Olivia Cella – Missing U

By starrymag | June 29, 2018

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) As for my voice alone, I always am told that I have a mature voice. That I sound older than I am and that I have a very rich bluesy voice. Everyone thinks since I have a low speaking voice that I can’t sing higher notes and when I do they’re always so surprised. As for my overall sound and style of singing, I consider myself to have a pop-R&B -edm(ish) style. I started singing classical music, then musical theatre then finally pop! I listen to a lot of R&B and EDM so they kind of just got incorporated into my singing style since it’s the type of music I enjoy as well.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) Recently I have been obsessed with Blackbear. He is a rapper and producer, but I really like his lyrics. He has a catchy, relatable and unique way of wording things that I love listening to because I can relate to him. I am also influenced by Post Malone. His lyrics are equally as relatable and catchy. He writes songs that can be interpreted any way that can relate to your life and his new album is all about making your way out of a hard time which I think is really awesome.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Missing U.”

 

A) As any normal teenager, we all experience a heart break in our lives. I wrote “Missing U” about the first time I had my heartbroken. Writing this song was almost therapeutic in a way because it helped me realize that these emotions are normal and that it’s not the end of the world no matter how big of a deal it seems in that specific moment.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) I think that it’s just super catchy. I always catch my friends humming it at school and I think it’s, again, just very relatable. Anyone who has experienced a heartbreak of any kind and or the loss of someone important to them can relate to this feeling of wanting them back even though you know it’s not good for either of you.

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) The video was actually a very last-minute thing. I happened to be out in LA just for my Spring Break vacation and thought it would be great to just shoot the video there since there are more places to shoot in LA. I knew that I wanted the video to represent the song and the actual backstory. So, its showing all the good memories we had and all the things we used to do and how I have a constant reminder of him everywhere I go.

 

Q) The song won the Songwriter Universe Best Song of the Month Contest. How did that make you feel?

 

A) That was so unexpected. My mom told me, and It took me a good five minutes to process how awesome that is. I can’t believe I have a song out that is receiving this much support. It’s truly such a cool and amazing experience to have something you pour your heart and soul into getting recognition.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) I have tons and tons of voice memos, notes on my phone and sticky notes of melody ideas, song chords and lyrics. I don’t really have an exact process yet. “Missing U” was just one line scribbled on a sticky note and it just caught my eye while I was listening to the beat of the track. It was like something out of a movie. When I was walking around my room listening to the track for “Missing U,” I was trying to come up with an idea and right when the bass hits It caught my eye and I just went with it.

 

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) Since I’m still young I have my mom there with me through everything since I am a minor and she’s much smarter than me. [laughs] I have control of what I release and the quality. If I don’t like how something sounds in the studio I know what to ask to change and I have a great team of people who know how I like my songs mixed. I have a really big part in my career since it is something I am very passionate about.

 

Q) What can fans expect from a live Olivia Cella performance?

 

A) They can just except me doing my best. I still get nervous like any person would, but I just try to do my best and focus on giving them a real performance they can actually connect with.

 

Q) Will there be a full EP or album coming in the near future?

 

A) No, I am just working on releasing singles as of now. I have one coming out this summer!!

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) I love performing in restaurants. Something about just being the background music is really cool, not having all the attention on you is nice sometimes because I can just stand in the corner and play my piano while people are just enjoying themselves and it makes me happy that I am there to help them have a great night.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) I don’t really have anyone in mind because I have so much respect for every artist. I would work with anyone who’s got a good head on their shoulders.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) I am currently jamming out to Tama Impala. I just got my drivers license so I am spending more time than ever making playlists and finding cool artists to listen to since I can’t do anything without a good song to motivate me. I really like Tama Impala since they have such a groovy vibe. Their newest album just sounds like summer and puts me in a great mood.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) I LOVE YOU SO MUCH! I love all my supporters, it sounds cliché and over said but I really do, they enjoy my music and they give me their love and support and it’s such a cool feeling to make others happy just from doing something you enjoy. I want all my supporters to know they can DM me on any social media platform and I will respond. Instagram is the one I use the most if it something urgent. I just want to be able to give back any support to anyone who supports me. It’s honestly the least I can do and I would do more if I could because I am so forever grateful for them.

 

 

Watch “Missing U”