ifitbeyourwill S06E01 • Oh, Rose

Olivia Rose of Oh, Rose opens Season 6 with a candid conversation about musical origins, creative evolution, and embracing life's next chapters. From her early days in Asheville, North Carolina, where her friend's mother taught her guitar at age twelve, to becoming the frontwoman of a respected indie band, Olivia's journey reveals the deep connections between personal experience and artistic expression.

Music flows naturally for Olivia, who recalls waking up as a child with songs already formed in her mind. "I will just start, a song will just come to my head, I can sing about anything that I'm doing at any given moment," she explains. This instinctive approach to songwriting has matured over time, as she translates personal moments into universal themes that resonate with listeners. Her process often begins with a thought or phrase that strikes her as particularly true, developing into fully-formed compositions that sometimes reveal their deeper meanings long after they're written.

The conversation takes a meaningful turn as Olivia, expecting her first child in September, reflects on how motherhood will influence her creative path. Rather than viewing this transition with trepidation, she approaches it with curiosity and openness. Drawing fascinating parallels between the chaos of touring life and the unpredictability of parenthood, she shares advice from a bandmate who recently became a father: "I think you're going to be surprised at how equipped you are for this and how much being in a band and this strange form of chaos that we have chosen over the years is actually going to come in handy."

Olivia's recently released EP "For Art" stands as both a creative milestone and a musical gift for her unborn child, who has been present for the creation of these songs. Though she plans to take a well-deserved break from performing, she assures us that her musical journey continues: "As long as I am writing and playing and recording music, O Rose will continue to exist and evolve." Her story reminds us that art, like life, thrives through transformation and growth.

Chapters

• 0:47 Season six kickoff with Olivia Rose
• 3:23 Musical origins in Asheville, North Carolina
• 7:15 Songwriting inspiration and process
• 9:42 "The Call" and life's turning points
• 12:35 Family bonds within the band
• 15:12 Balancing motherhood and music
• 20:57 The new EP and musical evolution
• 24:24 Closing thoughts and musical outro

Transcript

oh rose: 0:31

I was thinking about you I was thinking about you Could have invested all my time. Well, here we are back, season six people. We've got a great season lined up. I mean, season five was amazing, so many great guests. And already we have great guests lined up for season number six. And I start off with a banger. Here I have Olivia rose coming in from portland. Is that true? No or no? Olympia, washington. That's right. Okay, I was thinking of the label. I think the label is a portland label, am I?

Oh Rose: 1:20

well, no, yeah, you are correct, anticoagulated Future is Portland, but actually they started in Olympia, a house called the Alamingo, and technically my whole band lives in Portland. I am the single holdout in Olympia. So you got it it's Olympia and Portland Right on.

oh rose: 1:44

And I mean your music, mean we're I was just trying to describe it a little bit to olivia before we hopped on here. But I mean, it's such a beautiful cross mix of dream poppy and indie, and there's some country tings, and there's also some screamo in there as well, for, uh, the metals out there the metal heads heads, and we're going to talk a little bit about her latest record that she just put out a week ago, a little EP.

oh rose: 2:09

She has called for art, so check that out too. It's on band camp and all of your platforms. Olivia, thanks so much for joining me for this first wonderful episode of season six. I really appreciate you carving a bit of time. Now I'm going to put a little caveat on this one. I really appreciate you carving a bit of time. Now I'm going to put a little caveat on this one. I reached out to Olivia. We're not supposed to well, we're me, it's just me here, but I wasn't really going to start until September. But Olivia is expecting and I just so wanted to talk about this record and make sure that she has some good things to listen to when she hits motherhood. So, olivia, thanks so much for this. I really appreciate you hopping on here.

Oh Rose: 2:50

Yeah, thanks for having me. I'm happy to be here.

oh rose: 2:53

So, olivia, let's get this conversation started with a little rewind in the history a bit, and I like asking artists kind of like where it all started to begin for them.

Oh Rose: 3:16

I like asking artists, kind of like where it all started to begin for them, some of those salient moments where it was like, yeah, that's where things started to happen for my music and do you have some of there? So I grew up in asheville, north carolina, so I'm originally from the south, my family's from the south um of the us and, um, when I was like 12 or 13, um, my friend, one of my best friend's mom, she was in um, she was in a bunch of bands so she was in like doo-wop bands, kind of kind of some country bands, and she's the one that taught me how to play guitar. Um, and she was just cool. She was a young mom, so probably in her you know 30s, when we were all like 12, 13 and just I don't know just cool, and her, her friends were cool.

Oh Rose: 4:04

And then me and her daughter, zara, and a bunch of our friends, a group of girls, we were all learning how to play guitar, bass, drums, and we started a band called the Hissy Fits and I just, and we had one song so we would play over and over and over again. But yeah, it was just and we had one song so we would play over and over and over again.

Oh Rose: 4:28

But yeah, it was just. It was just like cool, it was a cool community and I think that that's what really, and I discovered so much music through that. So it was like the breeders I got breeders, Kristen Hirschsch. That was a really big influence muses and yeah yeah, throwing muses, it's huge. Oh my, I've loved throwing music. I don't know if you ever heard of that dog um that was a big influence yes um.

Oh Rose: 4:59

So it's all of these kind of und all of these influences from kind of Gen X like yeah, there's this band DQE, and then you know, you know, like also listening, like driving her mom crazy, listening to like my Chemical Romance and like you know, but yeah, that's kind of the origins of me as a songwriter musician. I'd always been singing, but that was kind of the origins of me as a songwriter musician. I'd always been singing, but that was kind of the start, I would say, of music.

oh rose: 5:32

Was that a big interest of yours? Also, though, to write songs. Like you talked about the influence of your mom's friend, your friend's mom, and that they were doing it and like you, kind of like. I mean, I remember these same same types of stories, just idolizing singers and songwriters and bands, just like, just like holier than thou, like untouchable. How, how did you, how did you find your way into saying, okay, I'm gonna, I'm gonna try to write some songs like you're, you were learning guitar and like what were kind?

oh rose: 6:03

of like your inspirations, to start saying, yeah, I'm gonna give it a shot and see what happens so I'd always been writing songs since I can remember.

Oh Rose: 6:12

I remember when I and to this day I will just start, I will song will just come to my head, I can sing about anything that I'm doing at any given moment, and so, like I used to wake up, I remember as a little kid probably earliest memory I have a memory vividly of waking up and just having a song in my head and writing it in my journal. So it was always acapella, and so I think that introducing the guitar kind of made it more like solidified it and structure. You know we have burst, chorus, bridge, um, but always, always writing songs, always writing little doodles, um, and always saying and like what?

oh rose: 6:58

what brings those seeds into your, your, your mind? Like, did they tend to like be connected to experience you might have had? Or a thought? Or like where do you, where do you get your inspiration from when you're writing your songs?

Oh Rose: 7:14

Probably a lot of the times it's from a thought or something someone has said that has inspired, felt very true in a, in a moment I don't know if that that's the best way I can describe it A lot of the times, um, or yeah, or an inside, almost like an inside joke, or not even just something that, something that resonates in a way that you I think that that's the most exciting part about songwriting is that when you can kind of and I would say storytelling, writing in general when you can tie in, you're trying to translate something that really impacts you personally, but then creating a thematic, almost like narrative, something cohesive out of that, so little snippets of thought or what I hear, what someone says, um, something that inspires.

oh rose: 8:17

That yeah and then the, the actual song, the verse, chorus, etc. Is kind of is it you figuring out that one kind of thesis of the song and then working through, like, the new things come out of the song as you're writing it, so it may be inspired by a thought or a theme, and then it, everything just starts flooding out from experience and absolutely.

Oh Rose: 8:42

Yeah, like or like, yeah, starting with like a mantra of words, you know, maybe a chorus and repeating, and then how does this and all these other words? And the best part is when you don't even know what that is about and then later it becomes clear. So definitely.

oh rose: 9:01

You know, I'm going to give you an example of that because I love how you just described it. And so I listened to the song the Call, right, it came out in 2024. I think you released it as a single and then it appeared on Dorothy Is that? I think that's the timeline there.

oh rose: 9:19

I just felt that that song, after I'd heard that you were pregnant, that the Call changed its meaning for me a little bit and then it kind of started becoming a little bit of a baby song or a sense that a growing family or something that was new was coming and that I was ready. I'm not dreaming about it anymore. The call has come in and I'm going for it. So when you said that, I started to think about that song and what I knew about it, based on what you had told me and how this story started to unfold with it now I have no idea if that's what you're writing about, but I think that it works nicely with the lyrics that you would put together and then kind of knowing a little bit about your experiences yeah, it's been interesting how that's another thing where songs you can kind of just maybe that's something that I don't know.

Oh Rose: 10:13

I think that that makes it feel more almost universal, or it can have different applications depending on context. Context, um, I wrote that, uh, when we got a call, we got asked to go on tour in 2021. So it was during right, so covid, I mean right, um, and uh, we were touring with future islands, or asked to tour, and we're, the tour is going to start in like three days, because one of the bands that was supposed to open for them, uh, their visas didn't get approved and so they had called us up and, um, and it was just that deciding moment. I also had really not been playing, I mean, since since covid started. So there was a lot of, um, kind of fear and uncertainty there, and I think that that was also a turning point for me to start saying yes in different ways. And, similarly, I think that that's definitely what my experience has been like entering into motherhood and like that, yes, like yes, yes, yes, okay.

Oh Rose: 11:26

I'm going to take it this is what life is, is telling me. It's, this is what life is calling me to do in this moment, and and that's what I'm going to do.

oh rose: 11:35

Yeah, I love that too. I read that you and your, your bandmates, when you're touring, you always try to go and see whoever's family that you're closest to or like. Family is a very important part of not only the band itself and its um strength over all these years I mean, you guys have been doing this since 2014 but that also you have this connection to family, like family. Family seems very important to the band itself, like the bigger family as well. Um, yeah, can you talk to that a little bit?

Oh Rose: 12:09

yeah, I think I mean we know, I know all my bandmates family. So I mean, stevie, I was just on a pontoon boat with his uh, his parents and his, his sisters, um, one of them was in town from texas with her husband and we were just full like the fastest pontoon. I didn't know pontoon boats could go that fast, um, and it was a blast. But we all know each other's family. I mean, we have all become family. Also, our families are kind of spread out all throughout the US. So I think that that relationship, knowing each other's families, also continues to anchor us in as a family, as this kind of found family. But then, um, yeah, and like, from our parents I've met and our siblings and it's just this really awesome. I don't know, yeah, when I see their, their families or their parents or I know I'm friends with their siblings and um, and vice versa, and their siblings know my brother and it's just this whole really cool uh, world, you know.

oh rose: 13:18

I love that, I mean it. It does, um, help the band manage. I'm sure I mean I've spoken to many bands where I mean the first thing they say is, if you guys aren't good together as a group, forget about music. You know, like you can pretend for so long, only so long, until you know the reality hits you in the face. What do you think the longevity has been, or some of the recipes or tips and tricks that you could share, having a band that you feel this close to and that you've really evolved as a band over the, you know, over this last decade?

Oh Rose: 13:56

Yeah, I think just having genuine respect and care for one another as people, not just as I mean, we've bonded, we've bonded through music, the shared experience of being on the road, very, it's, it's hard, and we just genuinely enjoy each other's company and it's so it's hard to describe it, describe it just. I just feel so lucky to have the people, these people, in my life and the community that it has given me is quite amazing, and I think it's really palpable when people are around us.

oh rose: 14:42

Um, so, yeah, I love that and what are your biggest nervousness is about bringing a life into the world, or flip it on its head, the biggest. I mean the joys are pretty obvious, but like it's going to start battling with your, your music. Um, when you bring a new human in, how, how do you, how are you starting to get your mindset around having to have? You'll have this little person to care for 24, seven, all the time. Where, where are you at with that? And it's kind of conflicting with your, your, your, your music and how, how you think you're going to manage all that.

Oh Rose: 15:29

Mm-hmm. Well, it's definitely going to make coordinating a little more difficult, I would say, or more of a challenge. And oh man, I don't know, I just so. Also the bassist in a rose then, um, he just had a baby in february, so, and I mean, we're playing, he's making it, it's you know, we're just gonna make it work.

Oh Rose: 15:59

the thing is is I have been trying to get away from like the grind of touring and doing that for a while Now. It is actually detracted from me as an artist and making art, um, because you get sucked up in promotion and album cycle or all of and then touring and it's and it's hard and that is an okay thing for me to put a pause on right now. That's prior to baby, so the 24-7, I mean we'll just take it as it comes. You know, I think I've built a really beautiful life to raise a child in, and so, and I know it's going to be hard, um, and I think that I'm up for that.

Oh Rose: 16:51

And speaking with ben um, the other, a couple weeks ago, you know I was talking about these fears and like gosh, this is gonna be brutal, and he was. He was saying to me, you know, dad, now for about six months, and then he's like, honestly, olivia, I think you're going to be really surprised at how equipped you are for this and how much being in a band and this really strange form of chaos that we have chosen over the years is actually going to come in handy, uh, for you in this in this role and it was really cool to hear that because he's like, I mean we've lived in like a van, or I mean our first doors in a subaru for two months like no sleep insane, insane people and like, and it's gonna be different, um, but I think that also, hopefully, um, I can remember to find joy and meaning and curiosity in the experience, because I think that has been a core part of of all of it.

Oh Rose: 18:03

It's like, how does this, how do I translate this into meaning through my music? How do I get curious or interested or excited and what's happening to me at this moment in my life and then maybe translate that to music? So, yeah, we'll see. I don't know, or maybe it's gonna really suck. Well, I'm sure there are going to be moments where it sucks, but I know there's going to really suck.

oh rose: 18:24

Well, I'm sure there are going to be moments where it sucks, but I know there's going to be far more moments that are joyful and happy. I'm excited I'm speaking from. I've done this three times and you know, actually it's funny You're welcoming a child in and my last child just left for college, so I have an empty house now. It's just, it goes so fast, fast.

oh rose: 18:48

So I'm saying in a really good way, but I like what you said of cherishing and and you know seeing how life unfolds in front of you with whatever experiences you have, don't resist.

Oh Rose: 18:59

I can't like I can't. I I took the call like I made this I this. Nobody did this to me. Well, I guess my husband. But you know, whatever, we were doing it, so it's good.

oh rose: 19:12

That's cool, that's cool. And kind of thinking about the newborn coming in. I kind of had I put it as a question of like what? What song from oh Rose would be the first song that you think that your newborn would like connect to, or like soothe them, or like what song of yours you want your baby to hear of yours?

Oh Rose: 19:35

I think, yeah, I mean that question. Um, it's so funny. I asked my husband this, and he's like baby, and it's, I have a song from uh while my father's baby, and I was like baby, and I have a song from While my Father Sleeps, called Baby, and I was like no, no, no, that's not going to soothe this child, and I do think, though, that, honestly, any of the songs from the EP, from For Art because I recorded them and was playing them while he's been in my body, you know, so he knows those songs and I love these songs, and I think, out of all of those, maybe a toast, because I think that that's kind of this. It just sums up the fear, the hopefulness of what is to come, and I think that it's really about just it doesn't shy away from the fear of of uh, starting a family and doing this and choosing um, making choices that have led to really ultimately birth this birth in this next chapter, but, um, I think just any song from the ep is going to be a little lullaby for him.

oh rose: 20:53

Now I'm curious to see if it soothes them, you know well, I really love this ep, um and I, before we hopped on um, I was just talking about your catalog and the evolution I felt of it from this raw grungy, you know, like indie rocky, to like these really heartfelt ballads. You know, I just love the way that you guys weaved and I mean from like the record Seven. I mean, is it that track too? That's kind of your screaming track or one of your screaming tracks.

Oh Rose: 21:31

Oh yeah, Seven, yeah the song. Seven from Seven yeah.

oh rose: 21:35

Unbelievable, like your range is just dramatically amazing, and I've really, really appreciated that. This new EP, olivia, to kind of wrap things up, what? Where are you leaving Old Rose, like as you embark on?

Oh Rose: 21:58

this new journey in life. Where are you placing it? On your bookshelf? On my bookshelf, so definitely taking maternity leave from playing live shows, for I'd say I mean baby's coming in September, I'd say at least six months, but also, you never know. I say this all the time and then someone's going to probably ask me and I'll you know.

colleyc: 22:18

I'll do it.

Oh Rose: 22:20

But I would say sticking close to home, unless something really you know. I say that I don't know, but O-Rose is not. It's not stopping, it's not going anywhere. Basically, as long as I am writing and playing and recording music, o-rose will continue to exist and evolve. So I think I'm really excited to see what songs are going to come from this next chapter. I can't wait to write some songs inspired by my child.

oh rose: 22:55

I can't wait either they're going to be amazing. Amazing.

colleyc: 22:59

What inspiration.

oh rose: 23:01

Well, I wish you all the best libya in uh september onward.

Oh Rose: 23:06

Um, I'd love to touch base to uh once the baby's here, just to see if you're doing all right yeah, yeah, reach out um and totally get a little little crying clip maybe I'll be, like man, this is, this is I'll let, I'll let you know, I'll give, I'll be honest.

oh rose: 23:27

Cool, Cool, Well, and and congrats on this new EP too. I'm glad that it came out before life takes a, shifts in a in a in a different direction for a while, but, um, I think you left us with some really great tunes to enjoy while you become a mother and uh, and become a parent. So all the best with that and I'll, like I said, I'll keep in touch and the next time Rose comes out we'll have you back and we'll talk about the record and the kid and how it's gone.

Oh Rose: 23:58

Yeah. Love it Wait for those lullabies coming down the peg.

oh rose: 24:04

Right on, Right on Well thanks.

colleyc: 24:24

How about raising a toast before the wine turns crush? How about raising your eyes To make mine for good luck again? How about raising a family that stays together? How about raising a boy to the ceiling, to the charter and all these doubts? I am terrified. Guitar solo. How about raising yourself up off the couch Cause you don't wanna talk back? How about raising my voice? How about raising the phone to call your mom and tell her what went wrong? To run all these doubts and take me far, but it's only water Coming out the eye. And if all the weight of everything, let this last forever, we'll be fine. We'll be fine, we'll be fine. How about laying it all out on the table, your hopes and all you're able to share? How about holding my hand? How about going to bed with all your worries? And no one can be more than I have all these doubts. I'm terrified.