“I’ve learned that staying balanced is key”: Olivia Lunny on navigating success and upcoming album
Following the release of her latest single, City of Angels, we chatted to Canadian singer songwriter Olivia Lunny about her upcoming album, her love for Los Angeles, and what she’s learnt since last year’s time on the road.
Thanks for taking the time to chat with us, Olivia! How are you doing?
I’m doing great, thank you! It’s such a busy but exciting time right now, especially with the release of City of Angels and putting the finishing touches on the new album!!
2023 was a huge year for you—touring Europe with Ellie Goulding, performing at Great Escape, and releasing Heartbreak On Repeat. How have you been navigating all this success, and are you finding some time to rest amidst all the work on next year’s album?
2023 was definitely a whirlwind year! It’s been an incredible experience, but I’ve had to remind myself to slow down and take moments to recharge. I’ve learned that staying balanced is key… it allows me to pour more energy and creativity into my work.
For our readers who haven’t heard your music before, how would you describe your sound
My sound is a mix of cinematic pop and introspective storytelling. I love blending lush production with raw, emotional lyrics. It’s like a blend of heartbreak and hope wrapped up in shimmering melodies.
Your latest single, City of Angels, was written as a love letter to L.A. Obviously, you spent around six months working in a studio in L.A. to create your upcoming album. Do you want to talk a bit about what the track and the city itself mean to you? Any moments that inspired the song?
Los Angeles has been a place of transformation for me, both personally and creatively. It’s a city of contrasts, full of beauty, chaos, and inspiration. Writing City of Angels felt like capturing the magic and challenges of living here. To me, L.A. is a city that tests you but also pushes you to dream bigger.
The track has a really gorgeous, whimsical sound as well as a bit of an edgier, darker vibe. What guided that, and what did you hope to capture through the song’s production?
I wanted the production to mirror the contrasts of Los Angeles. The whimsical intro reflects its dreamlike vibe, while the darker, edgier tones capture the reality and complexities beneath the surface. It’s a mix of beauty and grit, kind of like the city itself!
Speaking of the new album, which you’re planning to release in 2025, what can people expect from the release, and how does City of Angels fit into the album as a whole?
This album dives deeper into duality. It contrasts between vulnerability and strength, glamour and authenticity. City of Angels is the perfect introduction to this theme, blending cinematic moments with raw emotion. This album also pulls from my roots of where this all started, Me and my guitar!
Your past music has explored topics such as self-love and independence. Will these themes crop up in your next album?
Absolutely. Self-love and independence remain central themes, but this album also explores new layers, it has a more empowering/self-aware tone as I’ve matured since the last project.
To finish off, who are your biggest musical inspirations right now? And any rising artists you’d recommend to our readers?
Right now, I’m inspired by artists like Lana Del Rey, Fleetwood MAC, Dijon etc for their storytelling and authenticity. As for rising artists, I’ve been loving Lola Young for her songwriting, it’s so honest and heartfelt.