We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Aziz Olivine a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Aziz, appreciate you joining us today. Can you tell us about a time that your work has been misunderstood? Why do you think it happened and did any interesting insights emerge from the experience?

It’s funny because I think the reason I even gravitated toward being an artist in the first place is that I’ve always felt misunderstood. Growing up in a Muslim household as the queer oddball child, I tried to stay out of trouble, but my dad’s strict, traditional views of Islam followed me everywhere. I longed for a safe space to express myself freely, which led me to the online world where I could be anyone I wanted without repercussions.

I remember so many instances where my dad would shame me for brushing my sisters’ hair or hanging out with girls, as it was seen as too feminine. That made me feel trapped and added a layer of censorship to my personality that I’m still healing from today. I’m slowly allowing myself to be authentic, regardless of who’s watching.

Even though these experiences had a huge impact on my development, they made me passionate about understanding others and pushed me to go inward in a way that many around me didn’t have to. Fast forward to today, I want to create spaces for others who have felt that same weight of judgment and restriction, and I’m excited to give a piece of myself to the music world.

Aziz, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Aziz Olivine. I’m a queer Palestinian-American singer, songwriter, and audio engineer thats currently independent. I create and execute my personal creative visions in my small one-bedroom apartment in NYC. Much of my music aims to capture specific feelings or emotional spaces I’ve been in before, while also creating new ones that inspire me to embrace softer, more playful ways of being. This process has been integral to my healing journey, motivating me to share my art with the world to serve others in the same way it has served me.

Since I was younger, I’ve had a fascination with sensory experiences and how they impact well-being. When I discovered that I could make my own music without going through others, I took it upon myself to learn all aspects of music production. I developed my skills through repetition and by recreating the works of my favorite artists. Recently, I’ve been heavily inspired by modern artists like Raveena, UMI, Ravyn Lenae, Little Dragon, and Orion Sun. In my future songs, I plan to incorporate more Middle Eastern influences and tap into my roots.

Bringing my visions to life fills me with joy and a sense of fulfillment that feels like a divine purpose. I enjoy exploring how certain words and melodies can communicate complex feelings in simple, felt rather than spoken ways. My intention is to encourage others to make constructive changes in their lives, spreading my perspectives and energy subliminally through music. I prefer not to confine myself to one genre, so I often blend elements of pop, alternative R&B, neo-soul, and indie soul in my songs, creating unique sonic worlds.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Self-discovery and collective healing drive my creativity. It’s easy for artists to fall into the trap of making music for monetary gain, but I believe that to sustain our art, we need a purpose beyond ourselves—a reason that fills us with meaning.

Throughout my adolescent years, music served as an escape from my own suffering. It showed me how the world can feel when I immerse myself in the right environments, rather than staying in places where I can no longer grow. I love sharing my perspectives and energy in hopes that others can connect with me, feel seen and validated, or simply vibe out and enjoy life.

Apart from my collective desires, I want to prove to myself that I can create the life I desire without following the ordinary 9-to-5 structure. In the past, I’ve faced doubt from those around me and had my art minimized. I want to demonstrate to others that it’s completely possible to live life on your own terms if you show up for yourself.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

At this point in my creative journey, the most rewarding aspect is seeing others connect with my work and knowing it’s making a positive impact. It’s easy to doubt my creations, but knowing that people genuinely appreciate them is incredibly inspiring.

Another rewarding aspect is when I invest time and effort into improving my skills related to my art and start to see that hard work pay off, taking my music to another level. Watching myself grow as a person in real time and develop new, rewarding habits due to my lifestyle is fulfilling. Since I’m independent and have complete control over my music and marketing, everything I create is personal and curated, so when someone resonates with my art, it truly touches my heart.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LjvH6YeFtr5X8v5WwKtjX
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olivegloss/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA7-m9mumKmq-2PCdjH7pxQ
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/aziz-luv
• Other: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/aziz-olivine/1595211343

Image Credits

Roland Marcelino Hernandez