Olivia Lunny is quickly becoming one of the most promising emerging artists in today’s pop scene. Born in Winnipeg, Canada, this young singer-songwriter began her career at just 14, standing out early on for her vocal talent and her ability to craft authentic, heartfelt lyrics. With hits like TIMEZONE and the EP Heartbreak on Repeat under her belt, Olivia has captivated a growing global audience and earned recognition from outlets like Billboard, iHeartRadio, and Nylon. Now based in Los Angeles, she’s setting her sights on breaking into the highly competitive U.S. market while gearing up for the release of her sophomore album, set to drop in 2025.
Drawing inspiration from artists like Fleetwood Mac, Dolly Parton, and Coldplay, Olivia has carved out a distinctive style that blends the freshness of pop with the timeless soul of singer-songwriter traditions. Her latest single, City of Angels, beautifully captures this duality while exploring the bright and dark sides of chasing dreams in a city as vibrant—and challenging—as Los Angeles.
We had the chance to sit down with Olivia to talk about her newest single, City of Angels, a track that reflects her journey of moving to L.A. and navigating the intensity of life there. During our conversation, she opened up about the challenges she faced as a woman in the music industry, the artistic influences that have shaped her work, and how staying true to herself has become her greatest strength.
How would you describe “City of Angels” and what was the inspiration behind this song?
City of Angels is a really fun pop song. Beyond the surface, the lyrics actually have lots of depth and explore the chaos and duality of my journey moving to Los Angeles the past year. The beautiful thing about art in songwriting is that it doesn’t always have to be literal. This song is a perfect example of drawing from real-life experiences and mixing in a fun story element that’s filled with metaphors, etc.
The lyrics of “City of Angels” talk about the bright lights and shadows of chasing dreams in Los Angeles. What has your personal experience been like moving to and adjusting to this city?
I’ve had a positive experience moving to LA. That being said, it’s been an incredibly transformative experience moving to a new place on my own, in my early 20s, away from my family, etc. I’ve met so many people, and have learned so much about myself, others, and the industry in such a short period of time. I definitely have moments of missing home, being overwhelmed, and feeling disoriented sometimes… but the reward of getting to do what I love and grow in my career is so worth all of it!
Coming from Canada, where you’ve already earned significant recognition, how has it felt to transition to such a competitive environment like Los Angeles?
LA Breeds an intense hustle culture. I personally have grown to love it. Every single fellow creative I’ve met has been so happy to collaborate, etc. It’s a special place where so many people have sacrificed so much in pursuit of their dreams. Hollywood has definitely lived up to its cliche claim of “ the land of opportunity”.
As a woman in an industry filled with similar artists—and one that can sometimes be challenging for women—how do you navigate those challenges to stand out and stay true to yourself?
I’ve been on this musical journey since I was 14 years old. My heart lies with being a singer-songwriter. I’ve gone through the process of making pop music, ditching the guitar, feeling the need to conform to trends, etc over the past 5 years. In retrospect, I’ve grown so much because of the willingness to try so many things. I’ve FINALLY, at the age of 25 post writing my new album, realized that my biggest strength is my authenticity. Being from Winnipeg, being a songwriter, playing guitar in a unique way because I was never properly taught. Authenticity and sharing my perspective through lyrics is how I feel I’m able to stand out. There is truly room for all of us because no artist is 100% the same.
What musical or artistic influences have inspired you in your career, especially in creating “City of Angels” and your new album?
I grew up on the likes of Fleetwood Mac, Coldplay, Dolly Parton, etc. Going into writing this Album I took a small break from listening to top 40 pop (which I do love to indulge in) and dove into a sound that goes back to the first songs I ever wrote. Lots of these album songs started as ideas on the acoustic guitar. The album name (which I have yet to officially share) Is actually something I came up with in a journal when I was 18 years old! These songs feel like a delicate mix of pop and good ol’ fashion singer-songwriter records. I’m truly so excited to share this album in the new year.
You started your career at a very young age. How would you say your view of music has evolved from your early days in Winnipeg to your life now in Los Angeles?
For me, it’s always been about the music and the songs. I’m grateful that today that philosophy remains the same. LA has made me realize the importance of collaboration in the creative process. I’ve met, and gotten to work with so many incredible like-minded creatives (directors, producers, songwriters, stylists, etc) since moving here. My dreams are slowly becoming a reality by moving here. It’s a very wild thing and I’m grateful to be living in a world of such possibility. I came up with an affirmation I tell myself in moments of dealing with uncertainty
“I hold space and gratitude for the people I have yet to meet, places I have yet to go, and opportunities that have yet to come my way.” It’s helped me accept and celebrate that uncertainty is truly an opportunity.
With previous successes like “TIMEZONE” and the EP “Heartbreak on Repeat”, how do you manage your fans’ expectations when releasing new music, and even your own expectations?
I’ve been growing my fan base slowly and steadily. I feel really connected to my audience and I’ve actually let them into the process of helping choose the singles etc on this new project. With things like social media, it’s a beautiful way to let fans weigh in on music, etc!
What are your long-term goals as an artist? What message do you hope to share through your music and image?
I’m 25, and I’ve experienced heartbreak, loneliness, confusion about the future, success, immense happiness, etc. My purpose in this life I’ve realized, is to put those feelings into lyrics and share them with others. My hope is by doing so, I can connect with people and we can celebrate and go through this crazy thing called life together.
Finally, what new projects or collaborations do you have planned for next year, and what can we look forward to from your upcoming album?
ALBUM coming in 2025!! This album is the best music I’ve created yet. There’s a whole world and era coming with this project and I can’t wait to share. Xx!!
Olivia Lunny is poised to represent a revival of the classic pop star era from the late ‘90s and early 2000s, delivering songs with tender melodies and lyrics far more raw than her polished image might suggest. With a new album on the horizon and a clear sense of artistic purpose, Olivia is undoubtedly an artist to watch in today’s music landscape.
