We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Olivia Rose. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Olivia below.

Olivia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I first knew I wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path when I was really little. Two crucial things happened: my mom put me in piano lessons when I was 4 (after I begged her for them), and I discovered Taylor Swift when I was 5. I would sing and learn to play her songs, and then I started writing my own songs as well. I took every opportunity to perform–and when there wasn’t an opportunity, I would make one myself. In elementary school, I would ask my teachers if I could sing songs for the class. Let me set the scene: end of math class. Taylor Swift. A cappella. Song and dance. I was a bold kid.

In terms of writing, I had a light-up journal that I wrote my songs in. The first time I ever wrote a song was in third grade; I was sitting on top of some monkey bars with my journal and, when I wrote the last word, I ran around the playground telling my babysitter and little brother, “I wrote a song!! I wrote a song!!” It’s a core memory for sure.

Sometimes I still do a little happy dance when I finish a good song.

Long story short, writing and performing has always filled me with so much joy. I never cared what anyone thought; I just knew it was what I needed to be doing, and I feel that to this day. (I only sing at appropriate times now, though).

Olivia, 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?

I’m a songwriter and artist from Phoenix, Arizona, now living in Los Angeles. I got into songwriting and performing at a very young age, and they are still my favorite things to do. I write about love, mental health, and really anything I feel like I need to get off my chest.

Something that sets me apart from other artists is the versatility in my writing. I have a song called “Higher Power” with a lyric that goes, “I’m barely alive, scraping by, cutting corners to survive.” On the other hand, I have a song called “Please Don’t Have A Boyfriend” (that’s out on all streaming platforms) with a line where I scream, “Break up with your boyfriend, I wanna be your new girlfriend.” Something for everyone!

I feel most proud of a song when someone tells me that my lyrics moved them. Ultimately, I love connecting with people, and performing my songs is the best vessel for me to do so. I just love to tell stories and dance around a stage while sharing them!

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

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is feeling like I’m fulfilling my purpose by doing what I love. The feeling of finishing writing a great song and the feeling of walking off stage after a performance are the most euphoric experiences. Those are moments where I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be, doing what I’m supposed to be doing. It’s just the best.

Another rewarding part of being an artist is connecting with others. Writing is my therapy, and performing is my form of release, so to be able to connect with people over what I write is just incredible. If I’m extra lucky, one of my songs will make someone emotional–not that I ever want anyone to cry, but it means a lot when I write a particularly vulnerable song and it moves someone like that. I spend so much time crafting exactly what to say and how to phrase things, so getting responses like that is the highest compliment and a breath of relief. It makes me feel like I’m doing something right.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Dealing with mental health issues has forced me to be pretty resilient. I have anxiety and OCD, and these are parts of me that I have to work through everyday (unfortunately). As a writer, my work comes from my mind, so there’s a lot going on up there. I think any artist can relate to that sentiment, but it really is quite difficult to handle on the daily. I can’t turn off the terrible thoughts that come with having OCD or the fears that come from having anxiety, just like I can’t turn off my ideas. I just do what I can with it all.

I’ve had to reframe the experience of dealing with it by transforming it from something that makes me feel weak to something that makes me see my strength. Everyone has their own set of circumstances that they have to work through, and these are just the cards I was dealt. I show up for myself, and I show up for my craft, and that’s how I show my resilience.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiimoliviarose/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-mcginley-303993234/

Image Credits
Photography: SULU