Diandra Interviews Olivia Chaney: Surpassing Genres To Find Your Voice

As I interview and review more artists, I realize something really important is happening in music that is reflective of the world: the refusal to accept labeling. More artists are hesitant to be boxed into genres, even if they are fusions like jazz-pop or R&B- rock. There is a feeling that music connects the listener and the artist in a very “Kantian” way; as if there is an unspoken, universal agreement of what is good. When it comes to Olivia Chaney’s Shelter, which she will perform at National Sawdust on July 31, this rings true. 

Diandra: You are known to surpass genre in musical definition. How do you think your classical training as a musician has molded your fluidity as an artist? 

Olivia: I like to be unclassifiable and beyond genre. Although that can be a blessing and a curse when carving out a career. Hopefully, its what speaks to people. Its my second solo album, and it feels like its own thing. My first record felt like a culmination of my life, but this record was quicker. So what I’m trying to say is that the classical training is not so conscious for me anymore. Its like benchmarks. So when I come to write, at this stage, it is all just happening. 

Diandra: Do you think the idea of “genres” are meant for artist of for listeners? 

Olivia: Well, if I was going to be a bit radical, I think they are for people in marketing. I don’t really think listeners need labels any more than artists. They are kind of put there by the middle men, and by the label trying to bring the listeners to the artists. It’s fine actually, but I think it can do both the audience and the artist a disservice because they (genres) can be misleading. 

Diandra: You have said there is no such thing as success and failure. How do you keep that mind-frame while in the music industry? 

Olivia: I am probably feeling less in that mindset at the moment. (She laughs) No, but it is true. You have to remind yourself of that even when you are feeling on a high and, more often, when things do not go as you want. You have to grow as an artist and carry on in the music world. In a way, I have been lucky enough, as an artist, to work with some heroes and heroines, and have realized everyone has their skeletons: even on the higher scale. So everything is sort of relative. 

Diandra: Was there a particular artist that gave you wisdom about being an artist? 

Olivia: It’s quite an epic question really. I can’t really think of one specific person. There are so many artists that have told me to remember to come back to the essence of myself, especially in the music industry when you can get swayed on what you wanted to say. Remembering what you wanted to say and not letting self-doubt be built in you is important to someone like me who can be so open to things. That can be good, but that can be bad because then it means I feel kind of porous and it knocks your confidence. I think it’s hard to hold on to your vision and singularity and keep open. What I have come across in these years, is a lot of artists whom are really single-minded about their vision, and can be quite ruthless and harsh about it. So, I think it’s hard to keep your vision and be nice about it (she laughs). Be a decent human being, and say what you want. I’m lucky because I have a really strong network of friends, family, and fellow artists that are guides to me. 

When I was teacher, I would really try to teach the children, on an emotional level, to find their own voice. I was trying to give them the technical tools to discover what their natural voice is. That is probably why I didn’t end up in opera because I liked that in non-operatic vocal techniques you find a voice closer to your speaking voice, and playing with the sounds of that. It felt a bit more natural. 

Diandra: Do you feel after your first album that you had more control on your image and intimate sound for Shelter? 

Olivia: I’m not sure if I want to think of it as controlling, but I know what you mean? I think my first album is pretty damn intimate (she laughs). I think some people might argue it was too intimate. I think this album (Shelter) is more direct in some of the messages. Although, some parts of the record are quite elusive and layered in message. I think I’m trying to say something that is true to me, and hopefully the people get it. Yeah, I think this is a more concise work, and, hopefully, a bit more mature. 

For More Information On Olivia Chaney And To Buy Tickets to Her National Sawdust Show Click Here.