Some of Our Favorite Lyrics by Our Artists

by Maddy Hicks

Not only are our artists amazing performers, but they are also exceptional songwriters. I wanted to highlight a few lyrics of theirs that make us smile, cry, and feel all the feels.

“So while you sit by the fireplace reading poetry

I will love every word that you say to me”

Alex Blue - “Mary”

“I was wrong

I'm sorry

And I love you”

Derek Webb - “I Was Wrong, I’m Sorry & I Love You”

“I knew it in the month of you

In the middle of your living room”

Christina Cone, Andrew Doherty (Frances Cone) - “’93 or ’94”

“The morning is made for the touch of your skin

The morning is made for ‘I love you’ again”

Jill Andrews, Peter Groenwald (Hush Kids) - “Morning Is Made”

“You’re like swimming in the river in the darkness

Never have to question where my heart is”

Jill Andrews, Trent Dabbs (Jill Andrews) - “River Swimming”

“We are raindrops in a river

One day we’ll all be memories

To be lost is to be looking”

Peter Groenwald, Fiona Bevan, K.S. Rhoads (Peter Groenwald) - “We Carry On”

“So what are you doing?

If it's no bother

Could I come over?

Hide under your covers

I swear I won't ask much

I've learned how to beg, steal, and borrow your love”

Ruthie Collins, Rick Brantley (Ruthie Collins) - “Beg Steal Borrow”

“Well, I been reelin’, left with my demons

But I still got feel

in’ in my arms and legs

And I’ve been thinking I’ll ride the blinds now

Maybe find a new town

One where I can see again”

Zachary Gibson Smith (Smooth Hound Smith) - “Waiting for a Spark”

“I keep in tax on all of the innocence I′ve lost

And all the mistakes that got me here

I've always felt a night like this was sure to come

Rain would finally let on”

Street Corner Symphony - “Myriad of Stars”

Americanafest Must-See Performances

Americanafest is finally here!

There are so many amazing artists performing this year, and it can be daunting trying to decide which events to go see. I’ve put together a list of the performances I’m the most excited for. You’re not going to want to miss seeing these artists!

Olivia Management Presents Live from Historic Eastland

Wednesday, September 22 - 10pm

If you’re looking to see several incredible artists all at one event, this show is the perfect opportunity. Presented by Olivia Management and hosted by Mr. Steve, the performance features Hush Kids, Jill Andrews, Derek Webb, Ruthie Collins, Peter Groenwald, Smooth Hound Smith, and Madeleine Kelson. Tone Tree Music is sponsoring this event, and it will be free to attend. I’m so excited for this show!

Jill Andrews at The Basement East

Thursday, September 23 - 10pm

You never want to miss a chance to see Jill Andrews live. She’ll be performing an official Americanafest show at The Basement East on the 23rd at 10pm. Jill’s performance will be a great way to end your Thursday night!

Smooth Hound Smith at Tin Roof on Broadway

Friday, September 24 - 6pm

Make your way over to Tin Roof on Broadway on the 24th for a chance to see Smooth Hound Smith perform at 6pm! Grab some dinner and watch these amazing artists do their thing.

Ruthie Collins at The Basement

Friday, September 24 - 7pm

Ruthie Collins is in town and you don’t want to miss out on seeing her perform live! Swing by The Basement at 7pm on the 24th to hear some of her incredible songs.

Power to the Music: The Songs of 1971 - Fall

Friday, September 24 - 11pm

To round out this fantastic festival, you should definitely check out this event featuring Ruthie Collins and Jill Andrews alongside many other great artists. The performances will all be tributes to the iconic music of 1971. Make sure to stop by this amazing event!

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.

Nightcrawlers - Niki

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.

Halloween - Phoebe Bridgers

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.

Tell That Devil - Jill Andrews

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.

Death With Benefits - Derek Webb

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”

Maybe I’ll Go Nowhere - Ethan Gruska

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.

Cruciflex - Blimpee

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 - Sister

“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.

When Am I Gonna Lose You - Local Natives

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.

Autumn Leaves - Eva Cassidy

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.

#TBT

by Madeleine Kelson

Somehow, it has been around two years since Hush Kids released their debut album. If you have already listened to it at least 100 times like I have, consider this blog post a really good excuse to listen to it for the 101st time. If you haven’t heard it yet… well, what are you waiting for? It’s full of chill songs, beautiful harmonies, an occasional banjo, and lots of good vibes. I know what you’re thinking - why should you, a person with really great taste in music, trust my opinion? The good news is, you don’t have to! Billboard debuted their single, “What’s Your Hurry,” so you can take their word for it instead.

Hush Kids, an album by Hush Kids on Spotify

Don’t forget to also check out their latest single “Wake Up (Acoustic)” just released this past September!

What’s Happening with Our Artists this Week

by James Muller

From an outside perspective, most people would think that there is not a whole lot is going on with musicians right now. With live music on pause for the most part, many artists have jumped into a quarantine of creativity or simply just spend time with family. At Olivia Management, each of our artists have had a busy summer finding new ways to bring music to the world and connect with their fans. From playing live streams, launching Patreons, safe and socially distanced shows, releasing new singles, and everything in between. Every week is different, and there is always something new happening with our artists. Here’s a little rundown of what our artists have going on this week! 

If there’s one thing we know about Jill Andrews, it’s that she loves to tour. While understanding the need and importance for social distancing and safety during this time, Jill had a vision to tour the country in a safe and pandemic-friendly way. This week she continues her ‘Outdoor Spaces and Covered Faces Tour’ with a show on Thursday, August 6th in Madison, WI. So far the tour has been a socially distanced success, and Jill has been thrilled to play live for her fans in a safe manner. 

Hush Kids are beaming with their latest single release, “Wake Up (Acoustic)”, and are excited to have this song out in the world! Take a listen.

Derek Webb continues his ‘End of The World’ livestream series this Thursday with a full performance of his album, “Mockingbird”. Click here for Tickets!

Ruthie Collins has been making the most of her airstream with her livestream series, “Live from the Airstream”. Check out her next show, Monday, August 6th. She will be playing future cuts!

We are so proud of all that are artists are doing to stay creative and connected with their fans!

Music in Visual Media: Why It Matters

By Connor Kozlecar

Think to yourself…

Have you ever watched a movie or binged a TV show without any music in it?

Odds are, you haven’t. And there’s a reason for that. 

Whether you like to think of it this way or not, music is an integral part of your everyday life. In almost every facet of life, music plays a weighty role contributing to many cognitive functions of how we process our daily activities. And now that i’ve pointed it out, you’ll surely begin to notice how prevalent music is in your life. Even down to the simplest form, commercials. 

I can almost guarantee that if you hear someone sing the first part of the jingle “like a good neighbor,” it’s likely that you will be able to finish it without skipping a beat. The beautiful thing (and easily my favorite part) about how our mind processes music and melodies, is the emotion that score composers and artists are able to evoke in a viewer as they watch a movie or a TV show. 

Because that’s the whole point, right?

Where’s the joy in watching a movie or a show if you don’t feel anything towards what your eyes are processing. Visual media and music have a shared responsibility in the experience of the viewer. 

If you think back on a favorite scene, movie, or show of yours and can remember how you felt watching, chances are if you go back and listen to the song or score associated you will be thrown into a wave of nostalgia that makes you wish you were watching it for the first time again. 

The importance of music and sound design in visual media is paramount and having an understanding of the intention behind every scene makes watching all the more worth it. As you go about your day, I challenge you to listen to everything around you and pick out where music falls into your life. Additionally, next time you watch your favorite show or a new movie, notice how the music makes you feel behind what it is that you’re seeing. I bet you’ll find that its presence is far more impactful than you were previously aware of.

To send off, here are a few examples of how music has impacted my viewing experience and some of my all-time favorites:

1. The Office Theme Song

2. Jill Andrews Cover of “We Built This City” - Greys Anatomy

3. Guardians of the Galaxy Soundtrack

4. “BellBottoms” - John Spencer Blues Explosion - Opening Scene of Baby Driver

Top 5 Indie Venues in Nashville

By Jackie Minton

As a new Nashville native, many of my friends ask me where they can hear good live music. Now if you’re looking for a night of classic country covers, Broadway is your best bet. But off Music Row, where do the locals go to get their music fill? Now that you are here, search no further. I have compiled a list of the best independent music venues in the Nashville and I am ready to get you listening like a local. 

1. The Basement East

Located at 917 Woodland St., The Basement East has been home to a number of budding and established acts. Noted for hosting quirky shows such as singer-songwriter Charlie Worsham’s annual John Mayerathon and world-renowned acts such as Avi Kapplan, former member of the Pentatonix, a bad night at Basement East is slim to none. Last time I went to a show here, I turned around to see Leon Bridges listening in the midst of the crowd behind me. If that isn’t enough of a seal of approval— I don’t know what is. 

Derek Webb plays to an attentive crowd at The Basement East. Photo by Maggie Adams

2. Mercy Lounge

This cozy venue features acts from across the board of the independent music. This upstairs brick hall is surprisingly cozy when filled with strangers. The packed atmosphere is balanced by sweeping, silent fans hung above the crowd— making for a notably pleasing (and less sweaty) listening experience. May be TMI, but you’ll thank me later! Performers range from pop-rock to folk-americana, but the air is always filled with an excitement from the crowd. Pictured below, Nashville-based artist Jill Andrews performs as a part of the city’s annual Americana Fest. Jill is set to return to Mercy Lounge on April 2nd (4/2/20) to celebrate the release of her upcoming album Thirties. This is an anticipated night you won’t want to miss! (Get your tickets here!)

Jill Andrews performs for Nashville’s annual Americana Fest on Mercy’s Stage. Photo by Erin Anderson.

3. 3rd & Lindsley

The slogan of this warehouse is “Good music. Good food. Good friends.” Fittingly, 3rd & Lindsley hosts both artists and songwriters, featuring a breadth of the music local and traveling through music city. Ranging from a table-and-chairs listening room experience to a standing-room-only concert hall, this indie venue is versatile and compatible with all kinds of audiences. Shown below the folk-rock duo Smooth Hound Smith steals the stage of this prominent Nashville venue. 

Americana-Rock Band Smooth Hound Smith takes the stage at 3rd & Lindsley. Photo by Maggie Adams.

4. The 5 Spot

On the East side of Nashville, The 5 Spot occupies the cozy and cool corner of the city. They feature everything from throwback dance parties reminiscent of the 70s and rising country acts, such as Ruthie Collins. Their unexpected mix of shows blend well into the host of bars and restaurants popping all over East Nashville. This 21 & up club is noted for their relaxed vibes and spunky entertainment!

Ruthie Collins pulls her audience close during this intimate show at The 5 Spot. Photo by Madeline Heiskell.

5. The Bluebird Cafe

Known best for spotlighting artists like Garth Brooks and Taylor Swift early in their careers, the Bluebird Cafe is often filled with listeners from all over the world. Even still, this landmark is a resting place for some of Nashville’s local jewels. It may be last in this list, but it is certainly not least! The venue’s popularity has only garnered with their common feature on the previous hit show Nashville and the late release of the documentary film, Bluebird. Nestled between Whole Foods and a Tuesday Morning, this whole in the wall is not one you want to miss. Pictured below the Americana duo Smooth Hound Smith performs at this neighborhood icon.

Indie Americana duo, Smooth Hound Smith performs below the neon bluebird. Photo by Madeline Heiskell.