36 questions to fall in love with Audrey Nuna
The Korean-American experimentalist discusses her phobias, first crush and strangest dreams
The Korean-American experimentalist discusses her phobias, first crush and strangest dreams
In 1997, psychology professor Arthur Aron led a study that set out to find whether intimacy between two strangers could be accelerated if they asked each other a series of 36 specific, personal questions. The idea was that if two people are vulnerable and share their unguarded, candid thoughts with each other, it’d bring them closer together. In one case, two participants of the study married just six months after. So, considering that there’s something special about this set of questions, we put every single one (well, some of – a few were a little too personal) to Audrey Nuna.
The definition of multi-talented, Korean-American artist Audrey Nuna is a singer, rapper, video director and more, with an inimitable sense of style that she terms “futuristic grandpa” (think: fang grillz and silver devil horns). Ever since singing the national anthem at sporting events aged 10 and singing in children’s choirs, Nuna hasn’t really stopped performing. Now 24, she started independently recording at 17 and her debut project, a liquid breakfast, arrived in 2021. Having put out genre agnostic trap and ice cold, spacious rap previously, ‘Starving’, her latest single with Teezo Touchdown, marks a departure for both artists – it’s soft but packs a punch with driving drums taken from a rock palette.
Recently, Audrey Nuna has been touring with Ashnikko on her Weedkiller run of shows, and has an EP coming this summer via Sony. While we wait with bated breath for that, we put our question selection to Audrey to find out about her perfect day, phobias, and her first-ever crush.
Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest?
At the moment, Vivienne Westwood (rest in peace), or David Fincher.
Would you like to be mega mega famous? In what way?
No. I would love my work to be heard and seen and respected all over the world, but just being mega famous to be famous seems inconvenient.
3. Before making a telephone call, do you ever rehearse what you are going to say? Why?
I do sometimes, when the conversation is a tough one to have – but I always go off script, for better or for worse.
What would constitute a “perfect” day for you?
Waking up when the sun is already shining, working on some music, eating really pristine sushi, exploring a new city or nature, listening to music, spending time with friends and family, watching a movie. I love the simple things.
When did you last sing to yourself?
Probably the last time I was in an exceptionally good mood, which was three to four days ago.
If you were able to live to the age of 90 and retain either the mind or body of a 30- year-old for the last 60 years of your life, which would you want?
Definitely the body of a 30 year-old and the mind of a 90 year-old. I treasure all of the wisdom that I excruciatingly try to collect throughout my life and I would never choose to swipe it away early. Maybe I would be down for a 7 year-old mind, but that would be weird to have a 7 year-old mind and a 30 year-old body.
Do you have any phobias?
Drowning.
Name three things you and your partner or best friend appear to have in common.
Curiosity about the world, a free mind, and a love for sushi.
For what in your life do you feel most grateful?
Oxygen and family.
What was the last show you binge-watched?
MindHunter by David Fincher, last night, until 5am.
If you weren’t a musician, what career would you pursue?
Either fashion designer, director, a history teacher – or start my own school.
If you could wake up tomorrow having gained any one quality or ability, what would it be?
Being able to fly, without a doubt. I fly a lot in my dreams, and it feels so good.
If a crystal ball could tell you the truth about yourself, your life, the future or anything else, what would you want to know?
I would love to see a baby photo of my future child.
Is there something that you’ve dreamed of doing for a long time? Why haven’t you done it?
I would love to spend a whole year travelling. I haven’t done it yet because the timing hasn’t been right, but I plan to do it before I turn 30 (assuming I make it to that age…)
What is the greatest accomplishment of your life?
Watching my little brother grow up into an actually cool, good-hearted human.
What do you value most in a friendship?
Being able to laugh about dumb shit and also not feeling judged.
What is your most treasured memory?
I loved going to my dad’s clothing factory in Manhattan as a kid and those earliest memories of entering the city, holding his hand – the sounds, the smells, the languages – it was such an exhilarating and formative energy to experience as a kid.
What is your most terrible memory?
I hated the school bus.
If you knew that in one year you would die suddenly, would you change anything about the way you are now living? Why?
I think I would live a similar lifestyle but would definitely move back to New Jersey or New York.
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
I love 나 항상 그대를, from an old Korean drama called Lovers in Paris.
Who is your celebrity idol?
bell hooks.
Can you share five positive characteristics of your best friend?
Understanding, funny, patient, smart, adventurous.
Who was your first crush?
Giuseppe Fazio from first grade.
What’s the first thing you do when you get up in the morning?
Wash my face.
I'm going to start a sentence, and you can end it. I am feeling…
…caffeinated.
Complete this sentence: “Doing interviews is …”
…a hit or miss.
If you were going to become close friends with someone, please share what would be important for them to know.
I’m really bad at texting back promptly and I’m not punctual.
Do you do any sport or anything to keep fit?
No.
Share an embarrassing moment in your life.
My entire 6th grade era.
When did you last cry in front of another person? By yourself?
I cry in front of my sister mostly.
How do you self-soothe?
Driving and listening to music.
What, if anything, is too serious to be joked about?
Nothing – it all depends on context.
What’s the strangest dream you’ve ever had?
Too many to name. I always have this dream of going back to high school and they always feel so real.
Your house, containing everything you own, catches fire. After saving your loved ones and pets, you have time to safely make a final dash to save any one item. What would it be? Why?
My dad’s wedding band that he gave me.
How has love influenced your music?
I’d say in the same ways it affects everything in my life. Being surrounded by friends, family, and love as a force – not just romantic love – makes life worthwhile.
Who do you go to when you want advice and what’s the best advice they’ve ever given you?
My dad gives me a lot of good advice. He told me to do what I love for a living ever since I was young.
