Rising Canadian Singer-Songwriter OLVIA LUNNY Discusses Her Brand New EP, Handling The Pandemic and More!

Meet the up-and-coming Canadian pop artist, Olivia Lunny! She’s had an absolutely commanding start to this year and is grabbing attention for her effervescent sound and glossy vocals which are at the forefront of her newest single “Bedsheets” that was released on May 22nd. It is a tender ballad about yearning while moving on. It spotlights sharply detailed lyrics and dives into the universal sentiment of unrequited love. This highly personal track melds vulnerable vocals with minimalistic production to deliver a stripped down piece that meets listeners like a diary entry. 

Along with putting out her own music, Olivia lent her voice to a rendition of “Lean on Me” alongside top Canadian artists including Justin Bieber, Avril Lavigne, Michael Bublé and Sarah McLachlan in support of COVID-19. While the world feels at a stand still, Olivia is picking up speed and quickly becoming one to watch in the pop scene. 

Learn more about Olivia Lunny in the following All Access interview:

Thank you for your time. So given these unusual Covid-19 times, what does a typical day look like for you? How have you adjusted to these times?

Thanks for taking the time to chat! Since Covid, I’ve adopted some new hobbies and interests. I usually start my day with a meditation and some sort of movement. I also try to write or noodle on the guitar or piano for at least an hour a day. In between that I’ll complete the tasks at hand for the day.  Being in quarantine has really forced me to slow down and appreciate each moment for what it is!

What has been the hardest/most challenging part about being quarantined? Is your city starting to open up more now? 

For me the biggest challenge of quarantine was not being able to travel. As my city has started to open up. It’s been very nice to see friends and family who I was unable to physically see throughout quarantine.

How have you been able to use social media during these unprecedented times? Are you finding that you use it even more now to stay connected to fans and other musicians? 

I feel that social media has really helped me stay connected with others and connect with new people through quarantine.  Being reminded that we are all going through this together has been comforting. As far apart as we are from each other right now, it’s been inspiring to see everyone come together in creative ways!

What has it been like having to reschedule your spring, summer and fall shows? What shows in 2021 are you already excited for?

It’s definitely forced me to adapt and switch my focus to writing and working on things I can control right now. as of 2021 shows, we’ve been taking everything day by day- stay tuned..! 

Since we are all desperately missing live music, can you recall a favorite show of yours from the past? What do you think ultimately makes for a great show for you? What about a favorite show of someone else? 

I had the surreal experience of opening for Lionel Richie last summer which is to date the largest and most memorable show I’ve ever played. One of the best shows I’ve ever seen was also  last summer. I saw John Mayer in Toronto, his music is so timeless and the instrumentalists he had on stage with him were incredibly talented! A good show for me revolves around the music. It  doesn’t matter how flashy the lights are, as long as the person is pouring their heart and soul and being genuine in their performance, that’s the only thing that matters! 

Let’s talk about your brand new single, “Hold Me.” What was the inspiration for this track? What was it like shooting the music video for it? Was it done before the pandemic hit? How creatively involved with the process were you?

Hold Me is about a one sided relationship where there is no give and take.  The video was shot responsibly in Nashville with social distancing by Louis Browne. We worked together to come up with a mood and tone and he executed it so well I’m thrilled with the final product!  

How would you say that “Hold Me” prepares listeners for your debut EP “To The Ones I Loved” set for release later this month? Did anything surprise you about the overall process? Were there any unexpected challenges? What are some other songs that you are excited to share with people?

I describe this EP as a puzzle. Each song is very different from each other which I did intentionally to showcase different sounds and styles. Each song also tells a story about a different phase in a relationship (loving,loss, findinding someone new) . Bedsheets is my favorite song on the EP but i’m very excited to hear what song(s)  people gravitate to and resonate with the most! The entire recording process was very fun. Working with AJ Healey, he challenged me vocally which made for a really positive  end result. I can’t wait to have the EP into the world! 

I would love to more about your involvement with the song, “Lean On Me.” What was it like being part of this song in support of Covid-19 with all the other artists?

It was truly an honour to be a part of a project with such incredible artists representing my country. My friend and fellow musician Tyler Shaw helped start the initiative and involved me. The response to the song so far has been incredible which is very exciting. 

How do you think future music is going to be influenced by this incredible and absolutely necessary Black Lives Matter movement that the US and even the world is going through now? Is it inspiring you and your music today at all?

This movement is so necessary right now. It’s time to come together and work to fight injustice in our world and especially in our own communities. These chaotic times have inspired me to write lots. I’m usually fueled to write from things I’m passionate about and this is one of them.

If you could get into the studio with any artist today and collaborate on a new song for you, who would it be and why? 

I’ve been really digging Harry Styles new album.  His writing ability and unique voice is a great combination so definitely him!

What would your dream music video look like right now? 

I would love to shoot a music video in the desert.  Although we have travel restrictions right now and that affects location for shooting, I hope that one day I can achieve a video of that sort/vibe.

Would you like to share anything else about yourself or your music with our readers?

Be kind to one another. Much love!