If We're Being Honest With Beren Olivia
Written by: Lindsey V. Britt
Singer-Songwriter Beren Olivia, known for her songs “Read My Mind,” “History,” and “So Emotional,” talks with us today about her latest release “Almost” and her upcoming projects for this year.
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Next Wave: Your new song “Almost” is about pushing someone away before getting too close. What was your thought process in deciding to turn that into a song?
Beren Olivia: Well, I call it my self-sabotage song. I feel like a lot of people can relate to the fact that sometimes when it feels too good or too easy, it’s like, 'Oh, I’m gonna mess up somewhere. I’m scared of being broken up with, I would rather be breaking up.' It’s about calling things off early because you’re too scared to commit and take that next step. It’s a concept that I had been wanting to write about for a while, and I haven’t because I didn’t know the right way to say it. I was with my good friend Sody, who is an incredible songwriter. She writes beautiful breakup songs and all of these really deep and emotional songs, and I was like, 'I have this song idea I need your help.' It was actually a lovely session; we kind of just drank a lot of rosé, cried a bit, ate some ice cream, and wrote a song.
Next Wave: Will there be a music video for “Almost”?
Beren Olivia: There will be. It’s my first proper music video with a storyline. I really saved up budget to be able to do it. I’m actually really excited; it’s coming out the same day as the song.
Next Wave: How would you compare this era of music to your previous releases?
Beren Olivia: I think they are a lot more mature; they are a little bit up to date with what’s happening in my life now. There have been a lot of changes, especially in the last year. Regarding my social life, the people that I’m surrounded by, a lot of it has changed. I’ve honestly spent a lot of time by myself for the last couple of years, which I’ve really, really enjoyed, weirdly. I didn’t think I was going to, but I did. I think that kind of shows in my music now as well. My music is about me and how I’ve been feeling; it marks that chapter.
Next Wave: You’ve released two songs recently, “Drown It In Grey” and “Wake Me Up.” Are you planning on releasing an Album or EP soon?
Beren Olivia: Yup, “Almost” is the third single, and I’m announcing the EP on Friday. It’s called “If We’re Being Honest,” and it’s going to have two other songs on it as well.
Next Wave: What is your process like songwriting in general? Do you have co-writers, or do you write on your own? I know everyone’s process is different.
Beren Olivia: It is different every time; it depends. A lot of the time, I start out with a poem I’ve written. I have an entire diary of poems that I write all the time, so I usually go in with one of those as a concept into a session. Or if I want to shape the song first a little bit by myself, I’ll get some chords together. But I have a good little hub of people that I work with; it’s a small amount of people. I like working with very specific people, and they’re people I’ve created great relationships with over the last few years, so we’ve got a lot of songs together.
Next Wave: You played gigs last year opening for DYLAN, McFly, P!nk, performed at festivals such as Barn On The Farm, and playing at Victorious Festival this summer. Are you planning on playing more shows this year?
Beren Olivia: There’s loads of shows; they’ve just not been announced yet, and I can’t announce them yet. I’m really excited; I’ve got some potential massive tours coming up, like support slots.
Next Wave: Will any of them be stateside?
Beren Olivia: I think this next year, we’re focusing on the UK maybe EU, and then we’ll look at the US maybe the following year.
Next Wave: Would you like to have your headline tour at some point?
Beren Olivia: We’re definitely looking at another headline show at some point; a tour I’m not sure yet. It’s all being talked about. I think it depends on what kind of support and festival slots we get, and I think that’s what I want to focus on this year. I have an incredible band that I love playing with. I’ve never done a tour before; of course, I did the four dates with DYLAN the year before last, and that was very last-minute because I filled in for someone being sick. I would love to do like a full tour with my band.
Next Wave: Do you have any dream collaborators?
Beren Olivia: I would love, love, love to collab with Halsey one day. I would love to write with her; she’s a massive writing inspiration for me; I think she’s incredible. And I love early 00’s rock bands like All Time Low, that kind of crowd. There’s also an artist I just found named Jaden Hossler; I would love to collab with him; he’s so talented.
Next Wave: I heard you love Taylor Swift; what’s your favorite Taylor Swift album?
Beren Olivia: For a really long time, it was “Red”; that was my go-to. But honestly, “folklore” is my favorite, favorite album.
Next Wave: What’s the last song you played on Spotify?
Beren Olivia: “Paint My Bedroom Black” by Holly Humberstone.
Next Wave: I love asking people if they have recommendations for people to check out. Books, music, series, restaurants, etc.
Beren Olivia: I started reading all of this guy’s books, Malcolm Gladwell. He wrote this book called “Blink,” and it’s probably my favorite book that I’ve ever read in my life; it’s so interesting. It’s all about the subconscious mind and unconscious bias, how we make decisions without realizing we made decisions or opinions about people without realizing we have. I also just watched this series with Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, “True Detective”; I really enjoyed that series.
Next Wave: Is there anything you would like to talk about or tease before we go?
Beren Olivia: I’ve teased some bits of new merch coming soon, which I’m really, really excited about. I’ve not gone through the typical merch companies for it because I want to start a clothing brand one day, so I want my merch to be a really good representation of what that is going to be. I wanted to make sure the quality was top-notch; I don’t want the print that fades after three washes; I want embroidery. So, I have some really good mech coming soon.
Check Out “Almost” out now! You can find Beren
@berenolivia on all social platforms.