SXSW Week

By: Josh Snyder

The annual SXSW conference is being held this week in Austin, TX with the festivities wrapping up Sunday, March 18th. This multi-faceted event features conferences in the film, music and media industries, as well as festivals celebrating music, film, comedy, gaming, and interactive media. SXSW brings people together from all parts of the world and offers opportunities for networking, as well as the appreciation and support of all forms of art.

Last year, The Secret Sisters made their debut appearance at SXSW. During the event, the sisters participated in radio interviews as well as performed in various showcases. It was a very busy week (you can check out last year's blog recap here) for them as it led up to their record release that summer. One of the radio appearances the sisters made was with mvyradio, where they performed 'Mississippi' from their latest album You Don't Own Me Anymore. You can check out their performance below! 

Wishing we could be in Austin this week as spectators to witness the amazing Nashville talent being represented. Locals with Acme Radio Live are at SXSW this week curating the "Nashville House" event featuring local acts we love such as Forest Fire Gospel Choir, Marc Scibilia, Sun Seeker, Liza Anne, Megan Davies and Waker. Willie Nelsons' Luck Reunion is taking place this week just outside of Austin and the star studded show features Devon Gilfillian, Blank Range, Lilly Hiatt, Josh Ritter and of course Willie to name a few. From everybody at Olivia Management, we salute all the artists performing at both SXSW and Luck Reunion by wishing them the best of luck!

Caitlin Canty: Record Release Tour

BY: LAUREN DEGEN

This week, Caitlin Canty heads out to the West Coast on her first leg of the Motel Bouquet release tour. This leg of the tour includes four stops, beginning in Santa Monica, CA, and finishing in Seattle, WA, as she heads up the coast. Noam Pikelny will join her on all four dates, and Jeffrey Martin will join Caitlin in both Portland and Seattle. 

Caitlin Canty's new, highly-anticipated record, Motel Bouquet, will be available later this month, set to release on March 30th. Described by Rolling Stone as "Thoughtfully constructed alt-folk with just the right amount of twang", we are so excited here at Olivia Management for everyone to hear the new music. 

You can still preorder the record and purchase other exclusive merchandise items today. Visit the link below to access Caitlin Canty's PledgeMusic page so you can experience first hand the record which The Bluegrass Situation compares to "being taken for a cinematic ride."

Matthew Perryman Jones #TBT

By: Josh Snyder

If you are a Matthew Perryman Jones fan, then you are likely aware that Matthew is finishing up his fifth studio album, slated to be released this year. The album is bound to feature new hits that fans will surely fall in love with! You can pre-order the new album here.

In anticipating the excitement of this upcoming project, I came across a video of Matthew performing "Waking Up the Dead" at Smoakstack Studios in Nashville. This performance showcases the vocal ability that Matthew possesses and that is sure to carry over to this new album! Check out the performance below:

Consulting Client Spotlight

As some of you may know, we have an increasing list of awesome and dedicated consulting clients that are constantly seeking out the best ways to grow themselves and share their music. We're going to highlight a few that have been kicking it into high gear lately - check them out!
 

Kate Kelly

With a flair for jazz styles and a voice that's smooth like honey, Kate Kelly's album is one that we can hardly wait for. We'll have to, though, as her Indiegogo campaign is now underway; she's offering special packages for fans to support her first full-length album. Kind as can be, Kate Kelly spends most of her time at the hospital where she works as a music therapist when she's not writing or recording. Read up on her journey here and check out her Indiegogo page below! 

Danielle Cormier

Danielle has been hard at work on her first full-length album Fire and Ice, and finally the anticipation is over! Her record was released this past Friday! We're proud of Danielle's determination and work ethic, and really dig her strong vocals - we think you will too. If you like pop, folk and singer songwriters, check out Danielle's new music here. Fun fact: She also got Peter Frampton involved in the record - he performs on the single "Can't Quit You." Watch Danielle's music video for the title track of her new album below. 

Michelle LeBlanc

Whenever Michelle walks into our office, I am instantly happier. She has an infectiously bright personality, and is a lady Jack of all trades (Jackie of all trades?), even encompassing her love for Tarot Card reading into her recently completed Kickstarter campaign. She released her new EP, A Man Like You, on March 2nd, and we're loving it. Read more about her lovely gypsy soul here and check out the album below. 

Merritt Gibson

With two singles already out, and a release date set for March 30th, Merritt's debut album, Eyes On Us, is just around the corner. Just a freshman in college, Merritt is already killing the game when it comes to learning what it takes to have a career in music. Not only does Merritt have drive, but she also has a realistic sense of the work ethic necessary to accomplish her dreams, but don't take my word for it, check out what East of 8th has to say in their article about Merritt's single "Eyes On Us" here. 

The Secret Sisters: Sold Out Shows

BY: LAUREN DEGEN

From now until the end of summer, The Secret Sisters will be touring both domestically and internationally to promote their Grammy-nominated record, headlining their own shows and opening for acts such as Brandi Carlile. Between their beautiful harmonies and intriguing sound, the duo continues to impress music lovers everywhere and sell out venues. In the past couple weeks, The Secret Sisters have sold out 9 shows (both at home and abroad), and as a result they have even added a second show in some cities. We are so proud of their accomplishments and continue to celebrate the amazing music The Secret Sisters create and the artistry that they exude. Click the link below to purchase tickets for a show in your area before it sells out!

The Secret Sisters will be touring throughout 2018 in support of their Grammy-nominated record, You Don't Own Me Anymore. 

Brandi Carlile New Album: 'By The Way, I Forgive You'

By: Josh Snyder

It is no secret that Brandi Carlile is one of the best American story tellers of our generation, as she has written hit after hit and has continuously touched the hearts of her sprawling fan base. Brandi has been an inspiration to many artists, including our own group, The Secret Sisters. Brandi produced The Secret Sisters' latest Grammy Nominated Album, You Don't Own Me Anymore, and this coming summer the Sisters are headed out for a string of tour dates with Brandi.

On February 16, 2018, Brandi released her sixth studio album, By The Way, I Forgive You. This new album is a call to action, featuring tracks of empowerment and motivation. The Secret Sisters added background vocals to "Sugartooth", a song that tackles the concept of addiction. There are a lot of songs of hardships and struggles, but underneath all of the pain, hope shines through helping all of us acknowledge the optimism that life has to offer. The album is sure to remain impactful for many years to come. Check out NPR's review of the album here. Watch Brandi's performance of "Sugartooth" at historic Studio A in Nashville below and be sure to keep an eye out for two talented ladies in the background!

Stay Connected!

For a few days, the wifi in our office was down. Which, in the modern world of business, is a big problem. We do a lot online everyday to stay connected with our team, artists, and fans. Staying connected is such a key part of the music industy, an industry in which things are constantly changing, evolving, and updating. With that said, I want to invite everyone, if you have not already, to follow Olivia Management and our artists on social media. That way, you can be up to date on everything that goes on in this crazy, awesome, Americana world we ave created here at Olivia Management! Follow the links below to find us and our artists on various social media sites!

Olivia Management

The Secret Sisters

Jill Andrews

Matthew Perryman Jones

Caitlin Canty

Hush Kids

"Hello Sunshine, Goodbye Pain, Goodbye Rain"

This morning I woke up at 4:30am and walked outside. It was about 35 degrees out. As a California girl, this type of weather does not agree with me. What also doesn't agree with me is the rain that is in the forecast for the next 10 or so days. So, If you are like me, and need a gloomy day pick me up for the next couple of days, take a listen to Hush Kid's teaser of their song, "Goodbye Rain." And if you want to have access to the full song, you can join their PledgeMusic Campaign and listen to the song all day every day, (Just like I'll be doing until this rain actually does goes away!) 

Caitlin Canty: 'Motel'

By: Josh Snyder

Recently, Caitlin Canty released a second single, titled 'Motel' that will be included on her upcoming album, Motel Bouquet, due out later this spring. This song provides an inside glimpse into what the new album is made up of. Caitlin showcases her strong vocal ability, as well as a gift for songwriting.

Back in January, Caitlin had the opportunity to perform at Paste Studios in New York, NY in one of their live sessions. While there, Caitlin gave a hollowing rendition of 'Motel'. You can check out the performance below!

Just Announced: Jill Andrews and Hush Kids at GAS Festival

BY: LAUREN DEGEN

Jill Andrews and Hush Kids have recently announced that they will be playing at this year's GAS Feed and Seed Festival. This festival is unlike any other, as it consists of not only innovative new musicians, but also some of the most renowned comedians in the country who will be playing shows and dining with guests.

The festival takes place from February 15-17, 2018 in Davenport, Iowa. The event will begin with a farm-to-table feast the first evening, followed by shows and performances, breaking all barriers of genre and instead focusing on the universality of true talent in both comedy and music. 

You can find tickets and more information about the event at the link below.

Hush Kids are currently in the process of working on new music. You can support their journey by contributing to their pledge campaign below.

Conservancy for the Parthenon and Centennial Park

By: Josh Snyder

Tonight, Matthew Perryman Jones and Hush Kids will be featured in a benefit show titled 'Songs for Centennial Park', taking place at the Nashville City Winery. All of the proceeds from this show will directly go to Phase Two improvements taking place at the park this spring. 

Centennial Park is home to the Parthenon, a Nashville landmark which is a full size replica of the Parthenon in Athens. Centennial Park also features a walking trail, beautiful gardens, and a scenic lake. The park hosts numerous events throughout the year and is a great family hangout. 

Phase Two improvements at the park will consist of new trails and the construction of a new outdoor pavilion. Also included in the improvement is a special lighting feature to help showcase the beauty of the Parthenon.

This show is sure to be a memorable night full of great music, all while supporting a great cause close to many Nashvillians. Tickets can be found here!

Transatlantic Sessions: The History

BY: LAUREN DEGEN

The Secret Sisters will be playing eight shows across the United Kingdom as part of this year's Transatlantic Sessions Tour. In honor of this short European tour, I thought it would be fun to research the history of the Transatlantic Sessions, and share my findings below.  

The sessions are a series of musical productions.

These productions are mostly collaborations, bringing together the folk music powerhouses from North America, Scotland, England, and Ireland.

Each performance is recorded as part of a special television series.

Directed by Mike Alexander and produced by Douglas Eadie, the live performances are recorded for television and air on PBS (domestically) and BBC (internationally). 

Historically, there have been six series recorded.

The sessions began in 1995, and the most recent was recorded in 2013. Because of the success of the television series, in 2017 the producers chose to turn to live shows and created the Transatlantic Sessions Tour, which is what The Secret Sisters will be apart of. 

The 2018 UK Transatlantic Sessions Tour follows the success of the Transatlantic Sessions April 2017 US Tour.

In April of 2017, artists long associated with the Transatlantic Sessions toured in a live series across the US. The small run of shows was so successful and memorable, that they decided to continue this year in the United Kingdom.

Olivia Management is so excited that The Secret Sisters have the opportunity to be apart of this year's Transatlantic Sessions Tour.
Check out their album You Don't Own Me Anymore and get your tickets to see them on tour below!

 

Rolling Stone Features Caitlin Canty

BY: LAUREN DEGEN

The January 2018 edition of Rolling Stone's "10 New Country Artists You Need to Know" featured Olivia Management's very own, Caitlin Canty. Upon the anticipation of her new record, Motel Bouquet, Canty has already drawn attention from many because of her sound that has been described as "thoughtfully constructed alt-folk with just the right amount of twang". 

Below, you can find the Rolling Stone article, as well as the link to listen to her debut single from the record, titled "Take Me For A Ride".

Grammy's on Sunday, January 28th!

By: Madeline Heiskell 

Just a reminder, The 60th Grammy Awards are on Sunday, January 28th! And in case you haven't heard, our incredibly talented artists, The Secret Sisters, were nominated in the Best Folk Album Category! Below are some awesome articles that talk about the Grammy nomination and the album that started it all, "You Don't Own Me Anymore." Keep scrolling if you want to learn more about the Best Folk Album Category!

According to the 54th Grammy Awards guideline the Best Folk Album category includes authentic folk material in both traditional vocal and instrumental styles, as well as contemporary material by artists who use traditional folk elements, sounds and instrumental techniques as the basis for their recordings. Folk music is primarily but not exclusively acoustic, often using contemporary arrangements with production and sensibilities distinctly different from a pop approach.

This award combines the previous categories for Best Contemporary Folk Album and Best Traditional Folk Album. The Recording Academy decided to create this new category for 2012 upon stating there were "challenges in distinguishing between... Contemporary and Traditional Folk

Previous winners of this category include: 

2017 - Sarah Jarosz, Undercurrent

2016 - Bela Fleck, Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn

2015 - Old Crow Medicine Show, Remedy

2014 - Guy Clark, My Favorite Picture of You

2013 - Yo-Yo Ma, The Goat Rodeo Sessions

2012 - The Civil Wars, Barton Hollow

We hope The Secret Sisters will soon join this list of amazing artists! If you need to be reminded of their amazing talent, check out some awesome videos below!

New Intern: Josh Snyder

1. What do you want to get out of this internship?

First and foremost, I want to gain knowledge and experience about the in’s and out’s of the music industry. Specifically, I can’t wait to see the role that marketing plays within the industry, and what tactics are best suited for promoting our artists and their respective brands. I’m excited to have such a hands-on internship experience that will let me directly contribute to Olivia Management’s success.

2. What do you love to do? Hobbies? Activities?

I love anything baseball, so this spring you can expect to find me at First Tennessee Park catching a game or two. I’m always searching for that next concert to go to, and love finding new Nashville hot spots to check out.

3. If you could eat one thing for the rest of your life what would it be?

Chicken Parm! It’s like getting the best of both worlds, chicken and pasta all together. Plus there are so many different ways to make it, so this can keep me intrigued for a long ways to go.

4. Favorite musicians, artists, genres, equipment, shows you’ve been to...tell us anything you love about music.

Country music is my go to genre for anything music. I’ve been listening to all things country for as long as I can remember, and what better place than Nashville to immerse myself with the country music experience. I’m a sucker for country ballads and the stories they tell. In regard to favorite artists, David Nail has always been my favorite. I also really like Brothers Osborne, Granger Smith, Aaron Lewis, and Aaron Watson. However, outside the country genre you can find me listening to Jason Isbell, Sam Smith, and the occasional rap song. I’m always excited to hear new music and broaden my musical exposure, regardless of genre or style.

5. Why did you choose to intern here?

During my sophomore year at Belmont, I took Erin’s Foundations in Entrepreneurship class. Throughout the semester, Erin always used examples from her business to correlate with the material we were talking about. I was always intrigued to hear more and more about her specific business and their journey. I’m excited for the opportunity to directly contribute to Olivia Management’s operation, all while working with a great team!

6. What is your favorite part about Nashville?

The primary reason that I chose to attend school in Nashville was the amount of opportunity this city has to offer. Regardless of industry, chances are, there is an opportunity to learn and further my knowledge. I have always heard people say that Nashville is a big city and small town all at the same time. This statement could not be more true, everybody seems to know everybody and has the intention to help you out any way they can. Let me tell you, Southern Hospitality is the real deal down here!

7. What do you want to be when you grow up?

Confident. In any job that I find myself in, I want to be confident in my work and the lifestyle I may lead. Overall though, I would love to find a job in marketing within the music industry.

New Intern: Lauren Degen

BY: LAUREN DEGEN

What do you want to get out of this internship?

I am so excited for this internship as I know it will be an amazing learning experience. I look forward to growing in my knowledge regarding the music industry artist management, as well as working hands on with incredible artists. Ultimately, I want to establish new relationships, learn as much as I can in 4 months, and walk away with tools that will help me achieve success in the future.

What do you love to do? Hobbies? Activities?

I love everything and anything that has to do with music--attending shows, discovering new artists, and educating myself on the business side as well. Besides that, I love to hike, run, and spend time outside being active. In the summer, you'll find me on my boat with my family or in the mountains in Idaho, soaking up the sun. 

If you could eat one thing for the rest of your life what would it be?

I could eat Mexican food every day for the rest of my life and never get tired of it. You truly can't beat a good burrito!

Favorite musicians, artists, genres, equipment, shows you’ve been to...tell us anything you love about music.

Still, to this day, Taylor Swift has got to be my favorite artist. From her songwriting to live shows, she's amazing! I will listen to any music, regardless of genre, if I like the way it sounds and find some emotional connection to the lyric (after all, that's my favorite part about music). Some of my other favorite artists include Ed Sheeran, Devin Dawson, Dierks Bentley, Maren Morris, Brothers Osborne, Old Dominion, etc. 

Why did you choose to intern here?

I chose to intern with Olivia Management because I love the environment and the culture of this company. I believe there is value in working for smaller businesses, as there are many different aspects of the music industry I will be working in. I love the creative energy I feel when I come to intern, as well as the desire to always achieve excellence in the workplace. 

What is your favorite part about Nashville?

My favorite part about Nashville has to be the people. No matter where you go, people are there to greet you with a smile (I'm telling you, Southern hospitality is a real thing). I also love going to school in a city where there is so much growth potential. Everyone here is a dreamer and I feel inspired each morning when I wake up here to be the best version of myself and to work hard towards my goals. 

What do you want to be when you grow up?

This is a loaded question because I feel like it is constantly changing! At the moment, my ultimate goal is to practice as an entertainment attorney and then eventually open my own publishing company that focuses in writer development as well. I am passionate that there needs to be more advocacy for songwriters in this industry, and want to be apart of that movement in any way that I can. 

Jill Andrews ‘Get Up Get On’ From The Good Doctor Season 1, Episode 11

If you tune in to the show "The Good Doctor" on ABC, you may have heard a familiar tune on the latest episode! Jill Andrew's Song 'Get Up Get On' from her album 'The War Inside' was featured in the 11th episode of the shows first season that aired on January 8, 2018. 

Below you can find the link to an article written about the song's placement in the show, and a link to Jill's music video for 'Get Up Get On.'  

Jill Andrews the Playlist Queen

We're lucky to work with awesome artists, but we're just as lucky to have an awesome team of people working with us to get our artists heard! Kudos to Jill Andrews and the team that has helped her get on the following list of amazing playlists with hundreds of thousands of followers.

Amazon - Fresh Folk & Americana - "Safe"

Spotify - Acoustic love - "I'M So in love with you"

Songs to soundtrack your love story, from butterflies and first kisses to bittersweet memories and everything in between. | Cover Artist: Christian Lopez

Spotify - greys anatomy - "Total eclipse of the heart"

A playlist featuring The Fray, Ed Sheeran, Christina Perri, and others

Spotify - Swagger - "Tell that devil"

These sexy, high-drama roots and Americana tracks pack some serious Swagger.

Spotify - Deep Dark Indie - "lost it all"

Hauntingly atmospheric, deeply melodic.

spotify - Ballad Uurtjes - "A way to you again"

Kom even helemaal tot rust met deze gevoelige ballads.

spotify - folk pop - "Get up, Get on"

Surf the rising tide of folk-infused chamber pop and singer-songwriter. | Cover Artist: Joseph

Spotify - femme fatale - "tell that devil"

A collection of dark, powerful siren songs... | Cover Artist: Kelsey Waters

Not A Goodbye, Just A See You Later!

By: Hannah Brown

I am currently sitting in our (newly renovated) office, in the chair I have spent the last four months in. And man does time fly. Today is my last day as an intern at Olivia Management, and I have learned so very much. As I wind down my day I wanted to share a little bit of what I have learned.

1. You Can Be Both The Most Graceful Individual While Also Being Funny 

During my time here I had the honor of joining The Secret Sisters on the road. From their music, to their performances, and their interviews The Secret Sisters are woman of class and are extremely humble. I imagined they would be the moist poised elegant women I would ever encounter. And while they are, they are also hilarious and real people. They are the perfect balance of graceful southern woman, who also have a humorous side. They are just magnificent women. 

2. Leaving Your Work at Work

My days at Olivia Management are extremely full. We work very hard to strive for excellence for our artists. And something I struggled with in the beginning was leaving my work at work. When I would leave at the end of the day there was still stuff on my to do list for the week. And being the perfectionist I am, I wanted to finish it all the second I got home that night. But through my time here I have learned the importance of being able to close my laptop and enjoying my personal life. And then getting up the next day to start off the day fresh and excited.

3. Taking Breaks is Essential

At Olivia Management, I have learned how essential breaks are. When you spend hours upon hours staring at a screen, you need to give yourself time to rest your eyes and your brain. When I learned to do this my work significantly improved. And I found myself far more refreshed throughout the day. 

4. Work Hard, Play Hard

As two boss ass women, Maggie and Erin sure know how to work hard. But the reason they are so successful is because they know how to also play. There isn't a day at Olivia Management I found myself bored. And adventure was a thing I could count on. Between Maggie's love of fidget spinners, trips to Dave and Busters, and exploring some of East Nashville's most beautiful studios. I learned the value of bringing some fun to the table. 

5. Jill Andrews Actually Sounds Like That

That is literally how she sounds you guys. That is all there is to say about that. 

6. Be Intentional and True to Yourself

This is by far the most important. I have been surrounded by the most amazing artists. Who have proven to me time and time again, that you do not need to be snarky to get ahead. Be yourself through and through. Treat others with kindness and respect, and do not fear being yourself. I can now thank Matthew, Jill, Laura, and Lydia for that.  They are the most kind, humble, loving, and genuine people. 

An Americana Christmas

By Madeline Heiskell

It is finally Christmas season!!! Which means lots of drinking hot cocoa, donning fuzzy socks, decorating Christmas trees,  and my favorite part, listening to Christmas music. And while I love listening to the classics, (who doesn't pull out their good ol' Michael Buble and Frank Sinatra albums during the Christmas season?) I also love discovering new music to get me in the Holiday spirit. At Olivia Management, I'm lucky to be surrounded by plenty of wonderful artists who also happen to have some Christmas ear candy for me to listen to this season. And lucky for you, I've done the heavy lifting and gathered all of those songs from Olivia Management Artists and put them together in This. Blog. Post. Please enjoy these beautiful songs, share them with your friends and, from all of us here at Olivia Management,  have a wonderful Americana Christmas!  

A playlist featuring Mary Bragg, Bri Murphy, Whissell, and others

(Above) Spotify Playlist with songs from Olivia Management Artists and Consulting Clients

Above are videos of The Secret Sister's rendition of "Little Drummer Boy" Live on WXPN (2016), Matthew Perryman Jones' version of "Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel" for NoiseTrade's 12 Days of Christmas (2013), and The Secret Sisters with Brandi Carlisle singing, "Christmas 1984" (2013). 

Cover Art for Peter Groenwald and Jill Andrews song, (now know as the band Hush Kids) "Jingle Your Bells" released in 2016