Olivia Frances is a multi-award-winning indie artist. Her infectious positive energy and unique “sunshine-story-pop” is catching the attention of listeners worldwide.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Olivia about the latest music, adapting during a pandemic, technology and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and how do You describe your style of music?
I was born and raised in Cincinnati, OH so I’m a Midwestern gal at heart. I describe my style of music as sunshine-story-pop since it’s mostly positive, story-driven, with a pop flavor. Some people also call it: indie/folk or alt-country.
How did you get here? As in, what inspired or motivated you to take on this journey through music and the music biz?
What an existential question! I’ve been playing music ever since I can remember. I started playing piano when I was 6 and started playing guitar and writing songs when I was 12. So, for the majority of my life I’ve identified as a musician and songwriter. It’s been less of a choice and more of a continuous calling. There’s this saying in Nashville that being an artist or songwriter is kind of a blessing and a curse – but I like to think of it more as a blessing.
How does your latest project compare/contrast with your previous release(s)? Were you setting out to accomplish anything specific, follow a specific theme, or explore different styles of creation?
“Wind Chimes,” my latest single that I released on October 21st, continues to showcase more of who I am as an artist. I think it compares to my other single “Daffodil Dreams” and my latest album Orchid sonically and in the sense that it has a nature-oriented focus and tells a story.
I wrote “Wind Chimes” with my dear friend and co-writer Mike Astrachan a few months after my grandfather passed away. When Mike threw this title idea out during our writing session, I knew I wanted the song to be about losing my grandfather. It turned out to not be as much a sad song about grief but more of an optimistic view of how even after a loved one passes away, they’re still with you, always.
Name the biggest challenge you faced as a creative during these unprecedented? How did you adapt? How have you kept the creative fires burning during all this?
The most difficult part of the height of the pandemic was not performing live in front of an audience. I write songs very often and love playing out new ones to see which songs resonate the most. Although I performed virtually and started a “Midweek Magic” series in which I had a different musical guest on each Wednesday evening on FaceBook, it wasn’t the same as playing in-person. Now that I’m performing live again, I value people’s comments afterwards even more than I did before.
As far as keeping the creative fires burning, I’m an Enneagram type 7 or The Enthusiast (the busy, variety-seeking type). I’m good at staying busy, always making to-do lists, goals, etc. What’s kept me going during all of this is co-writing on Zoom, scheduling practice times for myself, and planning on what’s next. I’ve also worked on deepening my meditation practice as I’m always challenging myself to live in the moment. 🙂
What was the last song you listened to?
As I write these answers to your questions, I’m listening to the Calming Classical playlist on Spotify. The song that’s on right now is, “Fracture” by Stephan Moccio. I love listening to this playlist as it helps me stay focused and helps me relax.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? 8-tracks? Cassettes? CDs? MP3s? Streaming platforms?
Hahaha, I want to be that person who says vinyl but the truth is I don’t own a vinyl record player (yet)! I definitely don’t prefer streaming platforms so I’ll have to go with CD’s. I still have a CD player in my car (yes, it’s old) and I love poppin’ a CD on every once in a while. Some CD’s I have in my car include: Jessica Lee Mayfield’s “Tell Me,” Guy Clarks “Somedays the Song Writes You” and Yael’s Naim’s self-titled album.
Where is the best place to connect with you and follow your journey?
Yay! All the places 🙂
I really appreciate Your time. Anything else before we sign off?
Thank you so much for taking the time to interview me! I really appreciate it. Thanks for all that you do to support indie artists! Rock on.
