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
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:
Marr Bue patreon homepage
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!
Jamiee Harris patreon homepage
Ordinary Elephant patreon homepage
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!
Sara Milonovich patreon homepage
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.
What's Derek Webb Up To These Days?
by Ivan Grimblat
A lot has been going on in Derek Webb’s music career the past few months. He started the year out strong with the release of his latest album The Jesus Hypothesis, which was released on April 7th. The Jesus Hypothesis marks Derek’s first Christian & Gospel album in 10 years!
But that’s not all! Since January, Derek has been touring the US to promote his new album. He’s been playing house shows in over 17 states including the likes of Texas, Washington, Oregon, Georgia, Illinois and South Carolina. He’s going to keep this run of shows going through June, by playing 3 shows in California, more precisely in San Diego, Los Angeles and San Jose.
You can get tickets to his shows here!
Not only that, Derek has also recently released the lyric video for his song “Sympathy for Paul” and the music video for his song “Boys Will Be Girls”.
Follow Derek on Instagram for all the latest news!
A Fall Playlist for You
by Kate Cosentino
Spooky season is officially upon us and it’s time to get in the spirit. From witchy folk vibes to dark pop - this playlist is your gateway into the spirit of Autumn 2020.
Niki’s new album MOONCHILD features several uniquely produced bops, however “Nightcrawlers” takes the cake for weirdest turn. The songs starts as an innocent, lullaby-esque pop tune with no signs of changing until the third chorus section in which the music drops out and Niki’s vocal is pitched down completely. The effect is jarring and sends the song into a dark place that’s even catchier than the bubble gum beginning. Bonus points to her for using the word CADAVER in the lyric.
Phoebe Bridgers album Punisher has been my favorite album of 2020. Period. Every song is a magical journey lyrically and sonically thanks to Phoebe’s raw poetry and Ethan Gruska’s production. Halloween is perfect for the season.
What better for Halloween than a little Devil ditty? This song just so happen to be the theme song for Wynonna Earp which is on hiatus until 2021 for the next season. Catch up on the show and jam out to this awesome Jill Andrews tune.
What. A. Lyric. Derek Webb speaks to a deep emotion and fear I can relate to in his song “Death With Benefits”. I’ll let them speak for themselves - but it absolutely deserves a listen: Nostalgia gets you just as drunk as whiskey does
“It leaves me talking to imaginary friends
Man, it’s hard not to second guess a second guess
It leaves me doubting my doubts and questioning if
The truth is I just miss the myth of death with benefits”
Ethan Gruska’s production for himself and other artists like Phoebe Bridgers speaks to my soul. This song hits home on the idea of doing what you love even if you might go nowhere and the fears that go along with it.
It’s time for the newest in hyper pop - Blimpee. Blimpee’s song “Cruciflex” combines satire with some of the most innovative production I’ve heard this year. Beyond the clever lyrics such as “Like my bible belt? It’s dior.” the song is catchy like a Doja Cat hit. Jam out with your friends to this witty, funny and absolutely danceable new artist.
“Love Me Right” hits all the right notes. Sister’s voice is hauntingly gorgeous. The song sounds like a throwback to the 60’s with a modern twist. Catchy, stunning and perfect for your drive to a pumpkin patch or haunted house.
Local Natives always boast their unique tone of harmonies in every song. “When Am I Gonna Lose You” is no exception. The song beautifully describes the feeling of fear of losing someone you love- having experienced heart break before, this song perfectly speaks to that human fear of wondering: When will this person leave? Bonus points if you listen to the Sylvan Esso or Overcoats versions-both are beautiful in their own way.
A classic jazz standard, “Autumn Leaves” always gets me in the spirit of fall. Eva Cassidy’s incredible breath support strings you along each phrase of the song as the acoustic guitar follows her every word. She holds you in each phrase for as long as she can - personally I wish she could hold me in this song the whole season.
How to Find New Music
by Chelsea Hallman
Ultimately, my favorite way to find new music is to hear it live. Going to a show with four artists, only knowing one of them, and coming out on the other side with a playlist full of new music is my ideal Friday night. Right now, since that option is not currently in the picture, we must go digging ourselves.
I find myself digging up the most music when going for drives alone. Spotify really helps me out with this one. I put on my Discover Weekly playlist and just cruise. I often find a single by a small artist that Spotify matches up with my taste. I then add that to a playlist and later will look into more of their music. More often than not, I end up with a new favorite! This is how you find stellar smaller artists like Derek Webb or Ruthie Collins. Another cool thing about my Discover Weekly is I will sometimes land on a single that came out years ago that I would have never listened to otherwise. Tell That Devil by Jill Andrews came out four years ago and every day still is rocks on. With songs like that I’ll listen to one old single and find a whole artist's discography. It’s one of the many tools we’re lucky enough to have these days.
Another way I find music is through my friends. I find they have pretty good tastes in music, too! I’ll follow my friends on Spotify and look at their playlists, or just ask them what they’ve been listening to. I can assume that at least one of your friends gets a little too excited when you like their music taste. We all have that friend (or friends) (or friend groups!) that prides themselves in their playlists, I know I do!
It can also be fun to find music from another generation than you. Ask your parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, coworkers! I know my Uncle Jim is a music fanatic. He will give me hours of playlists of underground oldies. It’s a totally unique and fun listen. It’s also something cool to show off to your friends when you find something great.
Social Media is a great place to find music too. Instagram and Facebook have live shows going on the daily. A new one for me is finding artists on Tiktok. All the dance videos can lead me to some good music that I probably wouldn’t have heard otherwise. Keep on dancing!
Also, I recently found the Music Map. You search one artist you love and it comes up with a whole map of artists around that it recommends you check out. You can get down a hole in this one and find all kinds of new artists. I know for me, I searched for one artist I liked, Billie Eilish, and Harry Styles, Lorde, Lana Del Ray, Ruel, Bea Miller, Lady Gaga, King Princess, and many more of my favorites showed up along with about 40 artists that I hadn’t heard of. I’m a little obsessed with this tool now. Check it out here!
Happy music hunting, and let us know of any solid finds in the music world below in the comments!
New(ish) Songs on the Block: A Playlist
by Mackenzie Fey
If you’re like me, you tend to listen to the same three playlists with the same songs curated for any possible mood. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with this—it’s encouraged, actually. But sometimes it’s fun to get a little crazy and listen to songs we haven’t heard before. Unfortunately, this takes a lot of will power to go and seek music that you may find somewhat enjoyable (I know I can’t be alone in this). Lucky for you I’ve done the work necessary. All you have to do is press play!
Some newer Olivia Management playlist highlights:
“Good Grief” by Derek Webb
“Dang Dallas” by Ruthie Collins
“Dog in a Manger” by Smooth Hound Smith
“Back Together” by Jill Andrews
My Favorite Covers By Our Artists
by Helena Cook
Every now and again I love looking up covers of random songs I love. Covers are a great way to hear old favorites re-imagined by other artists and help you re-discover the messages of these songs in a new way. They give us both comfort and familiarity, but also excitement from hearing something new. This week I looked up my favorite covers by our artists at Olivia Management, so check them out below.
SHS - “All I Have To Do Is Dream” by The Everly Brothers
Even though Caitlin and Zack are usually known for their uptempo Americana and Rock sound, the harmonies on this cover are heavenly!
Lydia Luce (ft. Casey Breves) - “Rain and Snow” by Pentangle
I love this folk side of Lydia and love love love her sound and voice on this cover.
Ruthie Collins - “Jolene” by Dolly Parton
Her. Voice. Gives. Me. Chills.
Derek Webb - “Every Grain of Sand” by Bob Dylan
I have to admit, I’ve never been a huge fan of Dylan but I do love his songwriting, and this song was perfect for Derek to cover.
Jill Andrews - “Bermuda Highway” by My Morning Jacket
Jill’s voice is so soothing and everything I needed to hear this afternoon.
What are some of your favorite covers by our artists?
Olivia Management's Final Shows of 2019
by Helena Cook
As the end of the year approaches, the tour life of our artists here in Nashville is slowing down little by little. While our artists embark on their last dates of 2019, a few are still left! Check out the final tour dates for the year for Smooth Hound Smith, Lydia Luce, Jill Andrews and Derek Webb below. This may be your last chance to see them before Christmas and the New Year come into full swing! Ticket links are hanging out down there, too. For our Nashville neighbors, check out those upcoming local dates—you won’t want to miss it.
Website Tour Links:
Smooth Hound Smith // Lydia Luce // Jill Andrews // Derek Webb
Autumn’s Favorite OM Artist Songs
This summer, I have had the pleasure of getting to know a handful of new artists, in a genre that I don’t find myself listening to as often. Nonetheless, I have still enjoyed this adventure, and I wanted to the share the songs that have stuck out to me during my time here. It’s always hard to pick a favorite song from an artist, so really, a more accurate title would be “the ones I’m digging right now”.
“Dog in a Manger” - Smooth Hound Smith
Whenever I fall into one of those “roots rock” or folk moods, I will definitely be going back to this song and the rest of Smooth Hound Smith’s discography. Seriously, this is so good.
“S.H.a.M.E.” - Matthew Mayfield
As someone who tends more towards rock music than any other genre, I really appreciate Matthew Mayfield’s style. His whole album Gun Shy is fantastic, but I definitely love his song “S.H.a.M.E.” for its depth, relatability, and its message of hope. I’m also a big fan of using strings in guitar heavy songs. (Also, sidenote: I LOVE Matthew’s cover of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” on YouTube)
“Tell That Devil” - Jill Andrews
My true favorite Jill Andrews song is one that has yet to be released (shhh), but since I can’t tell you about that, my other favorite is “Tell That Devil”. I love it’s upbeat vibe and it’s eerie sensibilities.
“Good As New” - Jenn Grinels
I absolutely love the bouncy, jazzy vibe of this song. I wish there were more artists who brought this kind of vibe to their music, no matter the genre. This song reminds me of an artist I used to listen to a lot when I was younger, Francesca Battistelli.
“The Spirit vs. The Kick Drum” - Derek Webb
This song has a nice groove with an important message. In this song Derek draws a distinction between authentic faith and a faith built on feelings that ultimately don’t last. If you’re a little confused, that’s totally okay. If you want to know more, you can check this blog post which breaks down the song.
“Talking to Myself” - Hush Kids
As someone who prefers uptempo songs, this Hush Kids tune is especially enjoyable for me. I love the background vocals in this song, and how they help make it memorable for me.
“Me and Emmylou” - Ruthie Collins
Who doesn’t love a good song of confidence and empowerment? “She thinks she’s the queen of some Mexican desert”. What a lyric!
“Azalea” - Lydia Luce
Last but certainly not least, “Azalea” by Lydia Luce is an excellent track. I love the combination of the heavy, distorted guitar and the strings. Lydia’s thick, strong vocals also fit the whole vibe of this song. Catch her live in the next few Wednesdays at The 5 Spot in Nashville, TN. (BTW, Lydia looks exquisite in this video)
I hope this list helps you find your new favorite artist! These are my personal picks, and I’m sure others in the office have different songs they like best. Be on the lookout for new music from each of our artist. First up: Smooth Hound Smith’s new album coming August 9th!