Here’s one thing certain about Gen Zs: they are unstoppable, most especially when it comes to self-expression and chasing their full potential. Exposed to a world rich in culture, ideas, and rapid technological shifts, this generation doesn’t wait for the “perfect moment.”
Instead, they create, experiment, and evolve, transforming every trial and error into a tool for growth. They’re redefining what it means to be original by building from what’s already there, then twisting it into something entirely new. They live and breathe authenticity.
And when nothing holds you back from expressing how you feel or how you want to present yourself, you radiate something unique. That special kind of energy—raw, creative, and unfiltered—is exactly what Sunny Lukas exudes.
Fluent in over 20 languages and a master of multiple instruments, Sunny Lukas isn’t just riding the wave of Gen Z creativity. He is setting the tempo. And with his genre-bending sound, high-energy performances, and undeniable presence, Sunny has become a standout figure among a new breed of global artists. He brings something deeper than catchy beats: a different kind of vibe and meaning to music.
‘The Key is Expanding Your Knowledge’
Before the release of his latest track, DÉJÀ VU, Sunny Lukas had already made waves with viral hits like Situationship, Underrated, Omakase, and Role Model. Each track showcases his signature style—a mix of smooth, emotive delivery and vibrant genre fluidity that resonates across borders. But behind the numbers and streams lies an artist with an expansive vision and a passion for learning that’s shaped every part of his journey.
What many fans might not know is that Sunny’s background extends far beyond music. He’s also deeply involved in sports like football, basketball, tennis, and even golf. For him, these are not just hobbies. They are part of the discipline that fuels his creativity.
“Preparing for a stage is like preparing for a match. It teaches you how to be more cautious about your body, nutrition, diet, and your sleep schedule.”
That balance, he explains, is key to staying mentally and physically sharp, something that directly influences his songwriting and performance stamina. His commitment to wellness even extends into his entrepreneurial ventures—his health-focused startup, WARMSTEP, a beach massage brand, has already expanded globally. “Advocating for health is very exciting to me, and I’m really aligned with my brand and my personality.” It’s that alignment between who he is and what he creates that makes Sunny’s artistry feel so genuine.
A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Sunny was immersed in an environment full of diverse musical influences, from jazz and bluegrass to swing and world music. It shaped his sound and deepened his understanding of music theory. But more than classroom knowledge, it was the experience of sharing space with passionate creatives that expanded his musical intuition.
“Learning the knowledge behind music theory is also really important in developing yourself as an overall musician.” He emphasizes that while technical knowledge matters, it’s equally important to think outside the box, collaborate, and keep learning—especially in a globalized music world.
As a polyglot, Sunny also approaches songwriting with a unique linguistic sensitivity. Instead of using foreign words just for attention, he chooses lyrics that reflect genuine emotion and meaning. “Music should be natural, and knowing a bunch of languages helps me not add random words inside the song. Lyrically, it could be cool if you have a wide vocabulary about a certain type of language. But it doesn’t really add emotional texture.” This deep cultural awareness gives his music an edge—it’s not just internationally accessible but globally intentional.
‘Being Involved Helps You Discover More About Yourself’
Sunny’s love for learning extends beyond the classroom and into the studio. He’s had the chance to work with industry icons like Hit-Boy (Grammy-winning producer) and James Fauntleroy, whose songwriting credits include Frank Ocean, SZA, and Drake. Beyond the milestones, Sunny found these collaborations to be creative masterclasses.
“Being more involved in the whole process really allows you to start discovering yourself more as an artist while developing and strengthening skills that you lack as a musician.”
Working closely with producers from New Zealand based in Shanghai, Sunny got to witness how different musical influences come together to shape a song. And such collaborative fusion has obviously given DÉJÀ VU its unmistakable flavor. “The top liners were all Chinese, and the producers were all Caucasian and New Zealand people, so it just gave the song production a little bit more spice and flavor to it. The backing track has a very international pop production with nostalgic vibes suitable for radio. Whereas the melodic side of things were definitely more catchy with Chinese music-inspired emotional melodies.”
Such a multicultural blend added layers to his sound. Sunny is particularly grateful for the opportunities that allow him to observe, contribute, and grow from working with diverse creatives.
“That’s why learning from the best is important. You can mimic exactly what these guys are doing. I believe that the greatest form of flattery is imitation. So, there’s no such thing as copying, but you’re just learning from copying exactly what the greats are doing.”
‘It’s About Being Creative and Authentic as Possible’
Sunny’s visual style is just as intentional as his music. But his Y2K-inspired aesthetic goes beyond the trend. Rather, it’s a tribute, citing Usher’s Confessions and Justin Timberlake’s Justified as major influences. Sunny taps into the era of smooth, emotionally raw R&B but makes it fresh for today’s audience.
His creative approach also takes cues from Jackson Wang, whom Sunny met on the Chinese survival show The Next. Wang, known for balancing intense athleticism and raw performance energy, offered insights that deeply impacted Sunny’s own mindset.
“It’s honestly about how immersed you are in your own performance and the story that you are trying to tell. It’s about being creative and authentic as possible.”
That advice helped Sunny embrace imperfections and focus on conveying emotion. Even with technical hiccups, what matters is the story you’re telling and how deeply you believe in it. And that lesson came full circle during his performance at Rolling Loud Thailand, where he shared the stage with global artists like ASAP Rocky, Quavo, Tyla, and Jay Park. “Seeing bigger audiences and bigger stages made me realize that the sky is the limit and the best thing I can do as an artist is to keep staying focused and keep working hard.”
Like his name suggests, Sunny Lukas brings light to stages, to songs, and to a generation of creatives looking to express themselves fully. His vibe is bold, curious, and unapologetically honest. He’s not just a singer-songwriter-guitarist. He is an entertainer, a visionary, and, as Jackson Wang once put it, someone who is “funny, quick-witted, and positive”—someone motivating and bright to keep the industry going.
Sunny’s music reflects a generation that’s global at heart. With fans from around the world and a deep love for language and cultural connection, his mission is simple but powerful: make music that resonates across borders and generations.
“I really want to share ‘DÉJÀ VU’ in the Philippines, Jakarta, and Dubai, because I feel like people there are very supportive, and they really respect musicians like us doing our own thing. I especially love the unique cultures each country has to offer. I can’t wait to perform ‘DÉJÀ VU’ and my other songs for everyone.”
Sunny Lukas is definitely an embodiment of the idea that the most powerful art doesn’t just reflect who we are. Instead, it reminds us of who we’ve always been. His sound may feel like déjà vu, but it’s the kind you never want to stop experiencing.
And in a world moving faster than ever, the young artist offers something rare:
a reason to pause, feel, and remember—through fresh sounds and familiar feelings. Have you listened to Sunny Lukas’ DÉJÀ VU?
Creative Direction & Photographed by Em Baun
Makeup and Hair by: Aung Apichai
Makeup using Tom Ford Beauty
Hair using Kevin Murphy
Hair tool using TUFT Singapore
Wardrobes: MCM, Christian Louboutin, HypeCove
Overall Coordination by: Mary Jane Manglicmot
Assisted by: Angel Altura | Niccole Mendoza
