Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A) As a kid, I grew up listening to all sorts of music, but it really started because my parents had such a love for jazz music and that really rubbed off on me. When I first started, it was all Norah Jones, Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra that I would sing. Eventually I found Ed Sheeran, who I loved because of the storyteller he was and I got really inspired to write songs based on my own life and experiences, it kinda flourished from there. I’d say vocally I still have some of those jazz tonations in there, but I alsolove pop music so that’s kinda where the direction landed. I still have this desire to one day make a jazz album because those are my roots but we’ll see, maybe one day.
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “Olivia Penalva”?
A) I really just want to connect with people through our shared love for music and the
weird things we all go through. My hope is that people just love the music because it
makes them feel something whether that’s sad or happy, as long as it connects with
them in some way. Life is messy and beautiful and uncomfortable all at the same time
and for me, the message of my music is the epitome of those things.
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A. There are so many that inspire me. For starters I’d say Billie Eilish because she is unapologetically herself. Which is something I think everyone can learn from. Obviously I have to throw in Taylor Swift because being a female artist and a boss is no easy feat, but it’s a reminder that there is no limit to your success if you want it badly enough.
As far as musical inspiration goes though, I would have to say my own life. I’ve always been a better writer when writing about things I’ve actually experienced and I love sharing that with the world.
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the song, “Spiderwebs”?
A) “Spiderwebs” is really about the realization that you’ve lost control of your life and how difficult it can be to navigate that. How caring about another person can make you lose yourself completely. Especially when that person doesn’t have your best interest at heart. This song really describes the aftermath of those experiences and how messy it can be to get caught up in someone else’s webs.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A. I’d say honest. I’ve never shied away from telling the truth when it comes to my music. It’s hard to be so vulnerable with complete strangers but I think we all crave to be understood. Doing this has not only shown me that others relate to my experiences, but that I can make others feel seen as well.
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “Spiderwebs”?
A. I think the challenges came before the song. I was finding life difficult to navigate and writing this song gave me a voice. It really became my life’s anthem for a little while which is why I wanted to share it. If it could help me, then maybe it could help others too. So recording it was very cathartic and now being able to share It with the world, I feel very proud.
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A) For me, being very honest and authentic is very important. So even if the songs are darker or sadder, that’s just part of it. Sometimes the hard things are the things that need to be said because that’s real. My goal is to really connect with people by sharing my own experiences, with the hopes that it will resonate with listeners and maybe help them feel heard, knowing they aren’t the only ones going through it.
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A) This is always my least favourite question because I can never choose. But, right now I’d have to say Zach Bryan. Lyrically, he is such an amazing storyteller and I just love his voice.
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A) I think I’d have to say, be yourself! I think it’s so easy to get swept up into what others want you to be like. And I hate to see people change because others think they need to. What makes you unique is you and you’ve gotta stay true to that.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A) Trust your gut. You’re gonna come across people who think they know what’s best
for you, but the only person who really knows that, is you.
