s most recent album, When a Thought Grows Wings (Reimagined), was released only a week ago and features collaborations with artists such as Raveena, Hope Tala, MAVI, and more. Her music is often described as ethereal and dreamy.

The stage setup for the show was minimalistic but effective. Luna Li appeared in a flowy white dress, while her band members wore black and white. During her flute and violin solos, the lights dimmed, leaving one or two spotlights highlighting her performance. At certain points, the room was so quiet one could hear a pin drop. Her setlist was masterfully curated, with smooth transitions and a balance of slower, pensive tracks and higher-energy hits. She gave the audience a sneak peek of Hope Tala by performing I Imagine with her and even joined fans in the pit before closing with Afterglow, her most popular and well-loved song.

Shortly after, UK-based singer-songwriter Hope Tala took the stage with her band. “Tala” is a moniker derived from her middle name, Natasha. Hope Tala’s music spans across R&B, neo-soul, and bossa nova, ultimately creating a distinctive sound that cannot be defined by a single genre. Earlier this year, in February, she released her debut album, Hope Handwritten.

Chugging on Red Bull for energy—a necessity given the late showtime and her earlier performance at Outside Lands—Hope Tala delivered a stellar performance. Her set featured playful, whimsical songs accompanied by vibrant, dramatic lighting. Between songs, she shared humorous commentary and personal stories about her journey as an artist. Casually dressed and personable, she engaged the audience with ease. Perhaps most impressive was her ability to keep the crowd moving and dancing until midnight, well past San Francisco’s usual bedtime.

Luna Li and Hope Tala were the perfect conclusion to Outside Lands 2025, demonstrating why festival aftershows are worth attending. They captivated the crowd from start to finish, whether through Luna Li’s ethereal instrumentalism or Hope Tala’s dynamic stage presence. With such depth of artistry, talent, and authenticity, both artists left a lasting impression. Their newest albums are highly recommended listening, and their upcoming tours should not be missed.