IN CONVERSATION WITH OLIVIA LUNNY
interview by JANA LETONJA
Bold, playful and unapologetically herself, Canadian singer-songwriter Olivia Lunny is stepping into an exciting new era of pop music. Since winning Canada’s music competition series The Launch in 2020, she has accumulated over 80 million global streams, earned multiple chart successes and shared stages with the likes of Ellie Goulding, Justin Timberlake, Loreen and BANKS. Following the release of her sophomore album Velvet & Denim, Olivia returns on October 16 with Breakfast, a flirtatious, feel-good pop anthem that embraces a more colourful, feminine and carefree side of her artistry. Written by Olivia herself, the single offers a first taste of a new musical chapter leading towards an EP next spring.
photography by DIGITA 99
Your new single Breakfast feels like the beginning of a fresh chapter. What inspired the song, and what made this the right moment to introduce this side of yourself to the world?
I’ve always had a playful, and confident side to my personality, but I don’t think I’ve explored it in my music until now. I wanted to write a song that could instantly boost your mood, and act as a mantra to make you feel sexy and liberated.
There’s something wonderfully cheeky and carefree about Breakfast. Was there a particular experience, feeling or moment that sparked the lyrics?
Flowsate and amazing collaborators, Britten Newbill and Dandlion. This song came together in such a lighthearted and fun way. We had so much fun in the studio the day we wrote it, and I feel that exact energy in the song’s DNA.
After the release of Velvet & Denim, you’re embracing a more colourful, playful and feminine pop sound. What inspired this creative shift, and does it feel like a reinvention or a return to who you’ve always been?
I’ve always enjoyed playing with duality in my artistry. Dressing feminine and mixing in oversized men’s streetwear, heartbreaking acoustic songs on an album that also has upbeat bright pop songs. I’d say Breakfast and this new era feels like a natural continuation for me, and I’m really excited to share it with the world.
Pop music is having a particularly exciting moment, with female artists embracing humour, confidence, sexuality and individuality on their own terms. What do you think is driving this new wave of unapologetically feminine pop?
I think women are becoming a lot more comfortable defining femininity and sexuality on their own terms, which is really exciting to see. Shoutout to all the powerhouse women who have paved the way for us to push boundaries.
Your upcoming EP is set to arrive next spring. Without giving too much away, what can you tell us about the world you’re building with this new music, both sonically and visually?
Strawberry girl in a strawberry world. I’ll leave it at that.
Fashion and music have always been closely connected, particularly in pop culture. How would you describe your personal style today, and how does it reflect the new musical era you’re entering?
There was a time when I leaned very maximalist with the clothes I chose to wear. Currently, I think a little bit more sleek, monochromatic, playful and elegant all at once. Sonically, the songs I’m making could be described in a very similar way. Timelessness has always been my goal with the art I create.
The music industry is evolving rapidly, with social media often influencing how artists create and release their work. How do you protect your creative identity in an environment that constantly demands new content?
Finding ways to naturally document and create content that feels like an extension of the art and music.
Outside of music, what makes you feel most inspired and connected to yourself? What does your life look like when you’re not writing, recording or performing?
Mind, body, soul. I love to connect with nature, fitness is a huge pillar of who I am, and trying yummy restaurants wherever I travel is one of my favourite past times.
With Breakfast marking the beginning of a new era and an EP on the horizon, what do you hope listeners will discover about Olivia Lunny that they haven’t seen before?
I feel the most me I’ve ever been. I hope listeners can feel the authenticity in the visuals I’ve created, lyrics I’ve written, and world I’ve built for them to dive into.
