Meet The Rising Independent Talent… Olivia Swann
Olivia Swann is ready to take over the world one song at a time. Hailing from London, Swann’s love for music first started at a young age. Growing up, she consumed the vibrant works of artists like Erykah Badu, Chet Baker and Amy Winehouse. As time went by, Swann realised that she wanted to pursue her own music journey within the beloved R&B genre. After graduating from the famed Berklee College of Music, Swann soon found herself diving headfirst into the industry as an independent artist. Having been mentored by Grammy-award winning producers like James Fauntleroy, Rance Dopson and Rico Love, Swann quickly made a name for herself as a vibrant songwriter. Since her 2020 debut, the songstress has released an array of tracks that showcase her diverse and unapologetic talent.
Her latest single, ‘Pillow Princess’, continues to highlight the singer’s dynamic artistry with its honest lyrics and moody production. Backed by her ever-growing fan base, a stacked portfolio of landmark gigs and her unique R&B sound, the young singer is showing no signs of slowing down. We were able to chat with Olivia Swann about everything from her music origins, the tips she learned at Berklee College of Music, and her latest release, ‘Pillow Princess’. Read the full interview below.
Heya Olivia! Thanks for taking the time to talk to SPINDLE.
The pleasure is all mine, I’m a big fan! 🙂
How’s the first month of 2022 treating you so far?
Honestly, my first month of 2022 has started off more than sweetly & has definitely set the tone for the year!! My first single has dropped, already done a sold out, live show in London, so you know I’m carrying this energy forward for the rest of the year.
I want to take it back to your music origins. When did you fall in love with the R&B genre?
When I was a kid, I was just obsessed with R&B! I used to save up and go to Woolworths every weekend and when I could buy the latest R&B & Hip Hop compilation CDs. Literally used to rinse them on my walkman, and to be honest nothing has changed. I’m still at heart the biggest R&B head and growing up listening to people like Usher, Joe, Keyshia Cole, all the greats was a great start to my musical journey. When I went to Berklee in the USA, it really opened my ear to Jazz so that took me on a whole new journey blending this with my first loves!
Was there a specific album or track that helped shape your love for the craft?
Thinking back, there were a few albums that I used to play on repeat that definitely left their mark on me. Usher’s ‘Confessions Part II’ was a big one, Craig David’s ‘Born to Do It’ and Ciara’s ‘Goodies’ albums are to this day my go-to’s! But one that left the biggest impression even now, was The Game’s ‘The Documentary’! I didn’t realise at the time but all of the music I used to listen to growing up has played such an integral part in my sound today, so shoutout to my younger self!
We hear that you graduated from Berklee College of Music. Are there lessons or tips from your time as a student that you still use today?
For sure, too many to articulate. But I think one of the biggest lessons I learned was the importance of studying the greats and knowing your music history. Everything we’re creating today has an origin and by going to Berklee, it made me realise the power of what has come before me, I just need to deep dive into it all, all the sauce is in the past!! Aside from this, it solidified how crucial work ethic is, Berklee is what you make of it, so everything I achieved there I had to earn and hustle for, much like the industry out here, so yes overall, Berklee was a blessing for me, it taught me so much!
Your songs have such a fresh and unapologetic energy to them. How would you personally describe an Olivia Swann track?
An Olivia Swann track is full of truth, relatable, definitely a little bit shady in places but there’s nothing wrong with throwing a little shade! But of course above all, the music is king, so the pen, production and vocals will always be A1. I am and will always be a storyteller at heart, all of my music is based off my experiences, but with these releases in particular, I’m not taking myself too seriously, which I think is refreshing for the current scene at the moment.
With that in mind we need to talk about your fantastic release ‘Pillow Princess’. What was your inspiration behind the track?
‘Pillow Princess’ says it all really. The queer community know what I’m talking about! This record was honestly just me venting about a situation I was in with a girl that didn’t really end up how I’d hoped. Writing this one felt very much like a ‘Gossip Girl’ blast in a song; ‘spilling the tea live and direct from the bedroom!!!! XOXO’
How do you want fans to feel after listening to the record?
I want people to be able to relate, chuckle to themselves & feel like I’m their friend and we’re just having a catch up! This one’s very conversational and I hope my fans are getting to know me a bit more through it.
With ‘Pillow Princess’ making the rounds, can we expect an album or EP in the near future?
A lady never tells, butttt I am cooking up something special and it’s certainly going to turn some heads. In the meantime, ‘Pillow Princess’ is just the tip of the iceberg for 2022, my music will be dropping thick and fast all year so you better stay ready!
What are five goals you want to achieve by the end of this year?
- Consistently release music every month independently
- Sell out all my headline shows
- To get featured on Spotify editorial
- Get into the best shape of my life, vocally!
- Last thing , I want that little blue tick by my name on them socials
Check out Olivia Swann’s latest track ‘Pillow Princess’ here or below.
