In honor of International Women’s Day, we’re continuing our Womxn of Music series by highlighting the amazingly talented Olivia Thai. We’re honored to present the release of her new single, out today and available for music licensing — read on to learn more about the talented American Idol contestant, then head over to our catalog to listen to Circles!”
Marmoset: Which women artists were you inspired by growing up or are you continued to be inspired by today?
Thai: Female artists are my faves. I only spoke and sang in Chinese until I was six years old, so I listened to a lot of Teresa Teng, Faye Wong, Sammi Cheng and Cass Phang in the early ‘90s.
After I started speaking English, I mostly listened to power vocalists — Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera and Celine Dion. I wanted to learn how to sing just like them growing up… still can’t, but hey, I found my own sound, and that’s pretty cool!
I am continually inspired by Amy Winehouse, Sia, Jessie J, Joss Stone, India.Arie, Kelly Clarkson — love and respect them so much.
M: What did your journey into music first look like?
Thai: I never knew that music could even be a career when I first started playing music. I started college when I was 13 years old believing that school was the only way to become successful in life.
My community probably still believes that music is only supposed to be a hobby, which is just sad. I would tell my younger self that there are so many career options in the future. Everyone’s potential is limitless.
M: How would you describe the music you like to make? Where would you like to take it in as you grow as an artist?
Thai: My music has always been on the darker side lyrically and I would like to explore lighter and more inspirational writing in the next few years.
Those dark days are over and I want my music to genuinely reflect how I am feeling at the moment.
I am proud to have been able to connect with my fans on another level through my music. Many of the supporters from the last decade know me through comedy and covers on YouTube, so it’s amazing to develop a new connection through my original songs.
M: The music industry is known to be particularly challenging, but even more so for women artists. What do you think it takes for women to “make it?”
Thai: I think everything comes down to being genuine and being unapologetically you. I have struggled with this throughout my life and still do sometimes as an adult.
As an artist in 2019, it’s not just about the music anymore. It’s about connecting with people.
M: How do you reset after a challenging day in the studio (or just in general)?
Thai: I think hard days are all about perspective. Hard days are just life lessons for me — it happens, I learn something important and life goes on. Knowing my purpose is enough to keep me going. My driving motivators are my family, my friends and my fans.
M: What are you excited about in 2019?
Thai: I’ve been working on my album and I am most excited about the two new singles that will be released this year.
The next release is titled, “Circles” produced by Graham Barton at Marmoset, which is super exciting! The one after that is titled, “Temporary High” produced by Christian Mochizuki. I can’t wait for everyone to hear the new jams!