At 24 years old, Audrey Chu — widely known by her stage name AUDREY NUNA — has built a solid portfolio throughout her career, from being discovered at 16 by Roc Nation producer Anwar Sawyer to releasing hits "Comic Sans" and "damn Right." Most recently, the New Jersey native dropped "Locket," a catchy track sampling Huey's "Pop, Lock & Drop It" and is now gearing up for another single titled "Cellulite."
With each release, it's evident that AUDREY NUNA — who is nearing the end of her North American tour with Ashnikko — isn't afraid of change but rather treats it as an opportunity to grow and evolve. The singer-songwriter went from dropping one of her biggest releases during the pandemic, to most recently being nominated for Best International Hip Hop/Grime/Rap Video at the 2023 UK Music Video Awards for "Locket" — a collaboration between the songstress herself and the late director Valentin Petit.
"I'm in a bionic mutation phase. I don't really know what I'm doing and that's a great feeling and space to find and be in again," AUDREY NUNA tells us, while adding that she feels the most synergy in her creative process when collaborating with close friends.
Ahead of her upcoming single, AUDREY NUNA discusses her growth and her "bionic mutation" phase, as well as her latest obsessions. Continue scrolling to explore our latest editorial with the artist.
Top: MM6 Maison Margiela V-Neck Sleeveless Dress, Thom Browne Supersized Gathered Shirt Dress
Tie: Thom Browne Gray 4-Stripe Tie
Bottom: Thom Browne Gray Drop Back Kilt
Shoes: Anonymous Club Shaft Boots
Accessories: Ottolinger Pearl Drop Earring
You’re midway through your North American tour. How has it been so far?
The tour has been magical. I've done a lot of self-reflection, found the best shrimp and grits in Richmond, and got acupuncture and cupping done for the first time in St. Petersburg. I love performing for AshNikko's fans, they're such open and passionate people.
You were quite hands-on and involved in the process of our shoot in NYC. Tell us about that day — what were some things you enjoyed, what was the energy like?
It was such a wholesome day. The cinnamon raisin bagel you fed me was amazing. The team at HBX is goated. I felt a lot of synergy, and honestly, it just felt like making cool sh-t and trying things with homies — which is what I want every single creative endeavor in my life to feel like. In my experience, the work is (almost always) only as good as the energy in the room when it's being created.
Top: Maison Margiela Distressed Knit Tank
Bottom: Thom Browne Gray Drop Back Kilt, Acne Studios Loose Fit Jeans
Accessories: 1017 ALYX 9SM Chunky Chain Necklace, Chunky Chain Bracelet
Shoes: Nike ISPA MindBody
Your involvement in the creative process of a photo or video production isn’t new — you’ve creative-directed many of your music videos throughout your career. Tell us more about the processes behind your latest releases "Locket" and "Cellulite" — what’s been going through your mind these days and how was that reflected in the songs and their respective music videos?
"Locket" was directed by the late Valentin Petit, who brought this visual to life completely. I've been exploring this idea of a villain origin story — all villains start out as hurt people. This was a concept we spoke about together and that he developed into a treatment and eventually visual masterpiece. I learned so much from him, and he will forever be one of the greats.
"Cellulite," directed by Zac Dov, was also a labor of love. Zac and I had about two weeks to create and prepare the concept to shoot. We spent a lot of time watching '90s hip-hop videos: Busta Rhymes, The Pharcyde, Missy Elliott, and Beastie Boys. This experience of making something with limited time and resources was extremely liberating for me — again, the purity of making and trying sh-t with friends is where I feel the most creative euphoria.
How would you describe the current “era” or stage you’re in in terms of your artistry?
I'm in a bionic mutation phase. I don't really know what I'm doing and that's a great feeling/space to find and be in again.
What are some things that you’ve learned in this current stage, and what would you say is your main focus at the moment?
I've learned that not everyone is your friend, re-learned that being an outsider has its beauty, and realized that sometimes the only way to get free is to walk through the trenches.
Standing where you are now with your experience thus far, what is something you would have liked to tell yourself five years ago?
You're doing f-cking amazing, and you have great taste in hats.
Dress: Anonymous Club Knit Durag Dress
Shirt: Acne Studios
Accessories: Diesel, Justine Clenquet Daria Choker
I remember when I first interviewed you for Hypebae in 2020, you mostly went by your name "Audrey," but changed your stage name to AUDREY NUNA shortly after. It’s evident that your Korean heritage takes up a big part of your identity. How have you been expressing that side of yourself through your recent music?
I would say that side always leaks in, but it's very subconscious and not something that usually requires much effort. I will always just follow what I find interesting and Korean culture is so rich that being exposed to it from a young age, it's impossible to not fall in love with pockets of it and have it manifest in the work somehow. For this upcoming visual universe, I'd love to work with more Korean fashion designers.
Aside from music, what’s your biggest obsession these days? How do these interests influence your work?
I'm into Five Star Chef on Netflix. It's so cringey and fire. But I would say watching aspiring chefs try to blend unexpected flavors is definitely so parallel to what making music is and it gives me a lot of perspective and tickles my subconscious brain.
What’s a fun fact about yourself that you can share?
In fourth grade, I lost the spelling bee because of the word "epitaph." I'm still salty.
Can you share what you’re working on after dropping "Cellulite"?
It's a secret but thank you for asking <3
