Videos from Olivia Management You Might Have Missed!

by Kailey Prall

Need to catch up on your favorite Olivia Management artists? Don’t worry, we know they’re all your favorite ;). Here’s a list of videos that will bring you up to date! 

Grab a coffee, get cozy, and let the binging commence! 

  1. Matthew Mayfield’s “S.H.A.M.E” official music video is out now! Take a look at this powerful music video that has people buzzing! And as it just so happens, he’s on tour right now. Info and tix here!

2. Check out Smooth Hound Smith performing the title track to their latest album “Dog in a Manger” for OurVinyl Sessions. Americanafest took place in our very own vibrant Nashville last week and between the craziness and back to back shows, OurVinyl got a hold of SHS. They just so happen to be on tour as well… would ya look at that. Find a show near you! Tix all right here.

3. Ruthie Collins’ official “Dang Dallas” lyric video! The beautiful and breathtaking Ruthie made a song that was just that—take a listen! Be sure to remain on the lookout for some new music videos for other songs as well!

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Steven's Internship Introduction


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What do you want to get out of this internship?

I have been lucky enough to have had previous internships in many different areas of the music industry, but this will be my first time tackling artist management. I like to stay on my toes and be in situations where quick thinking and adaptability are at the top of the list for required skills. As an aspiring artist and passionate singer, I have always felt like finding a career where I can bridge the gap between artists and business people. I want to build connections and learn what the day-to-day life of an artist manager is like. I want to learn about what makes artist managers so passionate about their artists and why they do what they do.

What do you love to do? Hobbies? Activities?

I love to sing. Anyone who spends just a small amount of time with me will soon hear how often I sing. I sing to myself mostly, and it is something that I have been doing for as long as I can remember. I love talking to people and hearing their stories. I believe that every single person in this world has a unique story that has formed them into the person they are in that very moment, and I love to use whatever platform I give those stories a life of their own. I enjoy a night in with friends and family over a night out, and my favorite memories with my closest friends involve Netflix, ice cream, other assorted junk food, and an abundance of cuddles. I love exploring new places, and I enjoy time outdoors as well, even though my incredibly pale skin would tell you otherwise!

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

Mexican food. Hands down.

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

I have been singing for as long as I can remember, and my parents have told me that they cannot remember if I began singing or speaking first! Music has always been a part of my life. I joined my first choir when I was only eight years old, and I have been hooked ever since. Music has brought me to more than forty out of fifty states, to some of the biggest concert halls in the country, and allowed me to perform for thousands of people. I love that music is something that all people can relate to. It is a universal force that drives culture and civilization forward. I love how experimental music can be, and how there are artists who constantly push the boundaries of what is popular or pleasing to an audience’s ear. My music tastes are fairly mainstream, but I have discovered some more unknown artists that I enjoy. Some of my favorite artists are Demi Lovato, Jessie J, Sam Smith, Tori Kelly, Halsey, James Arthur, H.E.R., Little Mix, and Sabrina Claudio to name a few.

Why did you choose to intern here?

After taking Erin’s entrepreneurship class at Belmont University, I knew that if ever the opportunity arrived to learn from her again that I needed to take it. Her story of being a self-made woman in the music industry was so inspiring to me, and I could not wait for the opportunity to pick her brain once more. During the interview process, I loved how the office felt like a home and a family, and it was something that I wanted to be a part of!

What is your favorite part about Nashville?

I love that Nashville has all of the amenities of a large city but is still small enough to feel like a home. I still see people that I know in the most random of places around town, and I feel like that would never happen in a larger city. Nashville is also a hub for music genres outside of its image as the country music capital of the world. So many of my favorite artists who are not country artists tour and perform in venues around Nashville, and I love that there is such a variety of entertainers who call this place home.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

(((A functioning adult who doesn’t panic 😂)))

I have wanted to be a singer since I was six years old. I want to bring the term artist back to its original glory days, where an artist was a singer. Today, the trend is to be a singer and songwriter who writes their own lyrics and tells their own stories. While I enjoy telling my own stories, I feel there are so many people with stories that are more deserving to be told in a larger narrative. Artists like Frank Sinatra, Whitney Houston, Barbra Streisand, Judy Garland are all icons in their own right, but many of their signature songs were not written by them. They were artists who could empathize with someone else’s thoughts and lyrics and make them their own. That is the kind of artist I want to become.

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Kailey's Internship Introduction

What do you want to get out of this internship?

I am incredibly excited to learn about tour promotion and booking through this internship, as well as managing effectively! As an artist myself, I cannot wait to learn everything that goes into being successful in todays industry.

What do you love to do? Hobbies? Activities?

I love writing and being outdoors, and religiously going to Buffalo Exchange. You’ll also usually find me in a spin class or watching Grey’s Anatomy.

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

If I could eat one thing for the rest of my life it would be BAGELS!

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

I started going to concerts at a very young age with friends because I live so close to New York and Philadelphia, and I took interest in the Philly music scene as an artist and all my friends were musicians. I have a wide range in music taste but some of my favorites are the Eagles, America, Carol King, Catfish in the Bottlemen, First Aid Kit, Fleet Foxes, Father John Misty and Hippo Campus.

Why did you choose to intern here?

I chose to intern at Olivia Management because I love what it stands for. Erin really created a space where the artist can thrive authentically and keeps the artist’s vision alive. As well as being a female run company, I believe that it is incredibly important in today’s music industry, especially in Nashville, to give women a platform to thrive and succeed.

What is your favorite part about Nashville?

My favorite part of Nashville is the small town vibe it has within a big city. I also LOVE hot chicken, shout out to Prince’s.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

When I grow up I would love to be a touring artist and songwriter. I used to want to be a tattoo artist, but I can only draw stick figures so I had to shelf that dream for now.

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What We Learned From Our Internship

Autumn Johnson

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I find it’s easier to reflect on what you’ve learned at the very end of an internship rather than each day, because while every day is a new learning experience, I find that it’s much easier to look at the sum of all that I’ve learned over time. Here are just a few of the things I’ve learned from Olivia Management.

  • A little affirmation goes a long way. Every Monday we write down on little pieces of paper what we appreciate about someone else in the room. We read them all out loud to each other, and they always give us a boost for the rest of the week. I always feel more motivated to work and improve my work when I know that someone notices and appreciates what I do. And taking the time to think about others also helps me better appreciate them.

  • Just like what you say reflects who you are, your social media is a reflection of who you are. This is important because when it comes to having an artist career, social media is a big part of getting yourself out there. The way you present yourself on social media is really important and understanding the way people will perceive what you post on social media, can help you better communicate who you are to your followers.

  • People still love a good story. People seem to become more attached to art that tells a story. When there’s more to a song than the surface level, people will stick around long enough to find out it is. Social media posts that tell a story are more likely keep people reading and sharing their thoughts. Stories can be resonated with and can make listeners feel less alone. The artists at OM do it well with their songs and the team at OM works hard to make sure those stories get heard by more people.

I am so grateful I got to intern at Olivia Management and have the opportunity to work in such a loving, supportive atmosphere. P.S. Thanks Rachel for the headshots!

Madeleine Kelson

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These past few months at Olivia Management have been awesome. Literally. I am in awe of the amount and quality of work done by everyone here. I am even more impressed by the fact that they do it all without losing their minds, and on top of that have the time and patience to teach us. I have learned a ton. Here are just a few of the things I learned about artist management this summer.

  • Show Up

It seems simple and obvious, but it is so important. Whether it’s showing up to shows and events, or just showing up to work, people notice when you’re there, and they notice when you’re not. It’s how you get to know everyone, and how you show your artists that you care. 

  • Be a Good Communicator

Ask questions. Be direct. Tell people when something isn’t working, and tell them when they’ve done a good job. It doesn’t do anyone any good to pretend you have things under control when you don’t, or to tell someone a job is done when it isn’t. It only pushes your problem further down the line, and if anything, makes it into a bigger deal. On the other side of that, tell people when they’ve done a good job. Everyone likes to feel appreciated, and it encourages people to work harder, and stay invested in the team.

  • Slow Down and Focus

Getting work done on time is important, but only if it’s done right. Details are so important. A dropped zero, or a misplaced period could cost your artist money. A little typo on a show date  can turn into a big mess. It’s better to work slowly and diligently, than quickly and carelessly.

The whole OM crew is incredible, and I am so sad to leave them. If you have a chance to work with them, intern for them, or just be in their brilliant, genius, magical presence, DO IT!!!! I feel lucky to have gotten to learn from them, and I will miss them all immensely. 

Kara Greskovic

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I have learned so much from my time here at Olivia Management. All of these women and my fellow interns have created an environment that is both fun and productive at the same time. In an industry that is so stressful, the Olivia Management gets tasks done with grace and taught us to do the same. Here are my top three things I learned at Olivia Management:

  • Take Initiative

If there’s an unassigned task that no one is tackling, take it! If there is something that needs to be done that no one else is doing, be the person that gets it done. Not only will this help out the company, but it will make yourself feel good as well.

  • Try New Things

This may seem like an obvious one, but always find new tasks or projects where you have to ask questions or explore something unfamiliar. Knowledge is power, and the only way to get that knowledge is to try something new.

  • Be Yourself

Although this may seem like an elementary school rule, but it is so important during your professional career. During an internship, it is easy to get caught up in trying to be perfect or acting a certain way to fit the mold of the company. Here at Olivia Management, everyone has their own personalities and their all fully embraced. The more I relaxed and became myself, the more I felt embraced here at my internship!

My time here at Olivia Management has been so valuable. They are some of the hardest working people I know! If your looking to work in artist management, I urge you to consider interning at Olivia Management. You won’t regret it!





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My Favorite Lyric From Each OM Artist

All of the OM artists are not only amazing live performers, but also unparalleled songwriters. Since starting my internship here in May, I have been able to sift through most if not all of each artist’s discography (yes, even Derek Webb’s giant, unbelievable catalog). Being a songwriter myself, I listen for lyrics that either punch me in the face with personal relevance, or prove themselves to be the heart of the song they belong to. Here is the lyric in each OM artists’ songs that makes my jaw drop and eyes well up every time.

Jill Andrews - A Way to You Again (The War Inside)

“My face tells a story,

Blind by light,

Every moment i thought of you,

Written right there in my eyes.”

This is from the last song off of Jill’s newest record, and wow it’s a powerful one. The build-up of harmonies and instrumentation throughout the track is a staple element of a final track on an album. This line is in the second verse, and leads perfectly into the second chorus.

Matthew Mayfield - S.H.a.M.E. (Gun Shy)

“You're not the one who,

Is willing to push through,

And look at my face.

But I am the one who,

Is able to walk through,

And see what awaits.”

This lyric is from the last chorus, which is a variation of the chorus sung throughout the song. End variation choruses always seem to fulfill a song in the best way, and Matthew tied a beautiful, vulnerable bow onto the end of this brutally honest song.

Lydia Luce - More Than Heartbreak (Azalea)

“Everyone asks how I'm feeling

Like they own a piece of the truth.”

This is one of those “oooohhh” lyrics you know? The one where it immediately takes you to how you felt when you were going through something and dealing with the constant questions from people, and how your answer seemed to get more and more automated each time. Lydia hit every “feel” available with this one.

Hush Kids - All My Love (Hush Kids)

“When I wandered from your arms,

I was searching for something else,

Now I'm running back to you 'cause,

'Cause where you are is where I find myself.”

Ugh… Just ugh. Part of me wants to just leave it at that. Yeah, that’s what I’m going to do.

Ruthie Collins - All I Wanna Be (Get Drunk And Cry)

“But your heart's the heart, that mine

keeps begging for and

All I wanna be is yours.”

Beautifully simplistic, that’s what Ruthie does best on this track. The heart wants what it wants, and no matter how much our head can fight it, the heart wins in some way or another - might as well follow it.

Derek Webb - I Love/Hate You (Stockholm Syndrome)

“But your love is a noose around my neck,

I give up and I know I will regret it,

Your love is a weight around my legs,

But I don't know who I am unless you're holding me.”

This is one of my favorite choruses out of all of Derek’s discography because of the upfront and powerful analogy. Finding/retaining identity and independence in a relationship is so important, and this is a great example to show how easily it can be lost.

Jenn Grinels - Love Again (brokenHEARTbreaker)

“Oh, heart, please let go of this,

Nothing comes from bitterness,

And everyone says that the way you loved,

Is the only way to live.”

Some say the hardest part of getting your heart broken isn’t the grieving, it’s being able to love again. The only true way to love is wholeheartedly, and that’s exactly what Jenn is saying here.

Smooth Hound Smith - Crazy Over You (Smooth Hound Smith)

“Set me free or hunt me down,

With your guns, and your knives, and your bloodhounds,

My body shakes like a lonely child,

Won't you hold me for awhile?”

Zack and Caitlin paint such vivid pictures in their songs, and this is a prime example. My favorite part about this lyric is how raw and almost abrasive it is, and then it ends with “Won’t you hold me for awhile?” I love how these mood-contrasting lines mesh together so well.

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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!

What Makes a Hit Americana Anthem

By Kara Greskovic

Kara is a music producer and audio engineer based out of Nashville, TN. She has recorded artists across a wide-span of genres and currently works at the largest record studio in Nashville, The Tracking Room.

As the musical tides have shifted, the Americana genre has continued to persevere throughout the years. But what exactly makes a great Americana song? I dived into the hit Americana songs of yesterday and today to see what makes them all so memorable:

            A Simple yet Prominent Acoustic Guitar

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            The top Americana songs are driven by an acoustic guitar melody, one that is fairly simple and repeats as the song progresses. Listen to Jason Isbell’s “If We Were Vampires” as an example. The acoustic is simple finger plucking and remains the sole rhythmic element of the song. If you played that acoustic by itself with no vocals, the song would still be meaningful. Let’s take Iron and Wine’s “Bitter Truth.” Although other rhythmic elements exist, the acoustic is still ever present and drives the song’s emotional element. Still need another example? Listen to “The Bricklayer’s Son” by Eddie Berman. The entire song is acoustic led and yet bleeds emotion.

A Top-Lining Fiddle or Harmonica Melody

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            This usually happens at the beginning of the song or during interludes. The Brother Brothers’ “Frankie” does an excellent job at this. The song opens with an 8-10 note fiddle masterpiece, grabbing the listeners attention even before the vocals begin. Ruston Kelly’s “Mockingbird” makes an opening burst of a harmonica sound commercial. And finally, my classic example is Bob Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man” in which he plays the song’s melody line as a powerful harmonica solo. If you play that harmonica solo anywhere, people will know it’s a Dylan song.

           

An Infectious Percussive-Based Beat

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If an Americana song is 90 BPM or higher, many times you’ll find yourself clapping or stomping along to it. The beat is filled with bright reverberant claps/snares followed by a dark kick drum on the downbeat. Our own Jill Andrew’s “Tell That Devil” is the prime example of this technique. Another example that is less obvious is I’m With Her’s “Call My Name.” It has slight percussive sounds and snares in the background that give the song that extra push it needs. One more example? “Shake” by the Head and the Heart.

A Song from The Heart

The best Americana music exudes emotion. The words have meaning and so does the instrumentation. If you have all the technically elements in place, they won’t matter if no emotion is felt by the listener. If there’s one thing that all the great Americana artists have in common, it’s that they sing from the heart and play from the soul.

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What To Expect From an OM Internship

The past couple months at Olivia Management have been jam packed with good music, hard work, and great people. Here are ten things you can expect from an OM internship.

  • A friendly and motivating office environment

  • Learn how to effectively plan and promote a tour

  • Find out what goes into releasing great music

  • A photoshoot with a horse

  • Occasional dogs in the office

  • Become proficient in all of the programs (Airtable, Asana, Artist Growth, etc.)

  • Listen in on meetings with artists, and go to their shows

  • Make a tour poster, or a promo video

  • Learn how to effectively use social media

  • Be surrounded by some really smart, BOSS women

If you’re looking for an internship going on coffee runs and sorting file cabinets all day, look elsewhere! As an OM intern, you’ll have a hand in anything and everything you want to be a part of. Most of all, you’ll feel like a valuable part of an awesome team.

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Chill Out This Summer With These OM Artists

We’re nearing the middle of summer, and it’s been hot and sunny! If you’re anything like me, all you want to do after a day in the sun is sit in front of the AC and listen to music. Lucky for you, the Olivia Management artists have plenty of chill songs. Here are a few to get you started!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2ZAruhxjJunHND1fcTpWP3?si=ghNTQEdVQ5Wmoeoch2_kEg

A playlist featuring Hush Kids, Smooth Hound Smith and Jill Andrews


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June 2019 Highlights

Lots of exciting things have been happening for our artists here at Olivia Management! Here are some of the highlights.

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Smooth Hound Smith announced a new album coming August 9th, 2019, so get ready for that. To get a taste of what’s to come, you can check out their latest single off the upcoming record ———————————>

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In addition, they announced a new tour starting this fall. Check out the dates below and see if they’re coming to a city near you!

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Also this month, our artist Derek Webb kicked off his online concert series, with each show dedicated to each of his previous records. The next show is this Thursday 6/27 at 9:00 PM EDT, featuring the album I See Things Upside Down. Grab your tickets HERE.

There are no upcoming tour dates.

Lydia Luce also just announced her 5 Spot Residency! Come stop by one or all of these shows to see Lydia in her various modes of creativity.

Jul 5 Fri
Black Shirt Brewing Co @ 8:00 PM
Denver, CO, United States
RSVP
Jul 17 Wed
Full Moon Set - Lockeland Strings + ACLU @ 5:30 PM
Nashville, TN, United States
RSVP
Jul 24 Wed
Third Quarter Moon Set - Full Band @ 5:30 PM
Nashville, TN, United States
RSVP
Jul 30 Tue
Hotel Utah Saloon @ 8:00 PM
San Francisco, CA, United States
RSVP
Jul 31 Wed
New Moon Set - Stripped Down @ 5:30 PM
Nashville, TN, United States
RSVP
Aug 1 Thu
Open Chord Music @ 7:00 PM
Knoxville, TN, United States
RSVP
Aug 7 Wed
First Quarter Moon Set - NASA (New And Super Awesome) @ 5:30 PM
Nashville, TN, United States
RSVP
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For more updates on what our company is up to, follow us on our socials to get all the deets in real time!

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