INTERVIEW: Alessandro DeCaro
PHOTOS: Brittaney Penney
Welcome to 'Artist Spotlight' our new series where we introduce you to fresh and exciting artists you need to hear now! Our latest pick for "Artist Spotlight" is the Houston, Texas-based pop rock outfit Haunter who are making a name for themselves due to their infectiously catchy songs, emotionally transparent lyrics and highly-energetic live shows. Haunter released their latest EP titled Gameboy in September of 2025 and the six track collection, produced by Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer Tyler Smyth (Falling In Reverse, I Prevail) is tailor made for anyone who is looking for a fun yet sincere musical pick me up. With more music planned for 2026, keep a close eye on Haunter as they could very well be the breath of fresh air the scene needs.
In an exclusive interview, we sat down with Haunter vocalist Lucy LeNoir to discuss the band’s musical influences, their latest EP Gameboy and working with Grammy-nominated producer Tyler Smyth, as well as LeNoir’s tattooing career, dream collaborations, style inspirations, and so much more.
Additionally, we asked LeNoir to pick three of her favorite 'The Pretty Cult' items from our store and provide a style guide. Read the interview and view the style guide below!
Can you walk us through the formation of the band and how you all came together? What were your core musical influences and goals for this project when it started?
Lucy LeNoir: It is probably one of the more unique ways of starting a band. My guitarist Enoma [Asowata] and I were actually playing a show at the House of Blues in Houston in two different bands. We literally talked for maybe two minutes after the show and told each other good job, as people do. About four or five years later, he reached out and told me he remembered my voice and performance, and asked if I would be interested in starting a pop band. I was completely surprised by this, but definitely intrigued, since I am obsessed with all kinds of music.
He asked if I wanted to go to LA to record with our now producer, Tyler [Smyth], and I immediately said yes. No questions asked, no demos, no music. I just knew it was going to be great from the start, so I said, “Fuck it, let’s go.”
For someone hearing Haunter for the first time, how would you describe your sound and overall vibe?
LeNoir: I tell people we are very alternative Top 40 pop. I also tell everyone that our songs were absolutely made to be in movies, TV shows, and commercials. We are here to share our music with as many people as possible, and I think it is worthy of that kind of placement.
We want to have as many different vibes as possible to convey as many emotions as possible. I would get bored making a bunch of songs with the same vibe, to be honest.
You have obviously worked closely with Grammy-nominated producer and songwriter Tyler Smyth (Falling In Reverse, I Prevail, etc.) since the band’s inception. What is it like working with Tyler, and what do you feel he brings out of the band in the studio and writing process? Any wisdom or lessons he has shared?
LeNoir: I will start by saying that Tyler is one of the best people I have ever met. His charisma and energy bring so much inspiration into the music. He makes me feel like anything is possible, because it is. The man is a genius, and I do not know how else to say it.
He seriously has no bad ideas. Even when he comes up with something off the cuff, it is amazing. We really vibe energy-wise. We both have very high expectations for ourselves and our performance in life. We are never completely satisfied with where we are, but we are very appreciative of our accomplishments. We are always striving for something greater, so when I need advice, I reach out to him. He always has the best guidance I could ask for.
I am honestly really glad I can call him a friend. With his level of determination, he was always meant for greatness. I hope to follow in those same footsteps.
Your EP Gameboy dropped in September of last year. What was the process like putting this project together, both sonically and lyrically? How do you think it will shape your next body of work?
LeNoir: We wrote these songs at different points in our lives. Some of them were written a couple of years apart. Each song reflects what we were going through at the time, which is really cool. It feels like a timestamp of the energy behind each track.
Somehow, Enoma and I always seem to be going through similar things at the same time. I am not sure how it happens, but we are always on the same wavelength, and that shows in the music. These were some of our favorite songs, and we wanted them to represent who we are as our first EP.
You have worked with musicians of a high pedigree. Are there any artists, bands, or producers you dream of Haunter collaborating with next?
LeNoir: I would really love to collaborate with Nevertel. And if a girl can dream, I would love to work with Halsey or CHVRCHES.
Haunter has been outspoken about wanting to write music that brings people together. What do you most want to explore lyrically, and what message or environment do you hope to create at a Haunter show?
LeNoir: I want people to know they are not alone in any part of their lives. Just like our music, life is bittersweet. It has high-energy moments and low ones that bring you to your knees.
At our shows, I want people to feel comfortable having fun and being themselves without being judged for being a fellow weirdo, just like us.
In addition to fronting Haunter, you are also an accomplished tattoo artist. What drew you to this career path?
LeNoir: I grew up seeing people around me unhappy with their jobs. I would ask adults what they wanted to be when they grew up, and their answers were always different from what they actually did. That always confused me.
I realized that you have to align every part of your life with what you want, or it will never work. At 19, I got a full sleeve on my left arm to solidify my place in the art world. I knew that having visible tattoos would make it harder to work in an office, and I did it on purpose. I did not want a safety net.
If I fell, it was either going to work or I was going to fail. I gave myself no leeway and forced myself to make it as an artist. Sink or swim, and I swam.
In terms of fashion and style, who or what is your biggest inspiration?
LeNoir: I really love Raven Grimm on TikTok and Instagram, and all the thick, alt goth baddies out there. I also love Japanese fashion and Harajuku style.
I love wearing ridiculous things with fur, fringe, prints, and lots of cleavage. I also love Ariana Grande’s touring looks with sculpted, shiny pieces, skirts, belts, and boots. I love showing my midriff, so a skirt and boot combination will probably always be my thing.
Leather, heavy hardware, rivets, O-rings, fishnets, leopard print, glitter, and thick eyeliner will always be in.
What is your process for putting together outfits for live shows?
LeNoir: First, I have to make sure I look cute. Second, I have to make sure I can move. I stomp around in different outfits to find the most comfortable combination. I need to be able to sweat and still look good on camera.
If I do not feel both cute and comfortable, I will not wear it. I should be able to deadlift in my stage outfit.
Outside of music, what does a typical day look like for you, and what helps keep you grounded?
LeNoir: I work out and lift in my spare time. I like knowing I could throw a grown man if I wanted to. I stretch every morning, take natural vitamins for my mental health, and drink either green tea or coffee.
I work on my drawings and tattoos every day. I also love long baths with oils, incense, and bubbles. I am definitely a bath girl.
What is next for Haunter? New music, touring, or anything else fans should be excited about?
LeNoir: We are headlining a show in Houston for the release of our song “Grand Prize,” which was inspired by the bar Grand Prize in Houston. We will be performing Saturday, June 13, with amazing bands from Houston and one from Dallas.
Check out our Instagram and website at @haunterisntreal and haunterisntreal.com. We are also planning new music, and you will definitely be hearing more from us this summer. Stream the Gameboy EP, and we will see you soon.
STYLE GUIDE BELOW
Joan of Arc Sweatshirt
Lucy LeNoir: I would pair this with a school girl skirt as bottoms, warm tights with fishnets over them, and knee high combat boots. For accessories, I would add a chunky silver necklace with my hair in low space buns, plus gigantic sunglasses and multiple silver rings.
Dark Solstice Dress
Lucy LeNoir: I would pair this with a white leather body harness layered over. For shoes, I would do white Doc Martens / boots. As for the hair, it would be in double braids with black and white ribbons paired with black/ any goth jewelry.
Obsidian Sports Bra + Obsidian Hymn Shorts
Lucy LeNoir: This is for the gym. I would pair with long black socks, the Kittie Falter Jacket as a pump cover and qll black gym shoes, obviously. Time to kick ass and look fly! TPC
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