EXCLUSIVE: Olivia Lunny Talks “Lean On Me,” New Single “Think of Me” and More

Olivia Lunny has emerged as a force to be reckoned with and has solidified that standing with an active lead up to her current single. At only 14 years old, the songstress proved she could captivate an audience when she performed for a crowd of 40,000 at the Winnipeg Folk Festival. Just three years later, in 2018, she released her self-titled EP that garnered her a Western Canadian Music Award nomination for “Pop Artist of the Year”. That success led to her appearance on season two of CTV’s The Launch, resulting in her winning episode 4 and recording the Top 40 hit I Got You – which hit #26 on the charts and has racked up over a million streams. In the wake of that milestone, Olivia went on to perform as opening support for R&B legend Lionel Richie. She released her second single Blacklightin October 2019, and now, the 21-year-old artist is slated to release a body of work that spotlights her sharply detailed lyrics and spellbinding vocal presence like never before.

Hi Olivia, How are you? 

So great! Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with me. 

Let’s talk about your recent single “Think of Me,” what was the creative process behind the song? 

Tyler Shaw and I started this song when we had our first session a little over a year ago. I then brought it to AJ Healey when we were writing this past November and the full song came to fruition! It was really fun to collaborate with both him and Tyler on this track. We all come from different musical backgrounds so it adds a great energy to the track. 

Do you have a favorite line from the song? 

“Last summer we were lovers, made one mistake lost each other”  – I love how this line flows together.

You also released a song back in early 2019 called “I Got You,” which led you to open for Lionel Richie, what was that like? Did you learn any advice from him? If so, what advice? 

Although I didn’t get the chance to speak to Lionel directly, It was very surreal and exciting to open for him. Watching Lionel’s set with my dad (who is a long time fan of his) post performance was really a full circle and special moment!

You’re planning to release an album soon, what sounds can we expect from your album?

 I’m very excited about this EP. I feel like I’m finally discovering my sound. I don’t want to give too much away but all of the tracks are a part of a bigger cohesive story!

You were also recently featured on a highly star studded rendition of “Lean on Me” in support of COVID-19. Some artists on the song included Justin Bieber, Avril Lavigne, Michael Bublé, and more. What did that mean to you to be featured on that song for a special cause? 

Being included amongst these established and incredibly talented musicians was an absolute honour. The fact that 100% of the proceeds went to charity made it even more special! 

What have you been doing to stay creative during this quarantine? 

I’ve been meditating a lot and trying to exercise daily! I find that gives me clarity and makes room for creativity to flow in! 

What are you most excited to do after this is over? 

I can’t wait for live music/concerts to resume.. Itching to perform & go see others perform too 🙂 

If you could set up a fan for them to listen to your music what setting would that be? 

Summer evening, driving through the city, one or two windows down, someone you love/friends with you blasting music! 

What’s one quote you’ve heard in life that you want to ECHO out to fans? 

“aspire to inspire before you expire” this quote is really beautiful, life is short, nothing is impossible xo.

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