Check out our interview with talented singer and songwriter Olivia Ooms who just released her new single “Hideaway” today! Produced by ACM Award winner Jamie O’Neal, “Hideaway” follows Ooms’ singles “Baggage” and “California Country,” which were also produced by O’Neal. Described by Billboard as “infectious” and added to CMT’s Next Up Now series, “California Country” combined Ooms’ coastal roots and southern sound.
The Huntington Beach, Calif. native, who serves as a brand ambassador for Ovation Guitar Company’s Californian SR1 model, is currently enrolled at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. Ooms’ debut single, “Thoughts of You,” landed her a spot in CMT’s Artist Discovery Program, a performance on CMA’s Spotlight Stage and placement as the first female country artist featured on Radio Disney’s RDYou Station.
Follow Olivia @theoliviaooms
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Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
I have been influenced by so many amazing musicians, directors, teachers and producers on my journey, but one particular person distinctly comes to mind. When I was 9, I auditioned for a musical at the Boys and Girls Club. The director of this particular show was well known, and they had a strong reputation for high quality productions. I had only been in one musical where I was cast as the talking doorknob, so when he cast me in the lead role, people were quite surprised, and not everyone agreed with him putting an inexperienced 9-year-old in the lead role. He didn’t listen to the others, he told them to just watch me. Sadly, he had a heart attack and passed away a week later. I still have his quote on my wall that says, “Some people go further than they thought they could because somebody else thought they could.” Never stop believing!
Tell us about your new single “Hideaway.”
“Hideaway” boils down to “letting go and letting God.” It’s a bluesy song that reminds us to not be someone who we aren’t, but to embrace who we are meant to be in this world. Don’t hide away but go and be your best self every day! That’s where you’ll find peace and serenity.
What’s the story behind this song?
Sometimes in life it just seems easier to stay in bed, warm and cozy, keeping the world away. But the reality is that when you do that, your light never has a chance to shine! Everyone has that inner light and a gift that needs to be shared. When we let up on trying to control our lives and simply let the universe guide us, that’s where we ultimately will find the best version of ourselves!
Tell us about the success of your singles “Thoughts of You,” “California Country” and “Baggage.”
I love these songs, and I’d love to tell you a little bit about each one of them! “Thoughts of You” was my first true foray into songwriting. It became the title song for my EP and was the cornerstone for watching my dreams come true! I recorded the EP at Belmont University in Nashville with student musicians and a student producer, Hannah Wright. On a shoestring budget, we created music together, and I felt so alive! There is no better feeling than recording with such talented musicians in a Nashville studio. CMT picked up “Thoughts of You” and added me to their Artist Discovery program. Soon after, I met Jamie O’Neal, and we collaborated on “California Country,” which is such a fun song that combined my California roots with my love of country music! If you haven’t seen the video yet, you must check it out on YouTube. David Javier is an outstanding director, and this video tells a story that you really should see! I wrote “Baggage” the night after my first appearance with the Song Suffragettes in Nashville! I was so inspired by the talented women I shared the stage with that night that I immediately went back to our friend’s home and stayed up writing it! It has a great message for everyone to hear. Learn to accept and love your flaws as well as your strengths and find a partner who does the same. We are all imperfect in one way or another, but we are all wonderfully made! The fact that these songs resonate strongly with people is why I do what I do! I am thankful for a platform that can help me connect with so many people through the beauty of music!!
Did you have plans/concerts planned and cancelled because of COVID? If so have you done any online concerts or interaction with your fans?
Oh, yes! I had a very busy summer lined up. Everything was cancelled, but I was able to do many on-line shows and events throughout the summer!! Those were actually very fun because I was able to meet people from all over the world who I otherwise would not have known! It’s exciting to answer questions and interact with country fans around the globe!
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
As a Psychology major at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, Calif., I am confident that my music and my area of study will collide and work together to bring about big, exciting things! I’m very excited to see my journey unfold and if I can be a positive influence to others, then I will know I am where I need to be!
Where we can follow you?
Website: oliviaooms.com
Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / YouTube
Photo Credit: Brandon Bova
