So, let's see what happens when Olivia Cloud visits Section 36 Music!
I really enjoy your recent single. “Anthem of a Dying Girl”. What can you tell me about it?
This song is about all the things I wouldn't have if I died when I got cancer my freshman year of college. Bladder cancer affects predominantly 82 year old obese white males who have smoked and drank their entire life. I do not exactly identify with this demographic. Because this disease is so uncommon among those in my age group, I learned that it was responsible for my rapid weight loss, lack of appetite, depression and hormonal fluctuation. At the start of my second year of college, I went through the hardest parts of my treatment and I am doing well now. This song is about all the things I thought I would never be blessed enough to experience. There was a time when I doubted my ability to live a “normal” life after treatment, so I wrote this song about my struggles. Although I still don’t know if my future lies behind a white picket fence, I am so grateful to have one.
This song is about all the things I wouldn't have if I died when I got cancer my freshman year of college. Bladder cancer affects predominantly 82 year old obese white males who have smoked and drank their entire life. I do not exactly identify with this demographic. Because this disease is so uncommon among those in my age group, I learned that it was responsible for my rapid weight loss, lack of appetite, depression and hormonal fluctuation. At the start of my second year of college, I went through the hardest parts of my treatment and I am doing well now. This song is about all the things I thought I would never be blessed enough to experience. There was a time when I doubted my ability to live a “normal” life after treatment, so I wrote this song about my struggles. Although I still don’t know if my future lies behind a white picket fence, I am so grateful to have one.
What was your favorite part of the recording process?
What do you enjoy most about performing on stage in front of an audience?
Definitely the connection. The energy transfer between artist and audience is unmatched. There truly is nothing like it. There’s also something truly magical about being on stage because you can see everything that is happening in the room. You get to witness true moments of joy.
Who or what would you consider your biggest musical influences?
There are so many but I would say my top three are Tommy Lefroy, Maisie Peters and Maggie Rogers. These four women are incredible artists. Tommy Lefroy is a UK band made of two women, Wynter and Tessa, and their band name is based on the alleged heartbreaker of Jane Austen. Most if not all of their songs are about girlhood, camaraderie, and what it’s like to be a woman in this ever growing world. Maisie Peters’ writing style is really unique and often ironic and sarcastic. She turns heartbreak into amazing pop music. Maggie Roger’s passion and self expression make her one of the best artists out there. Her music is u like anything else and her stage presence is breathtaking. The duality of her sound and brand is inspiring as it tells me as a listener that she is once in a generation. I aspire to be half the artist she is. I could really go on and on, but it would be an honor to work with any of these artists even in the smallest capacity.
What is the most challenging part of your music career?
Definitely finding my people. In the music industry people often talk about the concept of “being a good hang”. It’s really difficult to find people you can truly be vulnerable with as music to me is the purest form of self expression.
What are your immediate music goals?
In the near future, I want to finish a few projects i’ve been working on for a while with hopes it will be released as a larger piece of work. I would also love to tour within the next few years. I want to experience life on the road and learn how it feels to be putting on a show more days than not.
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I'm pretty excited about those upcoming projects!
As always, I want to thank Olivia for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to accompany the interview.
I'm sure you’ll all want to follow her and see what she has going on. I would follow her on Instagram, and Spotify to make sure you don't miss a thing. And, of course, check out everywhere she's mentioned in Section 36 Music!
Thanks, Olivia, and good luck reaching your goals!
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