Gold Coast-based First Nations artist Sunny Luwe hits #7 in the AMRAP Regional charts with her new single 'I Got a Thing For You' ahead of her 'Flowers in The Sky' debut album which drops on 11 October. 

Inspired by Nancy Sinatra, Sunny Luwe's new single, 'I Got a Thing For You', flirts with 70s sass and features layered melodic mastery. This moody track tantalises with empowering lyricism and a shining build up woven with a new sound that flits between anticipation and a fierce sensuality that we haven't yet seen from Luwe.

Recorded at Neil Finn's renowned Roundhead Studio in New Zealand with ARIA-winning producer Steven Schram, this track encapsulates Sunny Luwe's artistic evolution. Through close collaboration with Matt Collins (WHARVES, okmattcollins), Luwe's song carefully balances seduction and desire.  

Sunny Luwe's remarkable vocal prowess, combined with the irresistible allure of the song's composition, creates an experience that lingers long after the final notes fade. 'I Got a Thing For You' (IGATFY) is accompanied by an alluring music video featuring an ensemble of Queensland's most talented dancers and performers, including a pole-dancing champion. 

In the lead up to her debut album release, 'Flowers in The Sky' on October 11, Sunny Luwe answered a few questions for us. 

Congratulations on your new single 'I Got a Thing For You' already charting at #7 on the AMRAP Regional Charts! How have you found the response compared to past releases like 'Summer Kisses'?

Thank you! I'm so thrilled IGATFY is out in the world now.  It's one of my favourite songs I have written in the past year, and it has given me so many fun experiences through its writing, recording and release. It's fun being flirty haha! 

The response has been very very positive. A heap of community radio stations I have developed relationships with have added it to rotation, and we were blessed with incredible play listing support landing on Spotify's New Music Friday.  

This is a sexier side to you than we've seen before! Tell us more about why you chose to take a new approach for this single.

Haha, I know right! You think of Sunny and things seem cuter and brighter, rather than sexy, but I let my creativity and intuition guide me here. IGAFTY was inspired by an incredible Nancy Sinatra track, Kind of a Woman. For my lyric lovers out there, check it out, it's full of euphemisms and innuendo and is so flirtatious and fun.

That combined with reconnecting with what it was like when you realise you're into someone, and you want them - it's a bit possessive and obsessive too - so I leaned into the darker, sexier side of my creativity with the film clip. Plus I got to showcase the skills of some incredibly talented people I know - Nicole, Charlie, Brie and Hayley (from the music video) are so, so amazing!

 Was the project for 'I Got a Thing For You' carbon offset like past productions? What do you wish other musicians knew about carbon offsetting their productions?

Yes, IGATFY, like my others singles, is carbon offset. I first learned about carbon offsetting a music project through friends in the industry who were doing it - NIDALA and Billy Otto. Being a greenie at heart, I wanted to do the same thing.

I want to live in a world where we create and live with the Earth at the front of our mind, so I figured I should put my money where my mouth is.

What I've learned is that offsetting is actually crazy affordable, and that the things that most elevate your carbon footprint are flights and fashion.

I offset with Rainforest 4, a conservation project that is buying back blocks that border the Daintree Rainforest, but are zoned for development and protecting them for future generations. They provide an impressive carbon credit as they are conserving rainforest and such diverse flora and fauna through their mission.  

If other musicians want to learn how to offset their project, I have made a guide on the website, or you can just hit me up!

What does 'I Got a Thing For You' add to your upcoming album 'Flowers in The Sky'?

It adds some flirty, cheeky flavour. In a way, the album documents the last year or so of my life in song form, and I feel very grateful to say, I've been having a really fun time, which is reflected in the music.

IGATFY represents this sexier side of myself that is there, but perhaps people don't see that much. I also think everyone has a sexy side to themselves.  Also, what is sexy? It was fun to ponder that through the release of IGATFY.

What's next for you in 2023?

Flowers in the Sky drops mid-October, on my birthday! I'm celebrating by hosting a double launch show with my close-collaborator okmattcollins (Matt Collins from WHARVES). Matt has recently released his first single from his second EP that he recorded here on the coast with local producer George Carpenter. It's incredible! So we will celebrate our birthdays (yes, it's weird, we have the same birthdays) and our new releases together with a heap of beautiful people (you should come) at Dust Temple - and yes, there will be cake!

I'm also going to keep on writing and working at my career. My band and I perform regularly around the GC and beyond - which I am so grateful for, and I'm going to keep creating space for my dreams to become real - music is magic.

Sunny Luwe's debut album, 'Flowers In The Sky', drops on October 11. This ten-track album express's Sunny's truest and fullest nature, inviting listeners into a world of self-discovery, love, and personal growth. For more

Listen to 'I Got a Thing For You on all major streaming platforms, or head along to one of Sunny's upcoming shows:

• August 12 - Trucks and Tunes Roller Disco, Distillery Road Market, Eagleby | Free Entry
• August 24 - Vinnies Dive, Gold Coast | Ticketed
• September 29 - Miami Marketta, Miami | Free Entry
• October 14 - Dust Temple, Currumbin | Album Launch - Ticketed