EXCLUSIVE: Olivia Lane Talks New Single ‘Living Instead’

Last month multi-talented country singer/songwriter Olivia Lane shared her stellar new single ‘Living Instead’. The release came on the back of Olivia recovering from mild COVID-19 symptoms and was a real step up musically for the US artist who is ready to take the world by storm with her star quality, impressive vocal range, and incredible songwriting skills.

Here we speak exclusively to Olivia Lane to discuss the single and its release:

Your new single ‘Living Instead’ dropped May 8th, what was the writing process like for the track?

The initial idea and melody for the chorus came to me in my car after a therapy session one day. I took the idea into my trusted co-writers Skip Black and Lance Carpenter and they totally got the idea. We knocked it out in maybe 2 hours because I had already a pretty good idea melodically where we were heading.

Can you talk us through the inspiration behind the lyrical story?

I had a breakthrough in therapy that day that I was being so mean to myself in my head. I began to realize that I needed to learn how to control my thoughts, especially my negative ones. As I was contemplating the breakthrough walking to my car, this phrase popped into my head when I was getting into my car; ‘I need to stop living in my head and start living instead,’ Then my little songwriter ding went off in my head. So I wrote it down and like a wave, the melody and lyrics popped into my brain. It was a wild experience!

What are you hoping listeners take away from the track?

I hope this track reminds people that being human is complex, complicated, and beautiful, but it’s up to each of us to know how to get out of our heads so we don’t miss the moments that pass us by. There is peace available to all of us if we just take a minute to breathe and figure out how to conquer our negative thoughts.

How does it feel to be sharing new music during this period in history?

This song coming out during this time seems fitting, even though it was not planned. Between this pandemic and Mental Health Awareness Month, I hope this song heals some hearts going through stress and anxiety. All I want my music to do is help people. That’s what makes me feel good.

What made you decide to release new music during this time?

It was a series of things, but I was ready and was already planning to release music before the pandemic struck. Now that we are all stuck at home, I’m glad I’m able to give my fans something to tune into.

You have of course thankfully made a full recovery from COVID-19, how are you now handling the quarantine situation?

I’m grateful my symptoms were mild, but I’m taking it day by day. Some days I’m upset and frustrated, other days I’m grateful for this gift of slowing down. I try to give myself grace on the days I’m struggling and treat myself to something that makes me feel better.

Are you currently writing whilst at home, or are you more focused on projects outside of music?

I’m trying to do it all! I think I’ve written about 5 new songs during this time, but I’m not a fan of Zoom writing. I’m a people person, so that’s been tough. However, I’m more than ready to release lots of music for this year, so that’s a plus! Also, I’ve been given the time to learn how to start a podcast, which has been fun and time-consuming.

With the new release, what kind of reach are you hoping to achieve?

I’m hoping to beat the splash my song “You Got Me” made. Like ‘You Got Me,’ this new song has a universal feel to it that I think a lot of people will connect to. We all struggle with stress and anxiety because life is not easy, but the journey is so beautiful when we take it. I want this song to grow my fanbase so I can tour more and connect with more people.

Do you have any plans to release a full-length album soon or can we expect further single releases this year?

More singles are coming! I’m not sure if it will lead up to an EP or a full-length album, but I’ve never done an album before so that sounds fun. There will be a longer project in 2020.

What are your plans once freedom of movement is restored?

To hug all my friends, tour, go out to restaurants, and not look at my phone…live instead!

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Feature photography credit: Jeremy Cowart.