Photo Credits
Derek Webb’s Photo - Emily Tingley
Mary Gauthier’s Photo - Barbra Fg
Ruthie Collins’ Photo - Alexa King
Alex Blue’s Photo - Destiny Keller
Ruthie Collins + Alex Blue Vinyl Sales - Don't Miss Out!
By Alexa Sangalis
If you love vinyl and incredible songwriting, we have BIG NEWS for you! This week, two of our wonderful management clients have an exclusive sale on their respective vinyl: 20% off!! Let’s dive into each album and why you should buy yourself a vinyl before this sale is over Friday November 1st!
CLICK HERE TO BUY
On Ruthie’s second studio album, she sings introspective lyrics through thoughtful melodies. This is a true folk and country album. It’s hard not to feel something while listening to this masterpiece; we dare you to try. This is a must purchase for any vinyl lover to add to their collection. If you don’t believe us, here’s the wonderful music video for one of the most popular tracks off of the album, Joshua Tree.
CLICK HERE TO BUY
A very recent release from Alex Blue, Kin, is a beautifully written album about family, belonging, and home. If you love folk and feeling things, you will LOVE this album. It’s guaranteed to bring a tear or two to your eyes - and if not, we’ll give you your money back! (just kidding, we definitely won’t, but we will be extremely shocked.) Watch the music video below for one of the many beautiful songs on the album, Never Been High.
Big Release Weekend for OM
by Faith Harting
Here at Olivia Management, we have had a big week with two releases! We couldn't be more thrilled to share the incredible music from our talented artists Alex Blue and Josh Radnor.
Alex Blue release her EP “Day Job: Pretty in Pop” on October 11th! It is such a fun and honest EP. Click to image below to give it a listen!
Josh Radnor released his new single “Don’t Get Sick This is America” on October 11th. Josh writes “Topics Covered: Health care, poverty, racism, sexism (get psyched!) Oh, and because this is the internet and tone tends to get misread or lost entirely, I mean the opposite of everything I say in the song.” Go give it a listen!
We are so proud of these artists and hope you love their new music as much as we do!
Patreon - a fantastic platform for Artists and Fans!!
By Lexi Staebler
Have you ever wondered how to build a bigger community with your fans? Well, artists (and fans!) this one platform is perfect for you! “Patreon” is a platform where artists have the opportunity to connect closer with their biggest fans and have complete creative control of their space. The platform acts as a direct line for artists to communicate with their fans in an intimate space, through options such as group chats, comments, DMs, or email to make the experience special and individual. Artist's platforms also have several membership options you can select to be a part of as a fan, spanning different monthly fees.
Each artists’ space is uniquely designed to fit them—their music, personality and passions! Things such as videos, podcasts, writing, art, music, recipes, passions, and hobbies are commonly shared on artists' patreon platforms for fans to access and enjoy. These exclusive works shared to the platform are a great way for artists to grow and turn something they enjoy, a talent, or a passion into a creative business to further connect with their fans. These communities act like a “VIP experience” for fans from their favorite artist to get a sneak peak into their artistry and/or personal life more than the average listener.
Independent Artists We Love With Awesome Patreons:
Mary Bue
Mary loves to share her thoughts about her passion, yoga, on her Patreon. She also enjoys sharing postcards, handwritten notes and artworks with her fans. You can also download a song a week with its stories and get to hear Mary’s spiritual, emotional and mental thoughts.
Jaimee Harris
Jamiee shares a behind the scenes sneak peak with her fans, showing them what day-to-day artist life can look like. She also posts cover songs, first clips of new music, and cover art for her superfans to see before the general public. Jamiee also does Q and A’s, private live streams, polls, and shout-outs to specific fans!
Ordinary Elephant
This duo utilizes their Patreon as a safe space to connect with their listeners. The duo expresses themselves as one voice made of poetry and music, and on their Patreon, you can hear lovely poetry read by Crystal in her calming and soothing voice. They also share new songs they’re working on, or their version of someone else’s song to the platform as well.
Sara Milonovich
Sara gives her Patreon fans a fiddle tune a week and loves to sprinkle in chicken puns as well! Additionally, once a month she hosts a booze-themed livestream where a featured drink is picked and she dives into the history, chemistry, and other fun facts. Sara then sings performs a song or two on the livestream highlighting the chosen drink!
Olivia Management artists, Alex Blue, Derek Webb and Ruthie Collins all have Patreon platforms which you can join to become a part of their personalized community space! Be sure to check them out for an inside look and closer artist/fan relationship!
*disclaimer: we do not full-time manage any of the artists listed above.
Our Artists Best Covers
By: Charlotte Ulman
Our artists are not only exceptionally talented songwriters but also remarkable vocalists. Covering another artist's song brings the challenge of honoring the original, and we believe these renditions from Alex Blue, Ruthie Collins, and Street Corner Symphony exceed expectations.
Alex Blue - Never really Over (Katy Perry cover)
Alex Blue's rendition of Katy Perry's "Never Really Over" infuses a vibrant pop energy, delivering a powerful and memorable chorus. Filmed in august of 2019, right on the cusp of a global pandemic, uncertainty, and fear, this cover offers a sense of hope and inclusivity to its listeners. The melody is captivating, and the harmonies stand out beautifully in this performance!
Ruthie Collins - One Last Time (Ariana Grande cover)
We dove deeper to discover this gem: Ruthie Collins performing Ariana Grande’s “One Last Time” backstage before a show in 2015. Collins infuses the pop song with her unique charm, slowing it down and adding a folk twist—a challenging feat for a pop track. Her reimagined rendition transforms the song into a beautiful piece that we absolutely adore!
Street Corner Symphony - The Evolution of Country Music
Street Corner Symphony presents a unique twist with this a cappella cover of iconic country songs spanning from the 1930s to the present day. Their harmonious blend of voices, enhanced by Armand's resonant bass, creates a captivating performance. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, we take pride in seeing our artists connect deeply with the city's rich country music heritage.
That Summer Feeling...
There are so many emotions that come with the warmth of the upcoming months. From feelings of nostalgia, freedom, unending joy, and a touch of careless abandon, Summer gifts us the chance to step away from the chaos of our daily lives and soak in the beauty of the world around us. Music has the remarkable ability to capture these feelings, forging soundtracks that are synonymous with sunny days, sprawling sunsets, and late-night adventures. But what exactly gives music that classic summer feeling? Let’s dive into the elements that make certain songs the perfect companion for the warmest season of the year.
1. Instrumentation: Songs that demonstrate feelings of Summer often have bright and easy-going instrumentation that often evoke images of clear skies, breezy, coastal shores, and never-ending sunshine. This can include instruments such as acoustic guitars, brass sections, and ukuleles, and tropical features like steel drums and marimbas which can transport listeners to beachside paradises. These can go even further with the harmonica, bongos, and the accordion. The use of major keys and lively chord progression enhances this effect. All of these instruments display vibrant sounds that bring warmth and rhythm to an atmosphere.
Examples:
Brown Eyed Girl- Van Morrison
Everywhere- Fleetwood Mac
Margaritaville- Jimmy Buffett
2. Catchy and Upbeat Melodies: You know when you find yourself humming a song long after initially hearing it? This is the essence of a good summer staple. This type of catchiness makes the music easy to listen to and remember, and even better, easy to sing along with. There is nothing quite like belting the lyrics of a song with your arms out the window, a friend at the wheel, and the warm breeze on your face. This type of communal enjoyment is what makes some of the best memories, and the best songs.
Examples:
So Good- Alex Blue
Espresso- Sabrina Carpenter
Good Vibrations- The Beach Boys
3. Feel-Good Lyrics: Lyrics play a crucial role in matching the sweet ambiance of summer. They must focus on the positive experiences that celebrate the joys of the season, which often are expressed in themes of romance, adventure, relaxation, and quality time spent with those closest to us. They lift the everyday pressures we face off our shoulders and allow us to slip into the blissful moments of a cloudless day. This is why Summer is often linked with the idea of freedom, where we are given the space to let go and give into relaxation.
Examples:
Super Rich Kids- Frank Ocean, Earl Sweatshirt
Dancing Queen- ABBA
Feathered Indians- Tyler Childers
4. Nostalgic Themes: Summer is in most cases associated with heightened emotions, especially in our younger years where we truly had the time to rest and restore our minds, giving a general sense of well-being and happiness. Hearing songs from these periods, and even songs that sound similar to them can trigger vivid memories of these times. The repetitive nature of this music, mixed with the psychological highs of the season, holds consistent and intimate spaces in our minds, forever to be replayed.
Examples:
Great Wide Open- Ruthie Collins
Bus Driver 2 (It All Matters After All)- Derek Webb, Caedmon’s Call
Summer- Modest Mouse
5. Cultural Influences: Music with regional influences, specifically from tropical or coastal areas, often embodies the vibe that we associate with this season. Genres like Reggae, Calypso, and Latin music bring with them a sense of community that is exhibited at festive gatherings and warm weather. These types of music are seen as timeless tracks that can be linked to summer through their cultural expressions and smooth-going sounds.
Examples:
Could You Be Loved- Bob Marley & The Wailers
Why Kiki?- Iam Tongi
Yo No Soy Celoso- Bad Bunny
“That Summer Feeling” Playlist!
A Holly Jolly OM Holiday Playlist
By Miriam DeYoung
We’re just two weeks out from December, and you know what that means - it’s officially holiday season!! Or at least so we think so here at Olivia Management, our Christmas tree has been up for over a week now. To get in the holiday spirit, we’ve put together a Holly Jolly OM Holiday Playlist packed full of holiday music our full time and consulting clients have put out over the years. Originals and covers alike, our OM artists are excited to help usher in the joy this year!
Harmonies and Highlights: Olivia Management’s AmericanaFest Recap →
Though the dust has settled, melodies still resonate, and the memories will linger – AmericanaFest 2023 was a whirlwind of music, camaraderie, and inspiration that left our hearts full and our spirits soaring. We're excited to take a step back and share the incredible highlights of this unforgettable week.
The Eighth Room Showcase: A Night to Remember
On September 19, the stage at The Eighth Room came alive with the soulful tunes of our talented artists. The showcase featured a star-studded lineup, including Madeleine Kelson, Lauren Balthrop, Mary Gauthier, Ruthie Collins, Derek Webb, Alex Blue, Jill Andrews, and Sam Johnston. Hosted by the entertaining Flamy Grant, the venue was brimming with applause and . It was a night of music that will echo in our hearts for years to come.
"Saved By a Song" Panel: Mary Gauthier
September 20 brought an enlightening moment as Mary Gauthier took part in the panel discussion titled "Saved By a Song." Mary shared her insights on the transformative and healing powers of songwriting. Her words resonate with the audience, reminding us all of the incredible ability music has to heal, inspire, and uplift.
Creative Solutions in Artist Management Panel
On September 21, Olivia Management hosted a thought-provoking panel that delved into the world of artist management and brainstormed creative solutions. Led by our very own Erin Anderson and moderated by the talented Mackenzie Fey, the panel featured the wisdom of Mary Gauthier and Blair Clark from Brooklyn Basement Records. Together, they explored strategies for artists to grow their careers even without a full-time management team.
Humphrey's Street Day Party: A Celebration of Talent
Saturday afternoon was a time of celebration at Humphrey's Street, where we hosted a day party featuring some of our consulting artists. Helena Hallberg, Charlie Argo, Rachel Mcintyre Smith, Katie Callahan, Katie Boeck, Carli Brill, Remi Goode, and Alright Alright graced the stage, sharing their incredible music with a lively audience. It was a joyful conclusion to a week filled with music and creativity.
Evening Performances: Our Artists Shine
As the sun set on AmericanaFest, our artists continued to shine. Sam Johnston played in the round at the iconic Bluebird Cafe, Jill Andrews enchanted the audience at AB Hillsboro, and Mary Gauthier delivered an unforgettable performance at Eastside Bowl. Their music echoed through the Nashville night, a fitting conclusion to a week packed with extraordinary talent and fellowship.
While the curtain may have fallen on this year's AmericanaFest, we’ll take the memories with us. We're grateful for the opportunity to showcase our artists, engage in insightful discussions, and celebrate the power of music with the vibrant Americana community.
But, as they say, the music never stops, and there's work to be done. We're excited to continue nurturing talent, offering consulting services, and applying creative solutions in the world of artist management day after day. Until next time, keep the music alive, and stay tuned for more harmonies and highlights from Olivia Management!
OM Artists on "Mix It Up" by Sonofi
This summer, our artists Alex Blue, Hush Kids, and ZG Smith recorded some awesome videos with Sonofi, previously known as Matter Music. Their YouTube show “Mix It Up” combines music and drinking as a way of getting to know some Nashville artists and bartenders. This episode was filmed at Never Never. To quote Sonofi, “Grab your drink of choice, pull up a seat at the bar, and get ready to hear some of your new favorite voices in music.”
Alex Blue - Episode and “Honey Tea” Performance
Hush Kids - Episode and “Wake Up” Performance
ZG Smith - Episode and “Let Me Back In” Performance
Olivia Management's Small Business Saturday Gift Guide
We put together a Small Business Saturday gift guide so you can support great music and great people. Scroll to see our favorite products from our artists and more!
Hush Kids Weatherman Vinyl
The Hush Kids Weatherman vinyls are hot off the presses and they arrived at our office just last week. They look and sound absolutely beautiful, as we knew they would. Get yourself or your loved ones a Weatherman vinyl today to bring a little magic to your record player.
Mary Gauthier’s Debut Book Saved by a Song
Saved by a Song by Mary Gauthier is a must-read for writers of all kinds. Check out her website for deals where you can bundle Mary’s book with a “Saved by a Song T-Shirt” or a CD of one of Mary’s legendary albums.
“Keep Jill Andrews Sad” T-Shirt
Let’s keep Jill writing sad songs! You can contribute to the cause by buying a “Keep Jill Andrews Sad” t-shirt. Grab one of these tees for the Jill Andrews fan in your life.
Street Corner Symphony Jukebox CD
Looking for a gift for the kids in your life? Look no further than Street Corner Symphony’s new kids album, Jukebox. This CD is jam packed with songs that are fun for the whole family.
Ruthie Collins Wish You Were Here Bandana
The Wish You Were Here Bandana is one of our absolute favorite merch items by Ruthie Collins. The design is just gorgeous, and the material is so soft. Get one for the stylish Ruthie fan in your life.
Alex Blue Organic Ribbed Beanie
Keep your loved ones warm this winter by buying them an Alex Blue organic ribbed beanie. This hat is ridiculously comfortable. Trust us on this one.
The Sewing Club Green “Trying” Poster
The “Trying” Poster by the Sewing Club is perfect for any poster wall. The art and the colors are so charming. Show some support for TSC today by buying one for yourself!
Backslide Vintage
Head on over to Backslide Vintage in East Nashville this Small Business Saturday to shop for some cool finds! You never know what vintage awesomeness you could uncover at Backslide.
Friendly Arctic Tennessee State Parks Collection
For your Tennessee loved ones, check out Friendly Arctic’s Tennessee State Parks Collection. The art on these items is stunning, and it’s all designed by the Friendly Arctic team!