With a voice rooted in Nature-Folks-Pop and a mission centered on love, pleasure, and environmental connection, award-winning singer-songwriter Olivia Frances is carving out a radiant nook of the indie music world. Her single “Respiration Room” earned Gold on the W.A.M. Awards and acquired GRAMMY® consideration, whereas her heartfelt performances have taken her from the Bluebird Café to a dream-come-true look at The Kennedy Heart. Identified for her authenticity, optimism, and deep connection to nature, Frances is poised to raise her artistry even additional with a forthcoming EP slated for early 2026.
I sat down with Olivia to speak concerning the tales behind her most significant songs, the mentors who formed her, and what followers can count on from her subsequent chapter.
For Olivia Frances, nature isn’t simply inspiration; it’s the heartbeat of her music. She explains, “Music is our common language, and nature is our biggest healer. All of us breathe the identical air, drink the identical water, and have a deep need to nourish ourselves and one another. My love of nature began after I was actually younger. Spending time outdoors has at all times made me really feel extra centered and grounded within the current second.” Lots of her songs are impressed by the great thing about the world round us, whether or not that be “Wind Chimes,” “Labyrinth,” or “Orchid.” On stage, she carries that very same grounded presence, connecting deeply along with her viewers.
Frances’ profession highlights started early. Reflecting on her 2014 Ohio Music Awards win for “Again to Happiness,” she shared, “This was the primary award I had ever received. I keep in mind being a senior in highschool and feeling like this was my signal to defer school upon graduating and take a spot yr in Nashville. I’m so glad I did. I believe it’s top-of-the-line selections I’ve ever made. Nashville was undoubtedly an easier-to-navigate metropolis again then. I made associates for a lifetime and was in a position to study the ropes early on.”
Her 2018 Unbiased Music Awards win for “Moon to My Solar” was one other milestone. She recalled, “I received “Moon to My Solar” after I was a junior in school at Clark College in Worcester, MA (one other nature-inspired tune). I vividly keep in mind being within the library writing a paper after I acquired the e-mail that it was nominated. I proceeded to leap up and down and silently scream. On the bare-bones stage, after I received, it actually felt like an indication from the universe that I used to be on the precise path. The music trade is so powerful, and generally profitable an award merely serves as an affirmation to maintain going.”
Olivia’s early experiences included internships that formed her profession. “I interned for the Nice American Music Contest for a couple of month again in 2016. I helped conduct outreach with numerous environmental organizations for a selected tune contest they had been operating. It was fairly cool!” She additionally interned at Infinity Cat Recordings throughout her Nashville hole yr. “I discovered a lot at this internship—from ship data correctly to promoting merch at exhibits. I used to be actually in a position to see how a label operates firsthand, which was so eye-opening. It gave me a better understanding of what of us within the trade do on a day-to-day foundation (which is rather a lot!).”
Olivia doesn’t draw back from the realities of being an impartial artist. “As a performing artist, you put on the entire hats nearly the entire time within the music trade—from copyrighting your songs like a lawyer, designing merch like a graphic designer, discovering outfits to carry out in like a stylist, to creating content material like a social media specialist, and a lot extra. Sadly, on this planet we’re dwelling in, the monetary ROI is oftentimes low for a few years. However as a result of I actually like it and the entire highs and lows that come together with it, it’s all price it to me. It’s all a part of the journey.”
Her method to music is grounded in pleasure and positivity. “I consider that spreading love and positivity makes the world a greater place. I’ve at all times been one to see the glass half full and consider that, in a manner, it’s a particular expertise. Oftentimes, I’m the one my artist associates come to after they wish to write a cheerful tune. Now, that doesn’t imply all of my songs are completely happy, however I do wish to method performing and songwriting by way of a lens of pleasure.”
Collaboration has additionally performed a key position in her development. Reflecting on her work with songwriters Kevin So and Billy Lee, she mentioned, “Kevin is an excellent gifted songwriter and artist. I’m grateful to be in his orbit. It is a good reminder to achieve out to him, because it’s been too lengthy since we’ve related! Billy Lee is household. We met again in 2014, and I keep in mind being so awe-struck having gotten the possibility to satisfy a #1 hit songwriter. Since then, he’s actually taken me underneath his wing. We’ve written songs collectively, shared meals collectively, and he’s invited me to be a particular visitor on a number of phases—together with at The Listening Room Cafe and the Bluebird Café. Having his help and encouragement has meant absolutely the world to me.”
Olivia additionally teased her subsequent launch. “As artists, I really feel prefer it’s our job to proceed to evolve in all of the methods—sonically, lyrically, artistically, and so forth.… Songs are for sharing!” The EP, set for January–February 2026, was produced by Dan Knittel at Anthemic Recordings and options collaborations with Christiana Alaire, Sam Gyllenhaal, and Patrick Dodge. “Artistically, these songs undoubtedly nonetheless stay within the Nature-Folks-Pop world that I’ve been in as of late, however lean extra into love and vulnerability than maybe my earlier releases. I went by way of my tune catalogue and chosen these ones as a result of I actually consider in them, and it felt like a disservice to the world to maintain them to myself.”
Efficiency highlights are available many types. Reflecting on Cheyenne Frontier Days, she mentioned, “Acting at Cheyenne Frontier Days undoubtedly stands out as memorable. I had by no means been to a rodeo earlier than, and there I used to be on the ‘Daddy of Em All.’ I’d like to provide a shout-out to my Operations Officer, Ty Warner, for touchdown me that gig. Performing to a crowd of cowboys and cowgirls was actually unforgettable. However actually, I’m grateful for each efficiency alternative I’ve gotten over time. Whether or not I’m taking part in to a crowd of 5 or a crowd of 500, I at all times ensure that to provide it my all.”
There’s a lightness and sincerity to Olivia Frances that radiates by way of her music and mission. With songs impressed by nature, human connection, and the pursuit of pleasure, she has earned accolades starting from Finest Pop Music of the Yr on the Ohio Music Awards to a W.A.M. Award Gold win for “Respiration Room,” a tune that even garnered GRAMMY® consideration. Her journey has taken her from a formative hole yr in Nashville to unforgettable phases like The Kennedy Heart, all whereas staying grounded in kindness, creativity, and a deep love of her craft.
Huge because of Olivia Frances for this unique interview with Social Way of life Journal! We will’t wait to catch her stay in Nashville—or wherever her subsequent present takes us!
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Photograph By: Erika Rock