In the wake of her spellbinding latest single ‘Bad Things’, we had a chat with exciting indie pop upstart Olive Louise
Olive Louise is quickly crafting a name for herself with her quirky and unique brand of alternative pop. Existing in a realm that feels fresh, exciting and sometimes bizarre, her distinctive and charming approach to her sound provides a truly one of a kind flavour for her music.
Her latest offering ‘Bad Things’ is a harrowingly beautiful track that melds captivating melodies with darker, more ominous tendencies in what is looking like one of the most mesmerising and thought-provoking tracks of 2020. Olive has also gained acclaim and attention for the tracks video, a claustrophobic and memorable work of art that is somewhat beautiful, somewhat poignant, and absolutely fucking terrifying.
We caught up with the emerging artist, and found out some more about some of the stories and history that have formed Olive Louise.
Who TF is Olive Louise?
A blonde girl who makes indie pop music in her home studio in Queens and chopped about eight inches of her hair off in her bathroom sink last night out of boredom.
How long have you been making music?
I’ve been playing the piano and violin since I was in elementary school but then I became obsessed with writing in 9th grade and began writing lyrics during class. I couldn’t focus on anything else so I’ve been making music for years now. I’ve only recently started releasing it, finally.
Why do you make music?
I need to. It gives me this larger than life feeling. When an idea comes into my head I see it and it looks nothing like earth. I can’t live without it. I thrive on the rush I get when an idea takes shape. It’s a release like nothing else can create.
What are your biggest influences?
The music I listened to when my teenage angst was at its peak like Santigold, t.A.T.u’s song All The Things She Said, Rilo Kiley’s song Close Call, Kings of Leon and classical music. There’s so much, but my biggest influence was my mom who really taught me how to be a strong woman. My mom was so warm and graceful but she also knew when to be like fire. She taught me the piano and violin and was an outstanding mother and musician. She had work ethic, passion, and dedication like nothing you’ve ever seen. Both my parents did. It’s because of them that I put everything into the music.
What would you say has been your best moment so far?
A girl from Russia messaged me and told me how much Bad Things has helped her in her life and how much she loves the song. She shared a bit of her own story with me and I was really moved. The best feeling is being able to connect with other people. I feel so much less alone because of it. Life feels better and more meaningful.
How would you describe your sound to somebody unfamiliar with it?
I’d say my music varies greatly from song to song but it’s consistently raw and quirky. I’ve always felt like a misfit, and I think that’s what my music is. My vocals are pure emotion and If you’re not yet comfortable with all of you, my music might make you feel unsettled but if you accept who you are and have been through anything testing in life, I think it’ll resonate.
What’s your dream “I’ve made it” moment?
I want zero monotony, so I guess a dream moment would be being able to live a life where I’m able to always change and grow and never feel stuck. I want to perform everywhere. We’ll see where this year takes me once we’re allowed to travel again. Hopefully it’ll take me to Iceland or Norway to visit some friends and do shows in some intimate locations.
We love your single ‘Bad Things’, what can you tell us about the thought process behind it?
Thank you so much! I wrote it based off of the experience I had of going through therapy for my anxiety as a little kid. I had constant premonitions of losing my parents, and it stopped me from being able to just be a kid and run around without any worries. The process was getting into the studio after I wrote the lyrics and the melodies to the piano, and recording and producing with Harrison who I do basically everything with. We’re such a great team in every aspect that it just came so naturally. Plus I love him so there’s that! The thought was clear from the beginning, I wanted to tell my story and make it serve me. I wanted the visuals to have this distorted sense of reality, but I also wanted the song to have a soft lullaby-like feel to it so that it didn’t feel like a black hole. I’m really proud of it.
The track has gained a tonne of attention for its unique video, what inspired you to go in that direction with it?
I went with what felt completely authentic. Trends die. My mind was just on creating something I would love and I do love it. I’m sometimes eccentric, neurotic, and anxious. I channeled that into this video. I’m so grateful that so many people have sent it around and picked it up, especially in the UK. I want the next video I do to have a sci-fi element to it but we’ll see what happens.
What does the future have in store for Olive Louise?
More music! My next song has this sneaky edge. AH- I’m so ready to put it out. Can’t wait to show you. It’s about waiting to react and picking the right moment to do so, even if you’re underestimated in the process.
And finally, who is your biggest fan right now?
Aside from my partner who is always my biggest fan, my friends Ashley, Lani, Kayla and Kelly. I’m really lucky to not have just one! Have to include them all!
‘Bad Things’ is available now.
