The singer-songwriter discusses her Nov. 15 single release and how the spirit of Los Angeles shapes her craft.
Olivia Lunny’s past few years of artistry have been defined by movement. 2023 saw her tour alongside artists Ellie Goulding and Loreen, performing in European cities from Brussels to Berlin. Off of her 2023 EP HEARTBREAK ON REPEAT, standout anthem “TIMEZONE” explores the toll distance can take on a relationship. Her recent relocation from Canada to Los Angeles now inspires her newest single “CITY OF ANGELS,” which was released on Nov. 15. Through lush synths and an addictive bassline, Lunny whisks listeners to Hollywood in a tune made to underscore listeners’ most exhilarating urban ventures.
The Knockturnal spoke with Lunny about the release, her experiences on tour and her next steps following the single.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
The Knockturnal: “CITY OF ANGELS” is your first big release since coming off of tours with Ellie Goulding and Loreen in 2023. What’s your favorite memory from being on the road?
Olivia Lunny: It’s so hard to narrow it down to one memory… I would have to say the first show, Night 1 of the Ellie tour in Dublin was an incredibly special core memory formed for me. I’d looked up to Ellie since I was 14, opening for her was a dream come true and full circle moment!
The Knockturnal: How did your time on tour influence the way you approached the creation of your new song and upcoming album?
Lunny: I truly gained so much experience traveling through 18 countries in 7 weeks. I documented lots in my journal on the road. It’s safe to say lots of the feelings I felt on tour ended up in these songs.
The Knockturnal: Having grown up in Canada and recently moved cities, how does a city like Los Angeles — the City of Angels — individually serve to inspire your music?
Lunny: 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, et cetera. 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 as “the land of opportunity.” I’ve been so inspired by my surroundings living here.
The Knockturnal: What have you enjoyed most about living in Los Angeles thus far?
Lunny: Coming from Winnipeg in Manitoba, Canada, I have loved and appreciated the constant sunshine year round. I’ve also loved being by the ocean, hiking, and being in nature. I am a West Coast girl at heart and knew it the moment I stepped foot in California.
The Knockturnal: How do you hope that “CITY OF ANGELS” helps to usher in a new era of your music?
Lunny: “CITY OF ANGELS” sets the tone and visual scene for this new era. I’d say it’s one of the most pop-y songs on the album. Fans can expect a few more pop-y anthems as well as some more acoustic leaning, genre bending, storytelling tracks!
Photo Courtesy: Olivia Lunny
