16-year-old Oliva Ooms is currently taking the country world by storm. The singer-songwriter has been busy honing her craft while opening for big headliners like Tanya Tucker and Lady Antebellum. This week, we got a chance to chat with Olivia and hear more about her life as a teenage country star and her latest tracks.
Hi Olivia! So you’re sixteen and have already opened for huge acts like Lady Antebellum, how was that experience?
That experience was amazing! Performing at big events is just another way to get out there and practice your craft while having fun!
Are you excited to be a part of CMT’s Artist Discovery Program?
Of course I’m excited! The CMT family is so amazing and supportive—I’m so grateful to be a part of the journey.
“Thoughts of You” is an incredible track! What inspired you to write this song?
I was inspired by experiences that I had in real life, I tried to make this track real and relatable, and I’m loving the awesome response to it!
Who’s your dream collaboration?
I would love to work with Chris Stapleton—he’s so talented!
How do you balance your normal teen life while also being a rising country star?
It’s definitely not easy, but I have an amazing group of friends and a super supportive family that help me through everything in my life.
I see that you were the first female country artist to be on Radio Disney’s newest station. How was that experience?
It was so much fun!! The RDYOU fam is so kind and supportive of up-and-coming artists such as myself, and I’m so excited to work with them more in the future.
What’s it like being a country artist in Huntington Beach? Have you been able to find a lot of country influences from growing up there?
I didn’t get into country music until I was in middle school, but as soon as I was introduced to it, I fell in love. Although I’m not from a small country town, I feel so at home in those places and listening to music that speaks the truth.
I saw that you enjoy events that raise money for kids in need. Is charity an important part of your identity as an artist?
Yes, absolutely! I try to use my musical abilities to give back to those who need it most, and I’m so excited to be working at my school with the Thirst Project to help countries in Africa gain access to clean water!
As a rising artist, what are some of the biggest things you’d like to accomplish?
Winning a Grammy is definitely high up on the list, as well as performing at the Grand Ole Opry!
What’s next for you?
I’m working on new music that will be released very soon, and I’m always performing and putting myself out there as much as I can!
Make sure to check out Olivia’s EP below!
Featured Image: Instagram (@theoliviaooms)
