Olivia Barton: 2024

Olivia Barton's new EP, Big Sad, is an independent release that signals a fresh new start for the  Florida-born, Nashville-based songwriter. The EP follows Olivia's second album, 2022's This Is a Good Sign, and more significantly, her TikTok viral hit with Olivia's partner Corook, 2023's "If I Were a Fish."

That song of positivity and self-esteem — which Olivia co-wrote with Corook (aka Corinne Savage) — came out of cyberbullying incident, and its message of kindness and acceptance resonated with millions. It became a children's book too, with illustrations by Mike Curato.

Barton's benevolent nature was evident the moment she walked through the door and it was a sheer delight to chat with her. We veered in many directions, from her tendency to write brutally honest lyrics in diaristic fashion, her life in Nashville, and the supportive music and LGBTQ+ community there.  I also learned that she reveres the songwriting of The Japanese House's Amber Bain.

Olivia also played three songs on her acoustic guitar: "Sonic," "Big Sad," and a cuss-free version of "I Love You Just For Trying."

[Recorded 12/14/23; Engineered by Jim O'Hara; Produced by Simone Yañez with Meghan Offtermatt]