Singer Olivia Ooms Talks Nashville, Touring, And New Single “Name On This Town”

Olivia is quickly becoming a household name in country music. The star-singer Olivia has opened for artists including Lady A, Old Dominion and Tanya Tucker, who invited her onstage to perform “Delta Dawn,” and made her debut performance at the historic Ryman Auditorium in 2019 during Christmas 4 Kids. Olivia’s 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. 

ACM Award winner Jamie O’Neal co-wrote “Name on This Town” with Olivia and also produced the track along with Olivia’s most recent singles “Hideaway,” “Baggage” and “California Country.” 

“Name on This Town” was originally inspired by Olivia’s plans to move to Nashville immediately after high school, but the 18-year-old now relates the lyrics to her current experience as a student at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. 

We had the absolute honor to interview Olivia on all things touring the country, her home of Nashville, and her new single “Name On This Town”.

Q: Tell us about your new single “Name On This Town.”

O: “”Name on This Town” was a completely natural song for me to write. The lyrics surged directly from my heart and soul! I believe anything worth doing should be done with success in mind. People can define success however they want to. It’s different for everyone. But for me, putting my best foot forward, connecting with others and making a positive impact is a large part of what success means to me and what inspired this fun song as I envisioned my move to a new and exciting life in Nashville.”

Q: Who is your main music inspiration?

O: “I have so many music inspirations but one of my tops would have to be the one and only Tanya Tucker. She started singing at such a young age and has never given up on her dreams! Plus, she won three GRAMMYs last year! I opened for her at an event in Ashland, KY and at the end of her show, she called me on stage to sing “Delta Dawn” with her! I was in the trailer eating ice cream and had no idea what was about to happen! It was such a dreams-really-do-come-true moment, and she was so gracious and beautiful!”

Q: What are your future goals for your music career? Would you like to tour? 

O: “Touring and going to different cities and towns is absolutely what drives and motivates me! Meeting people on the road fuels me! That’s really what it’s all about in country music! I really hope events start opening back up and am hopeful that I will be given that opportunity!”

Q: Who would you like to collaborate with?

O: “I would love to collaborate with so many different country artists. It’s hard to choose just one! But I guess a dream come true would have to be Chris Stapleton, one of the most creative songwriters of all time!”

Q: How did you get started as a singer/songwriter?

O: “I’ve always written music in my head. I have written so many songs I haven’t produced! When I was around 5-years-old, so the story goes, I would walk around with a notebook and pen “writing” and when asked what I was writing, I replied, “I’m writing songs.” It was gibberish on paper, just scribbles, but in my head, I knew exactly what I heard! When I was 9-years-old, my musical theater director at the Boys & Girls Club had a tragic heart attack and passed away. This was very unsettling and happened at the same time the school shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary took place. I wrote about my thoughts in a little song called “Valuable To Me.” After that, I just continued to write what was on my mind and eventually grew to understand exactly the kinds of songs I wanted to share with the world!”

6. What songs’ artists are on your playlist?

O: “Kacey Musgraves, Luke Combs and Thomas Rhett are my top three!”

Q: Have you had any ‘pinch me, is this real’ moments in your career? 

O: “Oh, yes!!! Nashville has given me so many ‘pinch me, is this real’ moments that I can’t even tell you! My biggest came in 2019 when I performed at the historic Ryman Auditorium. That stage is such hallowed ground, and I felt it every step of the way! From the moment I was directed to my personal dressing room, to looking out at the audience in awe and appreciation, I felt every country artist who has come before me alive on that very stage! I gave it everything I had and am forever thankful for that moment!”

Q: What else do you have planned for 2021?

O: “Live venues are finally starting to open, so I’m getting a lot of local gigs which I love! I plan to come to Nashville this Summer to do some performances and recording, and I am working on a big concert with Airline Ambassadors International, the clean water foundation and the Hopi and Navajo! A lot more is still in the works! I’m confident it will be a great year!”

Q: Where can we follow your amazing journey?
O: “@theoliviaooms. OliviaOoms.com”

Stream “Name On This Town” Everywhere You Listen To Music!

Interview Conducted By: Natalie Dixon– UK Entertainment Editor 

______________________________________________________________________________Natalie started her journalism career studying at the prestigious Conde Nast College in London Uk. Conde Nast is the Publication brand that owns Vogue, Tatler and GQ. Natalie loves her home comforts; give her a bar of a chocolate and a Netflix murder documentary and she will be happy.