INTRODUCING: OLIVIA LUNNY
Olivia Lunny has been described as the “future of pop” and we couldn’t agree more. The rising Canadian newcomer is on the verge of unleashing her self-titled debut album after teasing the world with a handful of infectious releases over the past year, with the full-length record promising to be a rebirth of pop as we know it.
Last year Olivia made a lot of noise with her debut EP ‘To The Ones I’ve Loved’, catching attention of Universal Music Group. After inking the deal for her new label endeavour, she went to work channelling her experiences and growth into more undeniably relatable songs for her rapidly growing fanbase. Lunny has created a debut album that’s both emotionally raw and gorgeously nuanced in its exploration of love and its many dimensions as well as being laced with radio-friendly earworms and all-out pop bops!
We caught up with the newcomer to discuss a turbulent year, her fashion inspirations and creating one of the standout debuts of the year so far.
Interview By SOPHIE EMMETT
2021 has been the summer of Olivia Lunny – how has the journey been for you over the last few years to get to where you are at this moment?
I feel beyond grateful to have such a supportive and positive group of people around me. I have poured my heart and soul into my music since the day I picked up the guitar. Seeing this musical journey continue to elevate is the most amazing thing. Embracing the uncertainty this past year is something I've learned to lean into!
How would you describe the transition from your previous EP ‘To The Ones I Loved’ to your forthcoming debut album?
‘To The Ones I Loved’ was a starting point for this newfound pop sound I wanted to achieve. The album harnesses that same pop sound but dives deeper into the sub genres I’ve started to play around with. The ballads started as acoustic folk songs, Who Could Say No has a heavy disco flare, and Dominoes is a punchy mainstream pop song. I’m so excited to share the different “flavours” of my artistry through this Debut project!
You’ve released a handful of incredibly infectious singles this year. What else can you tell us about the full-length album?
This album has a song on it for everyone. The fusion of ballads and more upbeat tracks make a nice balance for the listener. This project truly feels like an introduction of “Olivia Lunny” to the world and I'm thrilled to put it out into the universe!
‘Sad To See You Happy’ and ‘Who Could Say No’ feel like they belong together on the same album even though they are sonically quite different. What inspired or inspires you to create the sound that is so evidently yours?
In sessions I try to stay as open as possible when writing a song. This includes not having a specific genre in mind throughout the process. When writing I have certain tendencies lyrically and melodically and I think those shine through no matter what the track is doing!
We know you’ve been working with the likes of Boi 1Da and Tommy Brown – who else has been a collaborator on the body of work?
It was such an incredible experience working with those two. My long-time collaborators AJ Healey and Sahun Frank played a huge role in producing and helping write this album. I’ve also worked with so many amazing writers such as Melanie Fontana, Whitney Philips, Tyler Shaw, Mandee & Tally, and Jenson Vaughan.
Is there a particular track on the album that your most proud of?
I’d have to say I'm the proudest of ‘The Walls’ and ‘Cold Coffee’. These songs are unique lyrically and have a distinct “Olivia Lunny” sound.
How difficult was it to come to a final decision on which tracks made the final cut, and which tracks had to be discarded?
We narrowed down from 10 to 8 for this Album. I won’t share the song titles we passed this time because they may end up on my next project!
What’s the whole process like for you when creating an album? How do you approach making a full record and how do you know when it’s finished?
After I wrote the song ‘The Walls’ I knew I wanted to work towards an album. From there my team set up so many incredible sessions and writing collaborations that after we had written 10 songs It felt right to narrow down from there.
We love the look of your wardrobe – where does the inspiration come from for the Olivia Lunny look?
Thank you so much! I’ve always loved to express myself through clothing and have been working with such a talented stylist called Lyn Alyson.
Who are your favourite designers or what are your go-to brands at the moment?
For casual wear I’ve been loving Boys Lie and a notable designer I wore from my past photoshoot would be Marcell Von Berlin.
We can see from your social channels that fitness and maintaining a healthy balanced lifestyle is also important to you. Do you find it a challenging to maintain a healthy routine when you’re travelling so much with your music?
This past year was a blessing in disguise. Having the time to focus on my health and wellness has completely transformed things like my daily routine. As the world gets back to normal and I start travelling more it will be a test to see if these habits hold up!
What is Olivia Lunny’s top 3 tracks for a workout playlist? What really gets you pumped for the gym or an at-home workout?
Run Kasablanca Lane 8, Paradise Meduza Dermot Kennedy, and Drive Black Coffee David Guetta. Music plays a huge role in motivating me to workout!
If we catch up with you again in summer 2022, what would you liked to have achieved by then?
I hope I’ve played lots of live shows by then! Hopefully Collaborating with some amazing musicians too.
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