Following a flurry of rich and enticing releases over the last year, US singer and songwriter Olivia Bell recently returned once again with her shimmering new single 'California Mountains'.
Blending a subtle mix of pop-rock and country-inspired influences, 'California Moutains' makes for a wonderfully bright and embracing listen. With her warm and vibrant voice riding a bed of laid-back production, she certainly feels like an artist on the rise right now.
So with the new single available now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and influences over the years.
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What was the first band or artist you fell in love with?
My parents did a great job when i was a kid to expose me to really great music from an early age. My dad is very proud of the fact “Hard Days Night” by the Beatles was the first song I ever heard. I associate a lot of great childhood memories with the Beatles. As for one of the first artists I discovered myself, I was gifted the debut Taylor Swift CD for Christmas 2006 and I have been a die hard fan ever since. I would not be the songwriter I am today without coming home from school to listen to “Fearless” and “Speak Now” for hours and hours.
Did you ever form a band when you were younger and if so, what did they sound like?
When I was in 3rd or 4th grade my best friend Zoe and I had a “band” called Jewels. We had one song and it was also called Jewels. I also played bass in a band in high school but I can’t really play bass, so I’ll just stick to guitar!
What has been your primary inspiration in writing music?
This answer is pretty simple, but my main inspiration is always to express myself. There is no better feeling in the world than having an idea, finishing the song, and listening back and knowing I got across exactly what I wanted to say.
What is a song you wish you had written yourself?
There are so many! “All Too Well” by Taylor Swift is the greatest song ever crafted in my opinion. There are so many Taylor songs I wish I wrote. I’ll say “Black Sheep” by Metric, “Fighting for Nothing” by Meg and Dia, “When You Were Young” by The Killers and “Bullet” by Steel Train to provide some non-Taylor answers.
If there was any moment in your career you could relive, what would it be?
The best is yet to come!!
Which artist would you most love to share a stage with?
The Chicks.
And is there an artist you would love to collaborate with as well?
I am obsessed with an artist called Samia. The way she writes is so gentle and unique and she expresses herself in a way that inspires me endlessly. It would be an absolute dream to collaborate with her!
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
Still making music! I would love to play some more shows outside of Ohio. Fingers crossed!
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Olivia Bell's new single 'California Mountains' is available to stream now. Check it out below.