Sometimes I am overcome with emotion when I think about how many talented folks and friends there are in this city. I’ve been trapped in my own bubble lately, not paying attention to new releases, but I recently went to a show that inspired me (Oginalii!) and popped my bubble. There’s a constant flow of incredible music coming out of this city, and I’m making it a priority (and declaring it here to the internet world to keep myself accountable) to highlight my friends, friends of friends, friend’s bands, friends’ bands friends or just great Nashville music. (But most of them will be friends of friends ‘cause Nashville, you know?) Thus, I present, “Nash You Oughta Know,” where genre has no meaning, and music that makes you feel something and pops your bubble of day-to-day monotony is as meaningful as it gets.
Some Lydia Luce and Andrew Duhon Musts
by Mackenzie Fey
Starting this Friday, Lydia Luce and Andrew Duhon are hitting the road for their Follow the River Down Tour. This is their very first time sharing a stage together, and we’re all over the moon about it (or should I say river….ha)! Living in all the exciting preparations for this tour, I can’t help myself from listening to both Andrew and Lydia nonstop. Here are a few songs you must listen to. I insist on it. Enjoy!
If You're a Fan of Olivia Management Artists, Check Out These Suggestions!
By Suzannah Peek
We are always searching for new or “new to us” artists over here at Olivia Management. Whether it’s an artist we’re trying to sign or an artist we just love to jam out to, the search never ends. Personally, I’m always in the “fans also like” section on Spotify. I want to find as many artists that are as similar to my favorite artist as possible. We created our own “fans also like” lists featuring Olivia Management artists. Click on the picture to listen to the artist!
We’re huge fans of duos, especially male/female duos. There is nothing like hearing the contrast of a low and high harmony come together. If you love The Hush Kids’ vocal symmetry and captivating melodies, then you’ll love…
Lydia’s vocals are really one of a kind. She has the ability to transfer her listeners to a completely different place. When I listen to “Strawberry Moon” I’m transported to the beach at night and when I listen to “Linens” I picture a couple in love during the Summer. If you enjoy Lydia’s storytelling and angelic vocals then you’ll love…
The nostalgic feeling of Matthew Perryman Jones’ “Anything Goes” makes me want to turn up the music and drive with my windows rolled down. His voice brings me to places in my memory that I don’t even remember visiting. If you weirdly like feeling nostalgic and sentimental then you should check out….
Carolina Story! The duo was formed in 2009 in North Dakota. They currently reside in East Nashville and are killing it around town. They have played the Opry and the Bluebird Cafe several times. I actually saw them at the Bluebird Cafe last summer and was floored. Their style of music is very similar to Hush Kids and they both have a lot of love songs! So if you’re feeling in love or lovesick, click on the photo to listen to Carolina Story.
Ira Wolf! The Montana native has some serious acoustic guitar skills and it shows in her music. She is a force in the folk community with four albums out. Her vocals remind me of Lydia’s in the way that they make me a little bit homesick. Ira traveled cross country in a van for several tours and it translates in her music. All I want to do when I turn on "Can’t Say’ is get in the car and drive to my hometown. Click on the picture to listen to Ira Wolf!
Joe Purdy! Speaking of nostalgia, Joe Purdy’s most famous song, “Wash Away”, was in one of the first episodes of Lost. That was one of my favorite shows growing up and I’m sure the same goes for many others! Although Purdy is prominent in the LA scene, he writes music like he’s a Nashville native. His stories take you on journeys of couples in love, travelers, and the tough topics of American life today. If you want your music to captivate you and make you think then click the picture to listen to Joe Purdy!
Olivia Management on Tour
by Suzannah Peek
We just announced several tours over here at Olivia Management and we could not be more thrilled! All of our artists put out great music but there is nothing like seeing them live. Whether it’s Hush Kids harmonies or Smooth Hound Smith’s chemistry, they always know how to put on a captivating live show. Check out the dates below to see if any of our artists are coming to your city. Click the picture to buy tickets!
Lydia Luce Can't Be Stopped!
by Suzannah Peek
Lydia Luce just came off of a successful tour in New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut and she’s not slowing down anytime soon. She is so passionate about her music and wants to perform as many live shows as she can. Azalea really comes to life when performed in front of an audience. She gets lost in the music (you can just tell from the photos below) and it makes you want to take a step forward and listen closer. Speaking of live shows, she just announced nine more shows with Grammy nominated artist Andrew Duhon. They are going to be singing some tunes from their new albums Azalea and False River and some new songs as well. Check the dates below to see if they’re bringing their Follow the River Down tour to your city!
Pictured: Lydia Luce performing at Cafe Nine in New Haven, Connecticut.
Photo by Tom Kaszuba
Photo by Tom Kaszuba
Photo by Tom Kaszuba
All Tour Dates
3/29 - New Orleans, LA - Santos
Tix: https://bit.ly/2Sy70aL
3/30 - Chattanooga, TN - Stone Cup Cafe (Tix on sale Feb. 20th!)
Tix: http://bit.ly/2N76VFQ
3/31 - Nashville, TN - 3rd & Lindsley
Tix: https://bit.ly/2SChzJI
4/2 - Asheville, NC - Grey Eagle
Tix: https://bit.ly/2TyuoSD
4/3 - Atlanta, GA - Eddie's Attic
Tix: https://bit.ly/2BlSyZJ
4/4 - Charlotte, NC - Evening Muse
Tix: https://bit.ly/2DWZHRK
4/5 - Charleston, SC - Pour House Deck (Free Show)
Info: https://bit.ly/2DkIzUm
4/6 - Jacksonville, FL - Jack Rabbit's
Tix: https://bit.ly/2Sf79jO
4/7 - Clearwater, FL - Murray Theatre*
Tix: https://bit.ly/2SAHEc4
Hope to see all of you there!
Nashville Based Blogs/Magazines We're Loving!
by Suzannah Peek
Music is a universal language that we can all relate to and understand. It is a form of communication in itself so it sometimes seems redundant to write about the subject. With that being said, there can be many benefits to blogs and magazines about music. They can promote albums, share live performances, and give fans a platform to bond over their favorite artists. They can also create conversations about the deeper meaning or technical aspects of an artist’s work through interviews and forums. Since our artists are based in Nashville, we have a couple of blogs and online magazines that we are loving at the moment. Click on the picture to go to their website!
Sounds Like Nashville! This online magazine’s prime focus is country music. Their About Us page stated, “Sounds Like Nashville provides up-to-date, relevant and compelling content focused on the genre, lifestyle, and culture of Country music.” The writers on staff are quick thinking, uploading articles just hours after major events like Sunday night’s Grammys. Sounds Like Nashville has written about Matthew Perryman Jones and that article can be accessed here!
American Songwriter! This magazine focuses specifically on songwriters. They don’t solely focus on Nashville artists but, they are based in Nashville talented songwriters are the center of this city. The magazine covers folk, country, hip-hop, folk, rock, classical, etc. Their services include: daily news, new album reviews, video interviews, in-office video recording sessions, and live photos. They have written tons about our artists. Click on the name to access the articles!
Now/It’s Nashville! The writers for this local blog have spent decades here and focus on all things that have to do with the city. They write mainly about music but they also feature articles on sports, culture, politics, education, etc. They have done an interview with Lydia Luce and a live concert review on Matthew Perryman Jones, you can read them here and here!
Cupid's Current Jam
By Mackenzie Fey
Happy Valentine’s Day!! Candy hearts and cupid’s wings are in full swing. One of my favorite parts of the pink festivities that the 14th has to offer is the abundance of love songs. But, if you’re like me and incredibly picky about the songs you choose to add to your playlists, this can be a more tricky time. Lucky for you (and me), our very own Hush Kids just came out with a new acoustic version of their already loved song, “Love Is a Made Up Word” just for this occasion! We already know their harmonic voices and warming lyrics are more than brilliant, but being gifted this version is better than any box of chocolates (although receiving both wouldn’t be the worst thing).
Take it from me and Cupid, and take a listen.
Photo by Fairlight
Smooth Hound Smith Live!
by Suzannah Peek
We announced our new artist Smooth Hound Smith a few weeks ago and the response has been incredible. We are so glad everyone is loving them as much as we are! They have two beautifully crafted albums out called Sweet Tennessee Honey and Smooth Hound Smith. Go and listen here if you haven’t already. We have them on repeat at the office! The duo is even more captivating live if that is possible. Check out a couple of live performances below!
If you enjoyed those performances then we would love to see you at any of the following dates:
04.10 - Allston, MA Get Tickets Here
04.12 Toronto, Canada Get Ticket Here
04.13 Pontiac, MI Get Tickets Here
04.14 Cleveland, OH Get Tickets Here
Female Representation at the Grammys
by Suzannah Peek
The Grammys are right around the corner on Sunday, February 10th! It is one of music’s biggest nights and we are pretty psyched to see the results, the fashion, and Alicia Keys of course. A couple of favorite albums that we have previously praised on the blog have been nominated for Album of the Year including: By The Way, I Forgive You - Brandi Carlile, Golden Hour - Kacey Musgraves, and Dirty Computer - Janelle Monae. We are proud to have Nashville represented in the main category but more importantly, we are relieved the nominations are finally equal between male and female artists. Women have been historically snubbed at the Grammys since the first award was given out in 1959. This lovely image displaying the number of male vs. female nominees was taken from Glamour Magazine.
The numbers are astonishing and they look even more daunting with a visual representation. The picture shows that only 19.6% of all Album of the Year nominees have been women. There have been 457 male nominations and only 88 female nominations. To break things down even further, only three women of color have won Album of the Year in 61 years: Natalie Cole (1992), Whitney Houston (1994), and Lauryn Hill (1999). Diversity in the awards show seems to be moving in a positive direction but headlines like “Grammys Are More Diverse But Women of Color Can’t Win” and “Women Dominate 2019 Grammy Nominations - Is It Enough?” make us want to push the envelope even more to see all races, genders, sexual orientations, etc. on that stage. Click on the artist’s picture below to listen to and support your favorite female Album of the Year nominee!
Love Is In The Air at Olivia Management
By: Emily McCreight
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, I felt like it was the perfect time to share my favorite love songs from our artists here at Olivia Management! ♥︎
Love Is A Made Up Word
“But you and I, we got it right
Love is a made up word”
- Hush Kids
Love You True
“I wanna keep you by my side forever.”
- Lydia Luce
Crazy Over You
“You know my heart's been runnin' around,
Never thought it would slow down,
And I didn't want it to…
‘Til I found you.
Now I do.”
- Smooth Hound Smith
Olivia Management: Episode II - Return of the Intern
By Mackenzie Fey
*** I feel it’s important to note that Erin does possess the strong leadership that Darth Vader had, yet none of the darkness. She is a true light in this life and it’s a privilege to learn from her and be her intern. The same goes for Maggie and Madeline, 110%.
What do you want to get out of this internship for the second time around?
I can’t tell you how happy I was when I received the email from Erin that asked me to return to Olivia Management (see selfie below for proof). All during last semester I spent my time trying to learn and do as much as I could. This semester, it’s my goal to do the same. The difference is, now I’m able to build off directly of what I learned last semester. I look forward to being involved with projects and tasks I haven’t been able to do yet
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life what would it be?
It’s funny, out of all the questions on this post, I find this one is the most difficult one to answer. If I have to pick one, it has to be “Slow Dancing In a Burning Room” by John Mayer. The song has everything I believe a great song should have: a smooth tempo like a waltz with a noteworthy guitar melody, lyrics that seem to be written just for you, great production and mastering, and so much more. Go ahead and listen to it right now, and you’ll hear exactly what I mean.
What are you most looking forward to this summer?
This summer, I am headed across the pond to London, England for the month of July! This trip is with my school, Belmont University. There I will be taking a few classes that have entirely to do with the British music industry. It’s been a dream of mine to move to London full-time and work for the industry there. Having this opportunity is a real first step to see if that’s realistically something I would do!
What is one thing you've learned since interning with us?
I believe that would have to be the importance of listening. Listening can be so vital in more aspects than one. Listening is where you pick up on things and conversations that you may not understand, and that enables you to ask questions that you wouldn’t have thought to ask before. Listening is clear communication so you can be as efficient as possible in your strive for excellence.
What made you decide to intern with us again?
Initially, it was not in my plan to intern anywhere again until my junior year at uni. I figured I’d go down the traditional Music Business Major path and intern just every so often to keep my resume updated. Being asked back wasn’t what I expected, but I’m so beyond glad it happened. I knew that I loved who I worked for and I knew it was somewhere I felt truly cared about my future in the music industry.
What's one thing you'd like to say to a future intern at Olivia Management?
If you’ve been asked to intern at Olivia Management, all I have to say is “Congratulations”. I am not over exaggerating when I say that it is an absolute honor to work under such amazing and hardworking women. Don’t take it for granted! As I mentioned earlier in this post, listen and learn as much as you can, because they’re not afraid to answer any sort of questions that come to mind.
An in-time reaction:
I took this selfie to send to my mom 0.2 seconds after Erin asked me to return to Olivia Management the following semester.
Educate by Olivia Management
Dear Artist,
I get asked frequently why I chose artist management as a profession and why I love my job. The answer is simple: I believe that beautiful, meaningful art changes the world. I believe that our society today doesn't properly reward those artists creating meaningful work, and I believe my talents and education in business can help artists find ways to earn a living and continue to make art that impacts the world. It's important.
A co-worker at a record label a few years back joked with me, "Erin, we aren't curing cancer here." He wanted me to take my job less seriously. But it IS serious. Artists have something to say, something valuable to add, and without them we'd be lost as a culture.
You are receiving this email because at some point you visited our website or sent us an email asking for help. Oh, how I wish I had unlimited time to invest in every artist I came across that needed my help!
After pondering my limited-hours-in-the-day dilemma, I decided to take all that I've learned about releasing records independently over the past 13 years in the music industry and create an online course. I spent the past six months writing lectures, creating handouts, interviewing other professionals, filming talks, and gathering research to present it all to you in a 10 part series called "How to Release a Record Independently." And because, of course, releasing records is not all there is to growing your bottom line as an artist, I decided to launch a whole online school called Educate by Olivia Management. I plan to launch many more classes over time and share all I have learned about the music industry, and all I am learning as I continue to manage artists full-time.
I hope this is something that can help you, or you know someone that might benefit from this course. Please, please, please take a moment to check out Educate by Olivia Management, "How to Release a Record Independently," or pass this email along to an artist you know that has something important to say.
Sincerely,
Erin O. Anderson
Founder, Olivia Management
Founder, Educate by Olivia Management
Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship and Music Business, Belmont University
Your Favorite TV Show May Contain Olivia Management Music
by Suzannah Peek
We love TV shows ALMOST as much as we love music over here at Olivia Management. It is so exciting whenever one of our artists lands a soundtrack spot on national television shows such as Private Practice, Bones, and The Vampire Diaries. The exposure the artist receives is always a bonus but it is really cool to see a song brought to life by a completely different story than the artist intended. Here are a couple of our favorites! (Click the picture to listen to the song).
Matthew Perryman Jones
Looking For You Again by Matthew Perryman Jones
Rain Or Shine by Matthew Perryman Jones
Anymore of This by Matthew Perryman Jones & Mindy Smith
I Can’t Get You Out of My Head by Matthew Perryman Jones
Jill Andrews
No One by Jill Andrews
We Built This City by Jill Andrews and Aron Wright
Tell That Devil by Jill Andrews
Hush Kids
Wake Up by Hush Kids
NEW ARTIST ALERT!
We are so excited to welcome Smooth Hound Smith to the Olivia Management family. I mean, watch this video and just TRY not to dance and clap along. The coolest, right?
I had the pleasure of meeting Smooth Hound Smith last year on tour, and I instantly fell in love with their sound, their vibe, their personalities, and their songs. Also, they bought me tacos. I’m pumped that after a year of knowing them I get to welcome them to our family! They have been working on a new record, and I can’t wait for y’all to hear the music.
Also, we are excited to announce that they are headed out on tour this spring for a few dates with the coolest Aaron Lee Tasjan.
I hope you love them like I do!
-Erin
My favorite Indie/Folk Youtube Channels!
By: Emily McCreight
The internet was forever changed on Monday, February 14, 2005…a.k.a the day the internet domain for Youtube was activated. Ever since then I have been obsessed with any and all music videos, interviews, playlists, and sessions I could find of my favorite artists and bands. Here are a couple of my favorite indie/folk channels that I’ve found over the years!
Indie Folk Central
This channel is perfect for staying up-to-date with all new music coming out! Not only do they post a collection of new music each month, but they also upload weekly updates every Friday to ensure their subscribers are keeping up with new music coming out.
Folk Alley
If you’re looking for live sessions with the best of today’s contemporary and traditional folk, Americana and roots music then this is the perfect channel!
BONUS: Folk Alley premiered Hush Kids single, “Goodbye Rain” in September of 2018! Read the article HERE!
Indie Air
Put your hands IndieAir! This channel offers a huge variety of artists that will get you in your indie feels immediately. My personal favorites that have been featured on this channel are EDEN - Rock + Roll, Lauv - Getting Over You, and James Bay - Wild Love. What I love most about this channel is the sound wave that moves to the song when you play a video :)
Emily's Intern Blog Post
What do you want to get out of this internship?
Coming out of this internship I want to be a lot more aware of the management side in the music industry. I feel like I know a lot about small sections of the industry and how they all fit together, but I’m really excited for the hands-on experience Olivia Management can give me this semester!
What do you love to do?
My biggest passion is music (shocker) but when I’m not drowning in school or work I love to practice my photography! I started taking pictures of my friends with my dads camera when I was in high school and loved everything about it. It’s one of the hobbies that I would do all day everyday if I could!
If you could eat one thing for the rest of your life what would it be?
Hands down my favorite food is pasta. No questions.
Tell us anything you love about music!
My favorite music to listen to is anything funky. Stevie Wonder, Sly and the Family Stone, Vulfpeck, etc. Some of the most memorable shows that I have been to are Pink Floyd, Bruno Mars, Bon Iver, and Zac Brown Band. I definitely have a sweet spot for any and all classic rock, although my guilty pleasure is Demi Lovato. Live music will forever and always be my preference over recorded music because of the genuine connection an artist can give to an audience just because of the live aspect of performance.
Why did you choose to intern here?
I chose to intern at Olivia Management because I knew that this was the internship that would give me the best experience. After my interview for the internship I could tell by the atmosphere of the work space that the women working there would help me achieve any and all goals that I had going into the next semester.
What is your favorite part about Nashville?
My favorite part about Nashville would have to be the food. I grew up about 30 minutes away, and even then the food of Franklin will never compare to Hattie B’s or Taqueria Del Sol.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
When I grow up I want to be working with touring artists. I’m not completely sure as to what specific job but I know I want to work with live music!
California Dreamin'
by Mackenzie Fey
As the busy, crazy, and festive weeks come to a close, it finally starts to settle in with me how cold it really can get. Don’t even get me started on the wind that’s been blowing through Nashville the past few days.
As dreary as the weather can be this time of year, I’m craving wavy coasts filled with sunny days and dreamy tunes. Much like the one below from our very own Lydia Luce.
Want to see some of the magic and feel the warmth in person? Click the link below to be directed to some upcoming shows!
Suzannah's Intern Blog Post
What do you want to get out of this internship?
I am so excited about this internship because it is my first encounter with artist management. I am not necessarily creative but I have known that I wanted to work with artists ever since I can remember. I hope to work hard and make as many connections as I can!
What do you love to do? Hobbies? Activities?
All of these answers are going to make me sound like a grandma but I love knitting. I am currently working on a blanket for my dad’s birthday! I also love hanging out with/ having photoshoots with my cat Creature. My second love behind music is movies. I go to the movies more than I would like to admit. Above knitting, my cat, and movies is live music. If I’m not at the movies I’m at a live show.
If you could eat one thing for the rest of your life what would it be?
SAMOSAS!!! I love Indian food and most of my paycheck goes to Indian take out.
Favorite musicians, artists, genres, equipment, shows you’ve been to...tell us anything you love about music.
My love for music begins and ends at Bonnaroo. I loved live music before I attended the festival but it took my love to new heights. This year will be my seventh year! My mom always comes with me and together we’ve seen Elton John, Paul McCartney, Lionel Richie, Pearl Jam, Sheryl Crow, The Killers, Chance the Rapper, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dead & co., Billy Joel, Kanye West, Jack White, Tom Petty, and many more.
Other very important music facts about me:
First concert: Jonas Brothers
Favorite concert: Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats at the Ryman
Current album on repeat: Dirty Computer - Janelle Monae
Why did you choose to intern here?
I found Olivia Management because of the artists! I searched Secret Sisters management and found this company. My interview opened my eyes to a place where women work together to help artists achieve their dreams. After my interview I knew I had to intern here!
What is your favorite part about Nashville?
I know saying live music is the most predictable answer ever but I have to say live music. I’m from Rome, Georgia where practically no artists perform. The closest musical city is Atlanta which is two hours away. I recall many school nights driving back from Atlanta or even Nashville for a concert. I also enjoy all of the other art forms Nashville has to offer. Practically every movie is shown in at least one of the theaters around town. I have also been to several great art and photography installations!
What do you want to be when you grow up?
A tour manager! I love the thought of creating a family on the road and witnessing live music every night.
Erin's 2018 Wrap Up
photo by Alaina Mullin
2018 was quite a year.
In 2018, we released 3 albums at our little company. One of our artists was nominated for a GRAMMY. We added a third person full-time to the office. We moved to a cute little house that is all our own. We got sweatshirts. We have dogs in the office now. We have so much fun and so much joy around here.
I feel grateful and honored every day that I get to do this for a living. Music is such an important part of the world, and I want to make sure that music makers can keep doing it forever.
I made a playlist of my favorite music that came out this year- some of it we worked on, some of it we didn’t, but all of it is beautiful art that I’m glad exists in the world. This is my 1 hour long Christmas present to you. I hope you discover some new favorites in this mix and keep supporting great art. We need it in this world.
BRING IT ON, 2019!
My Experience Interning at Olivia Management
By Sarah Tully
This semester has passed in an incredible whirlwind and I can’t believe it’s almost over. I’ve had about a hundred thousand things going on at any given time throughout this semester, but it’s been amazing. In the midst of the chaos of finals I’d like to take the time to reflect on all the things I’ve learned this semester with Olivia Management.
1. Good Things Come to Those Who Work
This semester I watched not just Erin, Madeline, and Maggie but my fellow interns work extremely hard on everything we did. For every project, show, and bump in the road we faced, the whole team was focused and diligent about achieving the end goal we had set for ourselves. It was inspiring to be around that kind of strong work ethic. It helped to push me not only at the internship but in my personal and academic life also.
2. Be Graceful
There were a couple of things that happened this semester that could have caused the atmosphere of the office to become very dark or tense, but Erin never let that happen. She met every obstacle with a grace I can only hope to achieve. She was upfront and honest with us all about what was going on, and even when it made my stomach drop just hearing it, she kept herself very composed and calm. She was quick to make jokes and laugh about things, lightening the mood, which ensured that the office never felt hostel and remained a nurturing environment for creativity and work.
3. Excellence!!
Erin’s mantra is excellence, and it certainly shows. I’ve never seen a team so committed to excellence, not just for their clients but for one another. The Olivia Management team working together is an amazing thing to watch because they strive to be the best team for their artists while also being the best teammates. It’s comforting and inspiring to see a group of women working together and achieving their goals time and time again.
I’m very sad to see this time at Olivia Management come to an end, because it feels like I started last week. It’s been an amazing, refreshing, and fun time and I’ve learned more than I could have imagined. Looking forward to seeing where my path takes me with this new knowledge and looking forward to seeing all of you again!