Q&A: Olivia Lunny Is Versatile and Full Of Emotional Depth in “City Of Angels”
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
☆ BY DANY MIRELES ☆
“I WANTED THE SONG TO FEEL LIKE THE CITY ITSELF, WHIMSICAL, CINEMATIC, AND A LITTLE MELANCHOLIC.” - Canadian pop singer Olivia Lunny is captivating fans with new single “City Of Angels.” Following the success of her breakout EP, “Heartbreak on Repeat,” she is embarking on an exciting and brand new journey in her musical career. This single offers a first glimpse into her album slated for early 2025 and promises a fresh, emotional sound, and The Luna Collective had the chance to hear all about it.
LUNA: You started writing songs and took up the guitar at the age of 12; what has this journey taught you about yourself as an artist? How does it feel to look back at your 12-year-old self writing songs for the first time and now being here?
LUNNY: This journey has taught me the importance of resilience and staying true to myself as an artist. Looking back at my 12-year-old self, writing songs in my bedroom, it’s surreal to see how far that dream has come. I’ve learned that growth happens in the moments when you’re both excited and scared, and that’s when you truly evolve.
LUNA: It must feel truly surreal to have your biggest dreams come true, I do agree that resilience and staying true to yourself is really important as an artist. Getting more into your brand new song, what inspired you to write this love letter to Los Angeles? What does this city mean to you personally and artistically?
LUNNY: Los Angeles is where I’ve grown so much, not just as an artist but as a person. It’s a city of contradictions, full of glamour and grit, hope and heartbreak. Writing “City of Angels” felt like capturing the love-hate relationship so many people have with L.A. For me, it’s the city where dreams are tested and sometimes realized.
LUNA: I agree! L.A. is a city where everyone tests out their dreams, but I love the concept of this place helping you not only grow as an artist but also as a person. Talking more about the behind-the-scenes of this track, could you walk us through the creative process?
LUNNY: I wanted the song to feel like the city itself! Whimsical, cinematic, and a little melancholic. We started with the intro chords and let the lyrics flow from there. The production was intentionally layered, with dreamy synths and grounded beats to reflect the contrast of L.A.’s light and dark sides.
LUNA: I love that you let the lyrics flow from the intro chords and that you could feel the city’s vibe based on the beats of the song. Is there a specific lyric in the song that holds a special meaning for you?
LUNNY: The line, “think I found the devil in the city of angels” really resonates with me. It captures the duality of Los Angeles: it’s a place of incredible opportunity but also a place where you’re constantly challenged to stay grounded.
LUNA: I am not going to lie, that lyric was the one that stuck out with me the most, it demonstrates L.A.’s “vibe” - or at least how the media depicts it. I am so excited for your next album! How does “City of Angels” set the tone for the rest of the project?
LUNNY: It introduces the duality I explore throughout the album that’s a juxtaposition of raw
vulnerability and high glamour. The album is a reflection of who I am now: someone balancing
small-town roots with big-city dreams.
LUNA: I love this duality you just described, and how the album will be a self-reflection of your journey as someone from a small town. Now, I saw you went on tour with Loreen and Ellie Goulding! Did touring with them shape your approach to this upcoming album?
LUNNY: Absolutely. Watching two artists I admire command the stage night after night was inspiring. It showed me the power of creating a cohesive narrative, not just in your music but in your live performances. That’s something I’ve carried into the creation of this album.
LUNA: Seeing two artists like them who have been icons to this industry must have been amazing and such a wonderful experience, what was a memory from the tour that will always stick with you and has helped you evolve as an artist?
LUNNY: Hearing fans share that my music has helped them through really tough times was powerful. It reminded me why I do this and deepened my connection to my art. Touring also taught me how to push through exhaustion and still give everything on stage.
LUNA: I think that’s so powerful and must have been something mind-blowing, and such a good reminder of why you love what you do. When performing live, do you have a favorite song to connect with the audience?
LUNNY: My song “the walls.” It’s so personal to me, and hearing people sing along feels like sharing a little piece of my heart with them. Those moments are what make performing magical.
LUNA: Definitely! Especially when you know that the song resonates with them and has a place in their hearts. Now, I know this song is an introduction to the album, do you have a particular song on the upcoming album that you’re excited for fans to hear?
LUNNY: There’s a song called “Heaven” that’s special to me. Sonically, It sounds very different than anything I have ever released. It’s grunge and a bit more indie rock-leaning. I can't wait to share it. “Velvet & Denim” feels like the heart of the album. It’s about embracing contradictions, being both soft and strong, polished and raw. It’s a song I think everyone will relate to in their own ways.
LUNA: Now I am so excited to get to hear these songs and just the album in general! How does this new album build upon or contract with Heartbreak on Repeat?
LUNNY: Heartbreak on Repeat was all about raw emotion, while this album balances that with more reflection and storytelling. It’s about growth, learning, and finding beauty in every experience, even the tough ones.
LUNA: The storytelling on Heartbreak on Repeat was out of this world, and amazed me as a listener. Which part of song creation do you find the most natural and which do you find the most challenging?
LUNNY: Lyrics come naturally to me; they’re how I process my thoughts and emotions. The challenge is in production, where I have to ensure the music matches the depth of the story I’m telling.
LUNA: I think just making sure the production matches with the story you are going to tell is very important, it shows how deeply you care about what you’re going to say, which is very impressive and valuable. Has your approach to songwriting changed as you have grown?
LUNNY: Definitely. I’m more intentional now. When I was younger, I wrote to express myself. Now, I write to connect with others, with themes in mind, etc.
LUNA: I think writing to connect with others is very interesting and makes fans relate more to your songs. This was so much fun! I loved hearing about your upcoming album and congratulations on “City Of Angels!” My last question is, what message or feeling do you hope fans take away from your upcoming album?
LUNNY: I hope they feel seen and inspired. The album is about navigating life’s highs and lows with grace and grit. If someone listens and feels understood, I’ve done my job.
