Be ready to hear her name : Olivia is the new pop sensation that we were waiting for. Talented and grounded, she released her song 'City Of Angel' as an ode to Los Angeles and to her new life there. In this interview, she talks candidly about dreams, music , and L.A.
With a fresh sound and an authentic voice, Olivia is quickly making her mark on the music scene.
By Lyna Allet
You've spent the past six months holed up in a studio in LA working on new music. How has this time in LA shaped your creative process for the upcoming album?
Los Angeles has this energy that’s both chaotic and inspiring. Living here, I’ve really tapped into that duality. The city pushes you to hustle, but it also gives you moments of quiet reflection when you’re alone at night, dreaming big or fighting doubts. For my upcoming album, I’ve leaned into those contrasts! Balancing the raw, vulnerable emotions with bold, empowering beats. It’s a reflection of my life here so far. chasing my dreams, being 25 in a new city, and leaning into my authenticity.
Can you give us a sneak peek into what we can expect from your new album, due in 2025? How does it compare to your previous releases?
This album is my most personal and evolved work yet. It captures everything from loneliness and resilience to moments of excitement and hope, reflecting who I am right now. Compared to my earlier releases, it’s more cinematic and experimental, blending pop, rock, and vintage influences to create something fresh. Every song tells a part of my story, and I can’t wait for people to hear it!!
Your upcoming single "City of Angels" just dropped. What was the inspiration behind this track, and how does it connect to your journey as an artist?
“City of Angels” is my love letter to Los Angeles and the dreams I’ve been chasing here. It’s about the highs and lows of building a life in a city that can be both magical and overwhelming. It also explored the theory “not all that glitters is gold”. It’s a fun upbeat song, but if you dive deeper, the lyrics are deep and brutally honest.
The lyrics of "City of Angels" paint a vivid picture of the highs and lows of life in LA. What inspired you to write this song, and what do you hope listeners take away from it?
“City of Angels” was born out of my love-hate relationship with LA… a city that can lift you to incredible heights one day and leave you questioning everything the next. It’s a reflection of the personal struggles and triumphs I’ve experienced while on my path here. I want listeners to feel the raw honesty of the song and walk away reminded that even in the chaos, there’s beauty!
The song touches on themes of indulgence and the darker side of fame. How do you personally navigate the pressures of the music industry, and does this song reflect your own experiences with the city?
Navigating the music industry means staying grounded and reminding myself why I started this journey in the first place. I’ve learned to find balance by focusing on authenticity and surrounding myself with people who truly support me. “City of Angels” reflects some of my own experiences and things I’ve observed in others. The underlying message reflects the resilience it takes to stay true to yourself in a city that constantly tests you.
In "City of Angels," there’s a sense of being caught between luxury and temptation. How do you balance staying true to yourself while being surrounded by the glitz and glamour of Hollywood?
I’m very grateful to have incredible friends in my life who are likeminded and down to earth. The quote “you are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with” always reminds me the importance of having true friends who share similar values and goals!
Last year, you had the opportunity to support Ellie Goulding and Loreen on their UK & EU tours. What were some of the most memorable moments from those tours, and how did you grow as an artist from that experience?
Supporting Ellie Goulding and Loreen on their tours was a dream come true. Some of the most memorable moments were connecting with fans in cities I’d never been to before and feeling their energy during my performances! It was incredible to see my music resonate across different cultures. As an artist, it pushed me to level up both my stage presence and storytelling, teaching me the importance of owning every moment on stage and embracing the unexpected.
You also had a standout show at this year's Great Escape festival. What was it like performing there, and how did the festival atmosphere influence your performance?
Performing at The Great Escape was a lovely experience. The festival atmosphere gave me a chance to realise my fan base is slowly growing in different cities. It helped me grow as an artist, reminding me of the power of music to reach people in different was!
Looking ahead to 2025, what are you most excited about for the new year in terms of music, shows, and festivals?
In 2025, I’m most excited to share my new album and take it on the road. I can’t wait to perform these new songs live and connect with my fans in ways I haven’t before. As for surprises, I’m always looking for new ways to push my creativity, so there will be some unexpected moments whether it’s in my music or on stage! Stay tuned.
With your meteoric rise, you’ve already made a significant impact on the music scene. How do you stay grounded and focused on your goals amidst all the success and attention?
I stay grounded by remembering where and why I started in the first place. The music will always be at the forefront of what I do.. everything else that comes with exposure is a huge bonus. Success is great, but I always remind myself that growth and authenticity are my true goals.
Your music blends catchy pop melodies with deeply personal lyrics. How would you describe your evolution as an artist, and how have your previous songs shaped the sound of your upcoming album?
My evolution as an artist has been all about embracing the full spectrum of emotions and experiences. My earlier songs were heavily focused on heartbreak and navigating the ups and downs of relationships, but with my upcoming album, I’ve shifted towards exploring themes of growth, the duality of life, and finding strength through challenges. While those earlier tracks laid the emotional foundation, this new music reflects my journey of self-discovery, resilience, and a deeper connection to who I am now! There’s also a very clear theme and era built around this album... I can’t wait to share!
Your song ‘Blacklight’ is by far my favourite of yours and I’m obsessed with it. Can you tell me more about it and the meaning behind it?
I’m so happy to hear thank you! Black light is about how often, our deepest darkest secrets come out at night. Is about how being around someone you have a gravitational pull to, and how those kinds of connections allow us to share our true selves with others.
You've released several tracks that showcase your versatility as an artist. Is there a particular song from your previous work that you feel best represents your journey so far, or one that have a special meaning to you.
“The Walls” is a very special song to me. I wrote it at the lake years ago and the chorus poured out in full when I casually picked up the acoustic guitar. For me, writing on acoustic will always be my bread and butter, this song is a perfect representation of my roots and signature “Olivia” lyrical style.
City Of Angels, out now on every platform
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