With a voice rooted in Nature-Folk-Pop and a mission centered on love, joy, and environmental connection, award-winning singer-songwriter Olivia Frances is carving out a radiant corner of the indie music world. Her single “Breathing Room” earned Gold at the W.A.M. Awards and received GRAMMY® consideration, while her heartfelt performances have taken her from the Bluebird Café to a dream-come-true appearance at The Kennedy Center. Known for her authenticity, optimism, and deep connection to nature, Frances is poised to elevate her artistry even further with a forthcoming EP slated for early 2026.
I sat down with Olivia to talk about the stories behind her most meaningful songs, the mentors who shaped her, and what fans can expect from her next chapter.
For Olivia Frances, nature isn’t just inspiration; it is the heartbeat of her music. She explains, “Music is our universal language, and nature is our greatest healer. We all breathe the same air, drink the same water, and have a deep desire to nourish ourselves and each other. My love of nature started when I was really young. Spending time outside has always made me feel more centered and grounded in the present moment.” Many of her songs are inspired by the beauty of the world around us, whether that be “Wind Chimes,” “Labyrinth,” or “Orchid.” On stage, she carries that same grounded presence, connecting deeply with her audience.
Frances’ career highlights began early. Reflecting on her 2014 Ohio Music Awards win for “Back to Happiness,” she shared, “This was the first award I had ever won. I remember being a senior in high school and feeling like this was my sign to defer college upon graduating and take a gap year in Nashville. I’m so glad I did. I think it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Nashville was definitely an easier-to-navigate city back then. I made friends for a lifetime and was able to learn the ropes early on.”
Her 2018 Independent Music Awards win for “Moon to My Sun” was another milestone. She recalled, “I won “Moon to My Sun” when I was a junior in college at Clark University in Worcester, MA (another nature-inspired song). I vividly remember being in the library writing a paper when I received the email that it was nominated. I proceeded to jump up and down and silently scream. At the bare-bones level, when I won, it really felt like a sign from the universe that I was on the right path. The music industry is so tough, and sometimes winning an award simply serves as an affirmation to keep going.”
Olivia’s early experiences included internships that shaped her career. “I interned for the Great American Song Contest for about a month back in 2016. I helped conduct outreach with various environmental organizations for a specific song contest they were running. It was pretty cool!” She also interned at Infinity Cat Recordings during her Nashville gap year. “I learned so much at this internship—from how to ship records properly to selling merch at shows. I was really able to see how a label operates firsthand, which was so eye-opening. It gave me a greater understanding of what folks in the industry do on a day-to-day basis (which is a lot!).”
Olivia doesn’t shy away from the realities of being an independent artist. “As a performing artist, you wear all of the hats almost all of the time in the music industry—from copyrighting your songs like a lawyer, designing merch like a graphic designer, finding outfits to perform in like a stylist, to creating content like a social media specialist, and so much more. Unfortunately, in the world we’re living in, the financial ROI is oftentimes low for many years. But because I really love it and all of the highs and lows that come along with it, it’s all worth it to me. It’s all part of the journey.”
Her approach to music is grounded in joy and positivity. “I believe that spreading love and positivity makes the world a better place. I’ve always been one to see the glass half full and believe that, in a way, it is a special talent. Oftentimes, I’m the one my artist friends come to when they want to write a happy song. Now, that doesn’t mean all of my songs are happy, but I do like to approach performing and songwriting through a lens of joy.”
Collaboration has also played a key role in her growth. Reflecting on her work with songwriters Kevin So and Billy Lee, she said, “Kevin is a super talented songwriter and artist. I am grateful to be in his orbit. This is a good reminder to reach out to him, as it’s been too long since we’ve connected! Billy Lee is family. We met back in 2014, and I remember being so awe-struck having gotten the chance to meet a #1 hit songwriter. Since then, he’s really taken me under his wing. We’ve written songs together, shared meals together, and he’s invited me to be a special guest on multiple stages—including at The Listening Room Cafe and the Bluebird Café. Having his support and encouragement has meant the absolute world to me.”
Olivia also teased her next release. “As artists, I feel like it’s our job to continue to evolve in all the ways—sonically, lyrically, artistically, etc.… Songs are for sharing!” The EP, set for January–February 2026, was produced by Dan Knittel at Anthemic Recordings and features collaborations with Christiana Alaire, Sam Gyllenhaal, and Patrick Dodge. “Artistically, these songs definitely still live in the Nature-Folk-Pop world that I’ve been in as of late, but lean more into love and vulnerability than perhaps my previous releases. I went through my song catalogue and selected these ones because I really believe in them, and it felt like a disservice to the world to keep them to myself.”
Performance highlights come in many forms. Reflecting on Cheyenne Frontier Days, she said, “Performing at Cheyenne Frontier Days definitely stands out as memorable. I had never been to a rodeo before, and there I was at the ‘Daddy of Em All.’ I’d like to give a shout-out to my Operations Officer, Ty Warner, for landing me that gig. Performing to a crowd of cowboys and cowgirls was truly unforgettable. But honestly, I’m grateful for every performance opportunity I’ve gotten over the years. Whether I’m playing to a crowd of 5 or a crowd of 500, I always make sure to give it my all.”
There’s a lightness and sincerity to Olivia Frances that radiates through her music and mission. With songs inspired by nature, human connection, and the pursuit of joy, she has earned accolades ranging from Best Pop Song of the Year at the Ohio Music Awards to a W.A.M. Award Gold win for “Breathing Room,” a song that even garnered GRAMMY® consideration. Her journey has taken her from a formative gap year in Nashville to unforgettable stages like The Kennedy Center, all while staying grounded in kindness, creativity, and a deep love of her craft.
Big thanks to Olivia Frances for this exclusive interview with Social Lifestyle Magazine! We can’t wait to catch her live in Nashville—or wherever her next show takes us!
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Photo By: Erika Rock
