Olivia Penalva
We travel all the way to Vernon British Columbia to get to know Olivia Penalva, the next in our series of JUMP 106.9, Ottawa Bluesfest She’s the One Emerging Artists.
At only 13 years old, Olivia wrote and recorded her debut album, releasing it to a sold out crowd at the Powerhouse Theatre in 2013, showcasing not only her writing abilities, but also her charisma as a live performing artist. She gracefully controls the room with her silky voice and gentle demeanour, and carries throughout her songs an endearing quality of honesty. She’s also proud to have scored her first Top 30 single at Canadian radio in 2013 with her original Christmas song ‘Christmas For Two’ and a music video that’s reached more than 14k views in just a few short weeks. Recently, Olivia also secured herself as a Finalist in the International Songwriting Competition with her original song ‘Fight for You’.
Olivia
Olivia, now 14, is currently working on a follow up EP in Los Angeles with a multitude of songwriters including Sony/ATV writer and fellow Canadian chart topper Andrew Allen.
We invited Olivia to answer 20 questions so that we could get to know her story and the story behind her music a little bit better.
20 Questions with Olivia Penalva
#1: Firstly congratulations on being selected as one of the top 10 for the RBC Bluesfest She’s the One Emerging Female Artists Competition. RBC Bluesfest was ranked one of the top 10 music festivals by Billboard Magazine. What was your reaction on being selected into this elite event?
OP: I was shocked to have been selected out of so many applicants. I had to keep the news quiet until all the finalists received the news which was hard because I was so excited. I super happy to be here.
#2: Every artist I’ve spoken to has a story about how / when they decided to pursue music as a career. We know that you started in music at a very early age, describe the moment that you knew that music was the path for you and what inspired you to take that path.
OP: I was 11 when i entered my first singing competition. It was a local competition in my hometown Vernon, BC. When i arrived and saw the stage, the judges, and the audience i got so scared I did not want to go through with it. But I got up there and performed and after i just knew that that was what i wanted to do for the rest of my life.
#3: It seems like a big thing in the music business today is collaborations. Name any three artists that you would like to work with?
Ed Sheeran
Chris Martin
Tegan and Sara
OP: I would love to write with Ed Sheeran. He is an amazing songwriter and each song tells a story. I would also love to work with Chris Martin of Coldplay because I love their music. I am also a big fan of Tegan and Sara. They are such great performers and have such awesome voices and style.
#4: For most stepping out on a stage to face hundreds, perhaps thousands of fans can be a bit intimidating. What’s that like for you? Do you still get butterflies or does it inspire you to put on an even better performance?
OP: I feel nervous performing in front of small crowds, especially my peers. But when I get up in front of bigger crowds my adrenaline starts pumping and I get really excited.
#5: This is where we normally ask what the defining moment has been in an artist’s career to date. Your career is still taxiing down the runway ready for takeoff. Has there been a moment, to date, that sticks out more than others, that reassures you that music is the right path for you?
OP: The defining moment for me I think was when I flew to LA to work with Andrew Allen. To be able to collaborate with someone so talented and to come out of those sessions with some great songs was amazing. I learnt so much and loved the whole process. One of my songs, Christmas for Two, even charted at 21 last December.
Olivia
#6: What’s your all-time favorite movie?
OP: It is always changing but my favorite movie right now is “Endless Love” because it is inspiring that someone can love that much.
#7: Your ideal brain food?
OP: My favorite meal at any time is a salad! I never get tired of it.
#8: Favourite Restaurant (anywhere in the world)?
Earls Kitchen & Bar
OP: Earl’s because they have great salads!
#9: Favourite TV show (all-time)?
OP: Definitely Modern Family. I love the colorful characters and it just makes me laugh.
#10: If you could see any artist in concert, who would you see (living or dead)?
OP: Oh that would have to be Ed Sheeran
#11: iPhone, Android or Blackberry?
OP: iPhone
#12: Can you talk about a fan encounter that completely took you by surprise?
OP: When I was sitting in LA having dinner and two guys walked by and said “hey that’s Olivia”. I was totally shocked that people in LA would know who I was.
#13: What are your family member’s musical interests and abilities?
OP: My family loves music. All kinds of music, but we are big country music fans and are always listening to it at home and in the car. That about sums it up.
#14: Name a fictional character most like you?
The Carrie Diaries
OP: That is a difficult question. I guess in looking at teen characters out there that kids can relate to today, I would say I am somewhat similar to Carrie from the Carrie Diaries because from a young age she knows what she wants and works hard to reach her goals. The awesome fashion in that show is pretty inspiring too!
#15: In “Olivia Penalva, Story of My Life” – The Movie, who would play you?
OP: I guess I would play the girl that is a typical teen who loves to hang out with her friends, loves movies, loves shopping and traveling with her family, but who also works really hard at song writing and performing. And all with a sense of humor because I love to laugh.
#16: Star Trek or Star Wars?
Cute Star Trek?
OP: The new Star Trek because the characters are cute.
#17: Stress management: hit man, spa vacation or Prozac?
OP: Spa vacation definitely but hit man in my dreams.
#18: Are you the one? Ok that’s a trick question, you entered the contest so you must believe you are. Why do you think you are the “one”?
OP: I would love to be the ONE!! I can’t see myself doing anything else so I will just keep working at this. I am up against some amazingly talented girls for sure though.
#19: Music / celebrity and charity tend to go hand in hand. Artists use their star power to generate awareness for their chosen charity. Is there a charity that’s close to your heart that you would like to see get more support?
Salvation Army
OP: I am actually already working with the Salvation Army in BC to help provide funding for the homeless. Last fall I shot a music video for my original song called “Fight for You” and have dedicated all the proceeds of the sale of the song on iTunes to the Salvation Army. I feel so fortunate and am always troubled by the fact that there are so many people that sleep on the streets; especially in the colder seasons. So I am excited to be able contribute what I can and will definitely continue to do what I can going forward.
#20: What’s next for Olivia Penalva?
OP: Well I am currently busy with my summer concert series which has me traveling throughout BC, as well as several exciting collaborations on songwriting for my new EP.
We’d like to thank Olivia for taking the time out of her busy schedule here in Ottawa to answer our questions. We look forward to watching her perform later today as part of the She’s the One competition and wish her the best of luck. Based on her career to date win or lose the name Olivia Penalva is one that we believe will be heard more and more often. Olivia and the rest of the top 10 finalists will perform starting at 1pm on Saturday July 5 in the Barney Danson Theatre. For more information on Olivia checkout her website www.oliviamusiclive.com
Here is Olivia’s video for the song “Fight For You“, be sure to buy the song on iTunes in doing so you help the Salvation Army help the homeless.
