Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Olivia Faye

Up-and-coming singer-songwriter Olivia Faye is following her heart and chasing her dreams. Since leaving her hometown in Kentucky, the rising artist has become a staple amongst the Nashville music scene. She’s performed at just about every venue in Music City and worked with some of their biggest players.

Last week, Olivia dropped her brand new single, “The Chase“, and Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to chat with her about it!

PC: How did you discover your passion for the arts?
Olivia: I grew up in a family of music lovers and artists. My family was constantly singing and making up funny songs for as long as I can remember. Being the youngest of three and having parents who were a bit older, I’ve been exposed to a wide variety of music my whole life. I started singing in church and community theater at six and began learning the guitar around twelve. I really took to it. In fact, as I got better and better at guitar, I would walk door to door to many of our neighbors to play songs and torture them. They patiently encouraged me to follow my dreams and pursue my love of music with a vengeance! Some of them are still my biggest fans today!

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Olivia: My biggest influence when I started out was a man named Clay Campbell. He ran a place near my home called the Kentucky Opry. When I was twelve, he invited me to start performing in the Stars of Tomorrow show there on Friday nights. Under his tutelage, I learned to sing, play, and perform on stage. Mr. Clay always told us to have a song of every genre prepared at a moment’s notice and that advice has paid off big time in my career.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success already in your young career including a recent premiere with CMT for your last single, “Save My Number”. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Olivia: Premiering “Save My Number” on CMT was definitely an exciting milestone! I’ve watched music videos on CMT for so many years. It was very surreal to see my own video. What a thrill!

PC: Tell us about your new single “The Chase” and the inspiration behind the song.
Olivia: “The Chase” was inspired by where I was at in life. When I first moved to Nashville, my friends and I just wanted to enjoy the single life without being caught up in a serious relationship. I think a lot of people can relate to that!

PC: We hear you will be releasing more music soon and also hitting the road a bit. What can fans expect from the upcoming releases and any upcoming tour dates to mention?
Olivia: “The Chase” is my third song released in 2021! These next few releases will be some more fun and also vulnerable songs I’m so proud of! I am also so looking forward to getting back out on the road. I am playing regularly around Nashville and Western Kentucky and hope to branch out even further. I have tons of fun summer gigs booked and even a very exciting festival, opening up for someone legendary! Stay tuned!

PC: If you had to choose one of your songs that best encompasses you as an artist, which would it be and why?
Olivia: The song that best encompasses me as an artist is my song, “Out of My System”. Writing that song helped me grow as an artist and as a person. It’s a very vulnerable song, but I felt like I was able to get my message to a lot of people! I have been writing for years by myself and with many co-writers.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Olivia: I love the oldies! Hall & Oates is my go-to pick-me-up band I love to jam out to!

PC: First album you bought?
Olivia: The Judd’s Greatest Hits was the first CD I ever bought on my own. I know that whole record from front to back.

PC: First concert you attended?
Olivia: First concert I ever attended was with my next door neighbor, Kristen, who invited me to see Jason Aldean in our hometown! I still remember the thrill of that night.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Olivia: An album that changed my life was the Traveller album by Chris Stapleton. That record came out at the same time I was moving to Nashville to start my music career. The songwriting, storytelling, and everything to do with his incredible vocals were hugely inspiring.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Olivia: It’s a dream of mine to play the Hollywood Bowl! I saw Dolly Parton perform there when I was sixteen. While I was there, I saw my first shooting star. It was a magical night. Between Dolly, the Hollywood Bowl, and the shooting star you can only guess what my wish was!

PC: A must-have on the road?
Olivia: My must-have on the road is my trusty little laptop and my guitar, so when inspiration comes I am ready to write the next song!

To keep up with Olivia, follow her on Instagram. Pick up or stream “The Chase” today.

Photo Credit: Laura Thompson