If you are a music fan and have signed into any social media platform in the last few years, you’ve likely crossed paths with today’s guest, Olivia King. Olivia is a pop/soul singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur who has amassed a mind-blowing social media following in the millions with a streaming count to match. She is a powerhouse in every sense of the word, and in this interview, she shares some practical advice for following her lead.
An Interview with Olivia King
Photobombshell: Olivia King! It is truly an honor to get some time to chat with you. Thank you so much for agreeing to take some time to discuss your music career with me. For those who don’t know you yet, please share who you are (musically) and describe your sound.
Olivia King: My name is Olivia King, and I am a pop/soul singer/songwriter.
Photobombshell: Through learning about your story, I discovered that you have moved from being a voice in the choir to a powerful force on your own. What would you say was the catalyst for that progression?
Olivia King: Once I got the courage to sing in church, I found that I loved performing. I went to college and earned my degree, but stayed back from parties to write music in my room! I always knew exactly what I wanted to do, and after college starting releasing original music.
Photobombshell: That is so amazing, knowing what you want to do and who you want to be from a relatively early age. In one of the most recent press write-ups on you from the Daily News, I learned about the song “Messin’ with the King” and how it came to be. The story was heartwarming to read about and hear but additionally served as an incredible moment to highlight ways creatives can share their gifts. Share a bit about this project and your thoughts on taking new avenues as a musician.
Olivia King: I created “Messin’ with the King” as the walk-out song for my brother back when he was in college. Call it a sister’s intuition, but I knew he would be super successful. We always talked about the song playing in Yankee Stadium before he was drafted. We like to say we manifested this! When I initially came up with the idea, I knew it was a bit of a different vibe from the music I usually create, so I reached out to my friend Maye Star to handle the rap portion and make that part come to life!
Photobombshell: WOW! I had no idea the song’s history went back to before he was drafted. That is incredible! Manifestation is so real! Conversely, I know you do more than manifest the success you’ve experienced through social media. One of the striking moments from your bio is the vast reach and growth you have seen on social media. You’ve shared tips and tricks before. What have been the most effective strategies you’ve employed in growing your social media presence and brand?
Olivia King: The most effective way I’ve been able to grow on social media is by staying consistent. I post at least twice a day on Instagram and once a day on all other social platforms. Consistency is key, and you always need to keep adapting to how your audience is consuming content. Right now, I am heavily focused on Instagram Reels, TikTok, and live streaming.
Photobombshell: Thank you so much for sharing that and for the specificity! I know this is an area where many creatives struggle, so I think that tip will prove valuable to our artist community.
Besides success online, what would you say is your most stand-out achievement as an artist?
Olivia King: That’s a tough one! I would say, probably hearing my song at Yankee Stadium as my brother is pitching. It’s such a cool moment all around every time that happens!
Photobombshell: I can imagine! I am going to have to start watching baseball now to experience that.
As someone who is constantly creating and sharing with the world, people on the outside sometimes forget that you are a person behind the scenes. For you, what are some personal and professional goals for 2023?
Olivia King: I always have quite a list of goals I come up with at the beginning of each year and break it down into how I will achieve each one. Some of them for this year include releasing an R&B Disney Project, dropping a merchandise line around “Messin’ with the King,” more sync placements for my music in TV & Film, and shooting an official music video for “Messin’ with the King” in Yankee Stadium.
Photobombshell: You are doing so much! Your drive and organization contribute to your success, without a doubt. I can honestly say I am so excited for each of those! What impactful and unique projects!
With all you have going on and how to put together you are with your presence and brand, you make it look easy! What has been the most challenging aspect of being a musician and creative?
Olivia King: Everything about the music industry is challenging, but it can be done. The most challenging aspect for me used to be figuring out who was “legit” in the industry. Back when I was first starting, I was always chasing label deals. Now that I have had success independently, worrying about legitimacy with people working in the industry has faded away. I’ve learned how to do most everything on my own, so I’ve been able to jump those hurdles.
Photobombshell: If you could collaborate with anyone (dead or alive) for a project, who would you choose and why?
Olivia King: I just watched the Whitney Houston movie on Netflix yesterday, so she is in my head right now! I have always been such a huge fan of hers, and her voice is really like no other.
Photobombshell: Great pick! That would be a heck of a project to listen to! What can we look forward to from you for the rest of 2023?
Olivia King: Definitely the R&B Disney project. There will be a total of 8 songs released and will have collaborators on most of them. We are also in the works for an official music video for “Messin’ with the King,” filmed at Yankee Stadium, so I’m super excited about that!
Photobombshell: Olivia, thank you again for taking the time to share your story with us. You shared some valuable life experiences and social media advice! You are amazing. Before we go, could you tell the community about your recent release, “No Queen,” and the buzz it’s creating on TikTok?
Olivia King: My latest release, “No Queen,” has had a response on TikTok that I wasn’t quite expecting! It’s been so cool to see all of these women feel empowered by the song and singing along to my lyrics in their videos.
Photobombshell: I love it! For those interested in connecting with Olivia King, you can find her on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook, in addition to her website! Stay tuned here for updates, release announcements, and much more!