Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
Paul: I’m an indie folk artist, that is currently writing new material and building from my debut release “The Divine Sky”. From as early as I can remember, music has played a crucial part in my development as a person – folk heroes like Dylan, Cohan, and many storytellers, poets have shaped my idea of music into adolescence and adulthood.
Olivia: Since I can remember I’ve always been very connected to music and art in general, it helps that my dad really loved music aswell and also wanted to pursue it professionally. When I was younger I remember wanting to fit in so badly that I would listen to the popular stuff at the time , Just to make myself seem cooler or something. But, as I got older I found bands like Kings of Leon & the Strokes and that’s when I realised, this is what cool music is and I don’t care if other people don’t like it.
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 “Paul Ryan/Olivia Thomson”?
Paul: I’m still in the process of writing albums and working on performances, so this gradual build up has helped my growth on many levels. I would consider people keeping an open mind when discovering my music, and taking the time to read the words that accompany the songs.
Olivia: I don’t care if people listen to the music or hate it even, I just write and sing and if I like it that’s all that matters to me really. But if people do like it then that would make me really happy & appreciative. And for anyone who is about to discover me I would say “I’m sorry” (haha!)
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
Paul: Joni Mitchell is always someone I’ve admired both as a musician and poet. I always feel inspired making new songs when I listen and watch live performances of Joni. She will always be an icon. Anytime I have a guitar near (most of the time) I write on inspiration.
Olivia: The most inspiring artist for me right now and for a while has been Lana del Rey in the terms of her music and her sound in general. But I think overall would have to be Charles Bukowski, I know He wasn’t a singer but the way he would tell his storys really inspired me to start writing. If it wasn’t for Charles, I don’t think I would even be making music. I tend to get inspired by a lot of random things, like tv shows or movies, or even just something someone has said to me in passing. I hear things and just turn into a creative weirdo.
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the song, “Longed for Life.”?
Paul: While the song has both indie and psychedelic elements, the words are elevated because of these elements. It takes a few careful listens, but the meaning is lifted, it takes the words to another level. While it reads as an existential and emotional passage, the resolve is affirming and strong in its tone.
Olivia: Longed for Life (instrumental) was sent to me by Paul and it was just the guitar and asked if I could come up with something to go with the music. And eventually one night I was lying in bed and I couldn’t sleep so l just tried writing, and the lyrics came quite naturally. It’s about feeling lost and believing you only have yourself in the world but at the same time, you enjoy that solitude and meloncholy. Because you want to be alone sometimes and be sad.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
Paul: Unique.
Olivia: Maybe meloncholic…… or weird?
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “Longed for Life”?
Paul: A few challenges was on the tempo, as well as the ‘feel’ of the song. Lyrically it was straightforward in writing as with all the material that has formed the album, but a lot of it was down to Olivia’s own genius.
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
Paul: I don’t really have a message, but I hope the music speaks for itself and that it inspires others to take on their own journey and story. My goals are to expand my own music, and create a memorable catalog of work.
Olivia: The message of my music is really just to be yourself and learning that it is okay to be alone and sad sometimes, but feeling better because of it. And my goal as an artist is to be happy with my art and to maybe help other people feel heard and accepted.
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
Paul: Bob Dylan.
Olivia: Maybe Amy Winehouse, or Lana.
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
Paul: Always be true to yourself, and be open to working in areas you may not be comfortable in to expand your field and knowledge.
Olivia: I would say don’t let other peoples opinions of you control the why you view yourself or your art, just be yourself in anything you do and be happy with the work you do.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
Paul: Carry on doing what you’re doing and work hard at your craft. Never give up!
Olivia: I would tell myself to shut up and stop over thinking so much of what other people think of you. You should only care what you think of you, because at the end of the day that’s all that really matters.
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