Stereoboard Talk To Rising Singer, Songwriter And Guitarist Olivia Sebastianelli (Interview)
Tuesday, 05 March 2013
Written by Katie Territt
It seems that Britain currently has an abundance of female artists in the public eye. It's hard to turn on a radio or flick through a newspaper without seeing a mention of Adele, Florence, Paloma Faith, Ellie Goulding, etc. It's also hard to discover an artist who truly stands out as an individual, one who doesn't follow the norm or writes music that is expected of them. Step forward Olivia Sebastianelli, who is ready to break the mould and surprise us all.
The Croydon born and raised 19 year-old doesn't just sing - she writes all her own songs, plays guitar and rebels against those trying to make her someone she isn't. At just 17 years-old, Olivia was signed to Sony but chose to leave as she didn't like the direction they were steering her career in. "I have had absolutely no regrets at all about leaving Sony. I felt like a caged bird at Sony and now I'm free to make music the way I want to."
With inspiration as diverse as Chrissie Hynde, Deborah Harry and Elvis Costello, Olivia's love of music began from an early age. "The music I grew up on has influenced me in so many ways. I've always loved music and always wanted to do it for a living but falling in love with an artist or band makes you believe you can do it which is the most important part I think. You have to really believe you can do it."
Olivia's debut single, 'Rose of Stone' is available as a free download from her Facebook page and was produced by Dan Weller who has worked with Enter Shikari and Young Guns. "I think it represents my songwriting skills really well, which is one of the main reasons (I chose it as the first release). I consider myself a storyteller and a songwriter before anything else. I'm really proud of what me and Dan achieved with this song. It's melancholy without being too depressing."
'Rose of Stone' will feature on 'Pebbles', Olivia's debut album, which will follow later this year. "I think my album will be something unexpected. (The single) definitely gives an indication of my voice and writing style but I don't think it is definitive to the sound of the album overall. I think it will be a pleasant surprise for people." And amongst the surprise of 'Pebbles' is the format the album has taken; the songs are arranged chronologically, in the order they were written. "I wanted the album to take you on a journey as a listener. I wanted it to have a personal effect on people so that I can almost show you a slice of my life as I wrote these songs."
Olivia wrote the album entirely on her own, an impressive feat for any artist these days, and it's a scary thought to finally let go of her writing and recording process. "It feels like I've been living in a cave and someone's let me out. I've got to go out into the big wide world and fend for myself *laughs* It's scary but in a good way."
Performing live is always the main passion for any artist and Olivia is no different. "I have a few (live) dates in March and the two supporting Nina (Nesbitt) but hopefully we will have some more dates in the near future and I would love to do a full tour and go all over the world as soon as I can!"
"I have a lot of dreams about playing Wembley! It's a bit far fetched I know, but I can dream right? I just want to ride the wave, wherever it takes me and hopefully that will be far. I can only be honest and true to myself and see what happens."
Olivia parts with a brief message to Stereoboard readers and, fingers crossed, future fans. "Listen to 'Rose of Stone', watch the video and enjoy…..hopefully!"
It's refreshing to come across an artist who is so clearly focussed and ambitious about exactly what they want from their career, that they would pass up an opportunity that most people would give the world for, to fight for who they truly want to be. Olivia's haunting and intense vocals, impressive songwriting ability, and passionate outlook is mature beyond her years. She knows exactly who she wants to be, what she wants to achieve and she'll damn well fight her way to find it because she clearly deserves it. With Kinks legend Ray Davies already a fan, and newspapers calling her a cross between Bat For Lashes and The xx, you know Olivia is onto something good. Olivia Sebastianelli - remember the name and remember where you heard it first because this young woman is looking at a big career!
'Rose of Stone' is available to download from Olivia's Facebook page now.
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The Croydon born and raised 19 year-old doesn't just sing - she writes all her own songs, plays guitar and rebels against those trying to make her someone she isn't. At just 17 years-old, Olivia was signed to Sony but chose to leave as she didn't like the direction they were steering her career in. "I have had absolutely no regrets at all about leaving Sony. I felt like a caged bird at Sony and now I'm free to make music the way I want to." 
