The Real Ways to Support Indie Artists Today

By Braden Davis

In an industry dominated by algorithms, viral moments, and major-label budgets, independent artists are building their careers in a completely different way. They fund their own recordings, market their own releases, book their own shows, and rely heavily on the community of their listeners rather than a corporation. Besides just buying tickets or adding to a playlist, there are so many helpful actions listeners and fans can take that greatly benefit our beloved smaller artist. It’s about understanding how the artist’s ecosystem works and recognizing that even small yet intentional actions from fans can have a big impact. In a landscape where sustainability is fragile, thoughtful support can be the difference between a passion project and a lasting career.

Supporting independent artists isn’t hard, it just takes intent. Here’s a non exhaustive list of things you can do to help:

  • Save their songs to your streaming library instead of just playing them once

  • Add their tracks to mixed playlists with other artists so the algorithm pushes them to new listeners

  • Let songs play all the way through to ensure engagement is properly registered

  • Share their music to your Instagram story with the sound on

  • Use their songs in TikToks or Reels and tag them to expand their reach

  • Comment something thoughtful within the first hour of a post going live to boost visibility

  • Purchase a digital download or merch item if you can

  • Buy on Bandcamp Fridays when artists keep a larger percentage of the sale

  • Join their email list and actually open the emails and click the links

  • Tell your friends about them in real life and in group chats

  • Add their songs to party or road trip playlists

  • Recommend them when someone asks what you have been listening to lately

  • Stay consistent in your support instead of only engaging during release week

At the end of it all, supporting indie artists is about choosing to be an active part of someone’s creative journey. Independent music thrives off of community and consistency. Small actions that only take a few seconds, saving a song, sharing a post, telling a friend, can build in ways that genuinely change the trajectory of an Independent artist’s career. Visibility is hard-earned and sustainability isn’t guaranteed, support from fans is more powerful than it can seem. When fans show up thoughtfully and consistently, they are not just consuming the music, they are helping grow something that lasts.

Throwback Spotlight: The Enduring Power of "Mercy Now"

By Saige Hoying

21 years ago this month, Mary Gauthier released her 4th studio album, Mercy Now. The ten song album is a beautiful piece of work that overflows with raw emotion and overwhelming honesty. Since its release in 2005, the album has earned critical acclaim and become one of Mary’s most well-known and enduring contributions to Americana and folk music.  

The title track, “Mercy Now,” has grown to be a signature of Mary’s — and for good reason. The genuine, raw storytelling approach she brings to the writing makes it a piece of art that people from all walks of life resonate with. The lyrics move from the personal struggles faced by her father and brother to broader topics, touching on pain within the church, the country, and humanity altogether. As reflected in the title, Mary uses this song to remind listeners that everyone is carrying their own struggles, and everyone could use a little mercy. 

“Yea, we all could use a little mercy now

I know we don’t deserve it

But we need it anyhow

We hang in the balance

Dangle ‘tween hell and hallowed ground

Every single one of us could use some mercy now”

Mary describes the writing process for “Mercy Now”:

“[It] came to me as a prayer and as an act of desperation. I wrote it in a time when the world around me was collapsing into darkness. The song brought me catharsis, and then, unexpectedly, it brought something else. I found peace in my heart where there was once anger and fear.” 

"Mercy Now," was named "One Of the Saddest 40 Country Songs of All Time" by Rolling Stone Magazine in 2014, and it continues to be her most-streamed and requested song. Mary herself has argued that it is not a sad song, but rather a real song ending in hope. As a whole, the track speaks to the human condition in a way that is both unflinchingly honest and quietly elegant. 

In honor of the 21st anniversary of “Mercy Now”, enjoy this throwback video of Mary performing at the 2010 Americana Music festival in Nashville, TN

The Highlights from Folk Alliance 2026!

By Maggie Sims

Folk Alliance 2026 was such a blast, as always. We loved getting to hear some of our amazing consulting clients and friends play!

Pictured: 1) China Kent, 2) Evan Boyer, Jolene Dixon, Frank Viele, 3) Sara Beth Go, Amy Jay, Nathan K., 4) Ordinary Elephant, 5) Beignets and Coffee Community Hang, 6) Beignet and Coffee Hang, 7) Alex Wong, 8) China Kent, Spencer LaJoye, Sav Madigan, 9) Amy Jay, 10) Clay Parker and Jodi James

Come Join Us for House of Pancakes at Folk Alliance International 2026!

by Jake Aurigema

For the third year in a row, House of Pancakes is presented by Olivia Management and Alright Alright. We are so beyond excited to be hosting at Folk Alliance 2026! If you’re attending Folk Alliance this year, we’d love you to stop by for four days of folk, friends, and flapjacks. While you’re at it, why not grab a House of Pancakes t-shirt on our website?! Buy an adorable tee here, come pick it up in room 1218, and stay for some pancakes and music. 

We will be showcasing the incredible talent of many artists including our fellow hosts Alright Alright, many of our Olivia Management consulting clients, and so many more we know you’ll enjoy! You can check out some of their music here before they perform so you can sing along. Olivia Management specifically curated the lineups for Friday and Saturday night, so we’d love to see you there.

Here are the beautiful lineups we have for the weekend. Time to get excited! We’ll see you there.

Celebrating the Wins of 2025 and Why 2026 Will Be Unforgettable

By Braden Davis

The artists at Olivia Management, a Nashville-based folk and Americana artist management company, were busy in 2025 and truly took the year by storm. With new releases, solo tours, and unforgettable live events, we are so proud to represent a roster of artists who continued to grow creatively while also resonating deeply with fans around the world. Throughout the year, our artists accomplished major milestones, including solo tours and a whole lot of new music. 2025 proved to be a year of intention and growth for our artists, who simultaneously contributed to the undeniable creative and collaborative energy at Olivia Management.

The excitement doesn’t end there. As we look ahead to 2026, the year is jam-packed with new music, upcoming shows, and buzzworthy collaborations. Singer-songwriter and Americana artist Mary Gauthier kicked off 2026 with the announcement of must-see show dates. She will perform on April 24th at One Longfellow Square in Portland, Maine, and on May 17th at White Water Tavern in Little Rock, Arkansas. We are thrilled for Mary’s upcoming shows and all the surprises she’s bringing into the new year. In the meantime, Mary and her special guest Jaimee Harris will be touring through Florida, you won't want to miss it, grab your tickets here: Mary Gauthier's Tour Page

Speaking of unforgettable upcoming shows, Americana and indie rock artist Aaron Lee Tasjan is rounding out his 10th anniversary solo tour, In The Blazes, with five California dates this January. The tour celebrates a decade of Aaron’s solo work and highlights the evolution of his songwriting, musicianship, and unique genre-blending. Each night offers fans intimate moments with the songs and stories that have shaped his career so far. Our team is incredibly proud of Aaron Lee for this career milestone, and we can’t wait to see everything he has in store for 2026. Grab your tickets for the In The Blazes California dates here: In The Blazes tickets

With even more to look forward to, in a recent Instagram post, Derek Webb shared an exciting update that all variations of the dead ringer rubber bridge are available online and shipping now! The unique sound and feel that the dead ringer brings is a warm resonance and texture to the guitar sound. Whether it’s for a live show or experimenting with new tones in the studio, the dead ringer is a key tool for the creative process. Be sure to check out the announcement here: The Dead Ringer Stock and Shipping Announcement  

With continued creative evolution, boundary-pushing work, and fresh perspectives, our artists are entering 2026 eager, energized, and brimming with inspiration. The year ahead promises new music, exciting collaborations, and live experiences that reflect artistic growth and our artists commitment to authenticity. As always, Olivia Management remains dedicated to supporting our artists as they explore new ideas, take creative risks, and build deeper relationships with their fans. We are ecstatic to share all of the incredible projects and surprises still to come, and we are grateful for every fan and supporter who continues to uplift our artists.

Spring 2026 Intern Intros

By Miriam DeYoung

It’s that time of the year again, we have our new group of interns in the office. If you’ve been following Olivia Management for a while, you know that our interns are the backbone of this company, our hands and feet on the ground to help us get everything done for our amazing artists. We’re so excited to introduce you to our Spring 2026 interns! Without further ado:

Fall 2025 Intern Wrap Up

by Bri Rogers

As winter begins and we wrap up the Fall 2025 semester, it’s been really special to look back on how much we’ve grown during our time at Olivia Management. This internship gave each of us a chance to learn in a hands-on, supportive environment, and we are walking away with experiences we could not have received anywhere else. We put together a few reflections to share what this semester meant to us. As we reflect on our time here, we are grateful for everything we learned and for the people who made this semester such a meaningful experience.

“Interning at Olivia Management has been such a rewarding experience. Over the course of the semester, I’ve been able to dive into projects that challenged me and pushed me to grow, all while collaborating with an incredibly supportive and intentional team. Something I loved watching throughout the semester was how much productivity came from everyone’s different skills and strengths. Every person on the team brings something unique to the table, and that is exactly what makes OM so strong. Seeing how a team like this operates taught me so much about what effective collaboration really looks like. Erin showed me firsthand what a grounded, intentional leader looks like. The opportunities I had to meaningfully contribute has strengthened my confidence and helped me better understand my abilities. It has also shown me what it looks like to be part of a company that truly cares about their artists. I’m walking away from this internship with new skills and a deeper sense of direction for where I want to go next in the industry!” - Bri

“My time at Olivia Management has been such a formative experience. Before walking into the office I was a bundle of nerves and I didn't know what to expect, but there was such a welcoming atmosphere from day one. Erin and her team did everything they could to provide learning opportunities and knowledge about the music industry. Their positivity and support lended itself to my personal and career growth. I was able to hone in on my time management and organizational skills while making my way through google sheets, BandsinTown, and MailChimp. I can't wait to take these skills into future internships and my professional career. I also can't thank Olivia Management enough for the opportunity and kindness they showed day in and day out!” - Sydney

Interning for Olivia Management has been one of the most formative parts of my professional career yet. I have truly learned so much from this team and the various tasks that they hand us as interns. Ever since my freshman year, it has been a goal of mine to intern for OM because I heard nothing but great reviews from previous interns. In my time as an intern this semester, their reputation stands true. The culture of this company is truly what makes it such a special place to intern at. From running errands and doing marketing emails to taking brain breaks to watch dancing with the stars, you never know what the day is going to hold and what task you’re going to be trusted with next. This is something that makes OM such a special places to intern at! - Maddie

Olivia Management is full of people who genuinely care about where you currently are in your professional career and truly invest in you to make you feel confident in where you're headed. This was my second semester interning at OM, and the longer I have been here, the harder it will be to leave this lovely team of women! Everybody is so warm and welcoming, is able to laugh and enjoy each other's company, and is able to work as a well-oiled machine to make sure every artist and person they work with is heard and taken care of. It is rare to find an environment that presents itself that way and maintains it every day! Erin, especially, is so good at sitting down with us as interns and answering any questions we have about anything music business (and life). Everybody acknowledges your strengths and what you enjoy doing, and gives you tasks to hone those skills or even develop new ones! This internship has played a key role in helping me figure out what I want to do when I leave Olivia Management and college, and I will forever be grateful! - Sam

Abbie Gardner and Ordinary Elephant Nominated as Folk Alliance International Artist of the Year

by Maddie Hardwick

Award shows are no stranger in the music industry, from the Grammys to the CMA’s, these all commemorate artists on their achievements through music. The International Folk Music Awards are no different. According to the Folk Alliance International Website, “The International Folk Music Awards (IFMAs) are the premier recognition of folk music industry leaders, legends, unsung heroes, and rising talent.” Each year we see a new class of nominees and awards winners in the International Folk Music Awards.

This year OM could not be more thrilled to have two of our consulting clients be nominated in the artist of the year category! As consulting clients this means that these artists Erin monthly as well as join two monthly group meetings with various other artists. These amazing artists have played for us in events such as our AMERICANAFEST and FAI showcases. We have seen the hard work that they put in towards their art and are so proud of them for being nominated this year!

Our first nominee is the one and only Abbie Gardner. “Billboard charting artist Abbie Gardner is a fiery dobro player with an infectious smile. Whether performing solo or with Red Molly, her acclaimed tales of love and loss, both gritty and sweet, are propelled by her impeccable slide guitar playing. She channels Lucinda and Bonnie, but remains pure Abbie” (Abbie Gardner Bio).

Abbie is currently on tour in the Northeast. Get tickets to hear her gorgeous voice live and check out Abbie’s website here!

Our second consulting nominee is Ordinary Elephant! “Mesmerizing folk duo Ordinary Elephant has spent the better part of the last decade on a never-ending tour that’s earned married couple Crystal and Pete Damore widespread critical acclaim and made fans of luminaries like Tom Paxton and Mary Gauthier. In 2017, the pair took home the International Folk Music Award for Artist of the Year on the strength of their breakout album, Before I Go, and two years later, they returned with the similarly lauded Honest, which the Associated Press hailed as ‘one of the best Americana albums of the year’” (Ordinary Elephant Bio).

Recently, Ordinary Elephant have just come off of a tour with more tour dates announced for January! Get tickets and check out their website here!

The International Folk Music Awards will take place on January 21st, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana! Streaming will be available on Youtube. For more information and other nominees check out the Folk Alliance website here! If you’re a member of FAI, voting is open now and you can find more information here.

Mary Gauthier in the UK/Ireland Wrap Up

by Bri Rogers

What a tour! We couldn’t be prouder to see Mary Gauthier wrap up an incredibly successful run of shows across the UK and Ireland. Audiences showed up in full force, coming together to connect with the heart and honesty that defines her music. Each night was a powerful reminder of the bond Mary shares with her listeners, built through years of heartfelt stories told through song.

Mary Gauthier has long been celebrated for her deeply human storytelling and powerful stage presence. She shared in an interview with RTÉ, “I write songs that make people feel.” On this tour, she did exactly that — reminding everyone why she’s regarded as one of the most compelling and authentic songwriters of her generation. One reviewer captured it perfectly when writing about Gauthier’s show at Queen’s Hall Edinburgh, “Whatever the song may have been tonight, one thing was obvious throughout the evening, and that is that Mary Gauthier is a very special songwriter.” (Artist Reviews Edinburgh)

Audiences showed up night after night, filling venues across the region to experience Gauthier’s powerful stage presence. The tour came to a fitting close with a sold-out show at London’s Kings Place—a powerful finale that captured the essence of the entire journey. It was a celebration not only of her 25-year career but of the enduring connection her music continues to create wherever she performs.

The Voices and Music That Shaped the Americana/Folk Genre

by Samantha Van Arsdale

The Americana genre that many of Olivia Management’s clients identify with has a history of voices and influence. Blending the soul of folk, country, blues, and rock, Americana has a way of telling authentic stories in a uniquely beautiful way. Let’s explore some of the voices that shaped the genre and brought it to what we know it as today!

The genre’s roots reach back to storytellers like Woody Guthrie, Hank Williams, and The Carter Family! Guthrie’s songs spoke directly to the human experience in not only modern America but all around the world, from the working class to the wandering soul. While he was not explicitly making “Americana” music as we know it today, his influence ran deep and shaped artists like Bob Dylan, who, in turn, inspired a new wave of artists to blur genre lines.

Eventually, in 1968, The Byrds came along with their album, Sweetheart of the Rodeo, which featured their take on Dylan’s “You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere.” The record finally built the bridge between country, folk, and rock, and laid the foundation for what would become known as Americana music.

Since then, artists like Gram Parsons, Emmylou Harris, and The Band carried on with the Americana sound. Paving the way for voices like Lucinda Williams, John Prine, and Bonnie Raitt, who brought even more to the genre, covering relevant topics that tackled what it truly means to live an American life. That same spirit lives on today in artists like Mary Gauthier and Aaron Lee Tasjan. Their songwriting brings to light personal truths and inspires a movement of healing, and consistently develops and pushes Americana into bold new territory.

Today, organizations like the Americana Music Association continue to celebrate and uplift the same sentiment through events like Americanafest, which Olivia Management is honored to be a part of every year! It serves as a reminder that the genre is about telling the stories that still need to be heard and is carried by artists who support this storytelling tradition in new and powerful ways.

Both Aaron Lee Tasjan and Mary Gauthier are on tour now, performing their takes on the genre! Catch a show in a city near you while there are still tickets left!

Personal Care Practices for Touring Musicians

By: Sydney Barton

Here at Olivia Management, our artist have been making their way around the world with stops in North America, United Kingdom, and Ireland. Doing what they do best, they are showcasing their talents and passions to loving fans all while taking care of themselves. It may not sound like a huge feat to make sure you are feeding yourself, getting enough rest, and in the right headspace to enjoy your travels, but at the end of the day, touring is hard! Even for artists who are season vets, it is still important acknowledge the hard times so you can enjoy the good ones!

Here is a short—and very surface level— list of ways you can ensure you are living your touring life to the fullest!

  • Pack Easy To-Go Snacks

    Eating healthy and filling meals isn’t always at the forefront at any touring musicians mind. However, it is so important to fuel our bodies with food that is nutritious and can carry us through the long work days. A quick hummus dip with your favorite veggies (or pita chips!) or a bag of nuts is always my go to! Do note though, that food is a joy of life, so if you want those chicken nuggets, you should definitely get them. Life is all about balance, even on the road.

  • Have a Hobby

    It is common to run on autopilot in stressful seasons of life, and we are all guilty of doing this for a time or two. A way to pull yourself out of a robotic routine is to find the time, even if it is just 10 minutes, to do something you enjoy that doesn’t work the musically gifted muscles. Perhaps you pick up journaling, reading, knitting, or coloring. Whatever it is, this is your time to unwind your mind in a calm way.

  • Quick Work Outs 

    Yes, even though touring itself can sometimes be exhausting, setting time aside to intentionally move your body is extremely beneficial. It can be as easy as rolling out a yoga mat and finding a quick 20-minute ab routine on YouTube. These workouts don’t need to be strenuous as they are meant to connect you to your body, not to turn you into a bodybuilder. Another easy way to get your body moving is to take a leisurely stroll in the new city you’re in! Not only do you get movement in, but you are also able to explore someplace you’ve never been or haven’t visited in a while.

  • Quiet Time 

    Out of all of these recommendations, this one might just be the most difficult to accomplish. Tours require constant movement, no matter where you are. Even the most social people need time for reflection and silence to ensure they understand how they are feeling. Whether this is on the tour bus or in the green room, just 5 minutes of silent self-reflection will significantly increase your emotional wellbeing. Touring isn’t just exhaustive physically, so it is vital we also acknowledge our mental health. 

There are probably 100 more ways to improve life on the road, but applying these four simple tasks is a great starting point for anyone. Olivia Management is all about sharing live music with fans and exploring the world, but we also emphasize the fact that we are all human beings with real needs. Let’s all take a couple minutes of our day and use these tactics to make life all the better! 

New Music: Consulting Client Releases from September and October

By Maddie Hardwick

Olivia Management is best known as an artist management company but did you know that we also offer consulting client services as well? We have made some amazing friends through offering this service and most of them have put out some amazing music in the last few months! Check out some of our consulting clients recent releases and our playlist below!

Katie Callahan: This Won’t Be Forever

Nick Schrader: “Joy” and “BRNAGN”

Ordinary Elephant: “If I Needed You (Live from the Salt Lick Sessions)”

Sammi Accola: “Turning The Tables”

Hallie Grace: “You’re Still Here” and “We’re Both To Blame”

Ashley Riley: “Best Try”

Nathan K.: “Johnny’s” and “Regulators”

The Imaginaries: Fever

Sara Beth Go: “Teamo” and “Cameron”

Evan Boyer: “Breakthrough”

Remi Goode: Things I’ve Said Before

Nocturnne: “If I Were A Bird”

Be sure to check out our Spotify Playlist where you can find songs from each of these artists all in one spot!

Derek Webb "Bridges" Creativity and Innovation

by Bri Rogers

They say the best products start with solving your own problem. For Derek Webb and Abbie Parker, that’s exactly how the idea for the Dead Ringer Bridge began — born from necessity and built through pure creative curiosity. What started as a small experiment in their home studio has quickly grown into a shining example of artist-led innovation.

The Dead Ringer Bridge is a high-quality replacement bridge designed to replicate that classic “rubber bridge” sound that so many artists love — the warm, percussive tone you hear on countless vintage recordings. It gives players a way to capture that vibe without sacrificing playability or stability, making it a game-changing tool for both studio and stage.

If you haven’t seen it yet, Derek’s latest project is turning heads across the music world. The video above offers a peek into how it came together — and just how much heart and ingenuity went into every detail.

Since launching, the response has been incredible. The first production runs sold out almost immediately, with musicians praising its tone, craftsmanship, and practicality. Word of mouth spread quickly through the guitar community, with players calling it a “game-changer” for achieving that warm, rubber-bridge sound on stage. Between strong early sales, glowing feedback, and growing demand from touring artists, it’s clear that Derek’s creation has struck a chord — in more ways than one.

You can stay up to date with new releases, behind-the-scenes updates, and more by following the startup on Instagram @deadringerbridge.

The excitement around this project has only grown as more artists try it for themselves. Each new demo and performance shows just how versatile and inspiring the design can be — proving that great ideas travel fast when they’re built from genuine passion.

At Olivia Management, we’re endlessly inspired by artists like Derek who follow their curiosity, build from passion, and turn bold ideas into something that moves the industry forward. The Dead Ringer Bridge is proof that when creativity leads, innovation follows.

Olivia Management Artist Throwbacks!

by Sam Van Arsdale

We work with so many artists whose talents have been impacting people from the very start. Take a trip down memory lane and revisit some anniversaries of debuts and early releases!

As mentioned last week, Aaron Lee Tasjan is headed out on his In The Blazes: 10 Year Anniversary Solo Tour! In fact, this week actually marks the 10th anniversary of Tasjan’s genre-bending album. To celebrate, he’s not only going on his solo tour, but is also releasing a special edition vinyl!

Mary Gauthier kicks off the UK leg of her tour next week, performing songs that span her entire career. Hard to believe it’s already been 20 years since the release of her most-streamed album, Mercy Now!

If you didn’t already know, Street Corner Symphony made their debut on the second season of the NBC show The Sing-Off, where they finished in 2nd place! Check out this YouTube playlist of their performances from almost 15 years ago!

Just 5 years ago, Alex Blue’s first EP, Good Company, set the tone for her artistry. An article by Marvin Twiggs wrote that it was, “a deeply-felt experience that beautifully covers rustic gems from the past…” and we have to agree!

Last year, we celebrated the 10th anniversary debut of the Ruthie Collins EP! It still stands as such a beautiful album!

Last but not least, Derek Webb’s album, Mockingbird, celebrates its 20th anniversary in December! Around the same time, Derek Webb will be finishing up his house show tour for his most recent album, Survival Songs!

These throwbacks are just a glimpse into where our managed artists came from and how much they’ve grown! We can’t wait to see more growth, new music, and all of the fun moments ahead!

Kicking Off the In The Blazes: 10th Anniversary Solo Tour!

By: Sydney Barton

Hitting the road to perform music for eager ears is such a special way for artists to connect with their supporters. For Nashville-based folk and Americana artist, Aaron Lee Tasjan, this weekend brought that connection as he kicked off his “In The Blazes: 10th Anniversary Solo Tour.” Starting in Austin, TX at the Continental Gallery, he had a 4-day sprint all around the state of Texas.  

Aaron Lee Tasjan’s “In The Blazes: 10th Anniversary Solo Tour Dates

This tour is special for Tasjan as it celebrates the release of his debut album, In The Blazes. He says that “it's been an amazing and wild ride ever since [the release]” which deserves to be celebrated in the best way he knows how: playing it live. Here at Olivia Management, we are so excited for Tasjan to get back to the stage and for the fans to hear these songs live, as they’ve grown over the past 10 years—just like all of us! In the next few weeks, “In the Blazes” will be traveling along the East Coast from Atlanta, GA (10/3), to Lynchburg, VA (10/12). After a brief break, the tour will continue to the West Coast, ending in Petaluma, CA at the start of next year (1/25/26). If you get the chance to catch Aaron Lee Tasjan along the road, you won’t be disappointed as he uniquely blends genres such as indie folk, rock, and Americana, to create an eclectic and raw performance for everyone to enjoy.  

This album covers all the possible emotions over 10-tracks and will have you immediately hitting the “repeat” button. Don’t just take it from me, though, take it from other industry professionals:

  • “The songwriter’s ability to add humor and light to something that very obviously troubles him and hits a lot of folks pretty hard is uncanny. He is one in a million when it comes to spinning stories in this fashion. This, my friends, is brilliance.” (Carroll, Red Line Roots)

  • “[His] debut LP In the Blazes, established him as a left-of-center scribe in the Americana culture, one more interested in tickling the intellect than stabbing at the heart” (Moss, Rolling Stones)

Don’t miss your chance to see Tasjan performing this beautiful and meaningful record live. Grab your tickets here. We can’t wait to see you there!

Americana Fans Engage With Artists Like Never Seen Before

By Maddie Hardwick

Every year, over 20,000 fans of Americana music flock to Nashville to attend AMERICANAFEST in mid-September. Coming from all over the globe, both returning and first time spectators get to experience the heart and soul of Americana across 40 different venues in the city. As an independent Nashville-based Americana management company, this week is one that Olivia Management looks forward to every year.

Part of what makes the week of AMERICANAFEST so special is the fans that come. Without the fans, artists and industry professionals would not have these outlets and platforms to create and provide art for others.

The fans are such a special part of this industry and a recent study shows that they are planning on keeping these spaces and platforms open for Americana artists as long as possible! This article from DIMA (which you can find linked here) shows that fans are reaching almost superfan levels of spending and streaming to support the Americana artists that they love. Important points that I would like to point out from this article include:

  • Americana fans will spend twice as much on music annually than fans of any other genre

  • Fans will spend 24% more time listening in one week

  • 99% of Americana listeners choose to stream their music

  • 76% of Americana streamers are under the of 44

  • 74% of fans say that they have discovered new music through Americana

All of these stats are majorly important and exciting to companies such as OM who are incredibly involved in Americana music. Having this kind of research is incredibly helpful as it reflects that the fans are incredibly receptive and are willing to spend their time, money, and attention on these artists, especially with many of them being smaller indie artists. It says a lot about how much the fans truly love the art and music that they are consuming.

This article is also talks about the growth that Americana music has had in recent years. In a direct quote from the article, President and CEO of DIMA, Graham Davies says, “This research underlines the passion of the Americana community and how streaming is deepening that engagement. Americana has grown from a regional scene into a genre with national and international reach.”

I think this quote is a great way to summarise this article as it is reflective of all of these number and statistics that are given. In a world of streaming, it is much easier to access everything at your fingertips at any given time and Americana fans are taking full advantage of this convenience at an incredible rate, almost skyrocketing the reach of Americana.

To the fans of Americana: a major THANK YOU! You are part of what keep this industry running, without your involvement, there would not be an audience for artists and that plays such a vital role in allowing artists to perform around the world! <3

AMERICANAFEST Wrap Up

by Bri Rogers

What an unforgettable week we had at AMERICANAFEST! We loved every moment of celebrating music, reconnecting with old friends, and making plenty of new ones along the way! Our Olivia Management & Friends showcase was a true highlight—thank you to all the incredible artists who performed and everyone who came out to support. The energy in the room was electric, and we couldn’t be more grateful for this incredible folk/Americana community.

Here’s a glimpse into the showcase! 

But that was just the beginning! Throughout the week, our artists and friends took the stage all over town and filled Nashville with so much heart and soul. From intimate songwriter rounds to unforgettable evening sets, it was inspiring to see so much talent shining in every corner.

We also hosted our Olivia Management Coffee Hang, one of our favorite events of the week. There’s nothing like starting a busy festival day with great conversation, fresh coffee, and the chance to connect with friends – old and new!

Here’s a glimpse into our coffee hang!

To everyone who came out, played a set, helped behind the scenes, or just cheered us on—thank you! You make AMERICANAFEST what it is—music lovers, artists, and friends keeping the folk/Americana spirit alive year after year.” and we’re already counting the days until next year.

A Preview of OM at AMERICANAFEST 2025

by Sam Van Arsdale

We had such a blast kicking off our AMERICANAFEST week with our official OM showcase, we were so blessed to have such kind and talented artists both play and attend this show! Many of our consulting clients and OM artists can also be found throughout the week at venues across town with their own performances!

So you don’t have to, we’ve compiled a short list of performances you do not want to miss.

Consulting Clients:

The Imaginaries

Wednesday 9/10 - 11:30 AM - The Oklahoma Stage: Live from AMERICANAFEST ACME Feed and Seed

Wednesday 9/10 - 2:00 PM - GPTX Live: Where Texas Talent Meets Americana Soul Analog at Hutton Hotel

Abbie Gardner & Sara Milonovich

Thursday 9/11 - 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM - East Coast Social Brown’s Diner

These are all events you don’t want to miss! AMERICANAFEST is such a special week, we hope you enjoy it to its fullest potential! There is so much going on and you wont want to miss a single thing!

OM at AMERICANAFEST: Through the Eyes of an Intern

By Sydney Barton

In recent weeks, we’ve been gearing up for AMERICANAFEST: a week-long festival that has taken over Nashville since 2000. AMERICANAFEST highlights the “authentic voice of American roots music around the world.” The week consists of showcases, conferences, and special events for fans and industry professionals alike to gather in a shared love of Americana music. Artists that have been a part of this festival span from Emmylou Harris and Rodney Cromwell, Johnny Cash, Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Dwight Yokum, and more.  

At Olivia Management, we are so thankful to be able to host a showcase during this week for our artists to share their love and talent with festival goers. Hosted at Gray Matters Studio on Tuesday, September 9th from 6pm-10pm-- Aaron Lee Tasjan, Ruthie Collins, and more will be bringing you a night of joy, live music, and community. Did I mention it is a free event open to the public? 

Our artists are also playing a multitude of events, from Aaron Lee Tasjan’s Official AMERICANAFEST showcase to Ruthie Collins playing the Country in the Afternoon event, you won’t want to miss it. We’d love to see you there!

Fall 2025 Intern Intros!

By Miriam DeYoung

We are so excited to welcome four new interns to the Olivia Management team for this Fall semester! If you’ve been around long, you know how much we depend on our interns to keep our company running and we’re so thrilled to introduce you to the four lovely ladies who will be our helping hands this semester. They’ve already been proving themselves so helpful and it hasn’t even been a week! We can already tell it’s going to be a great semester.

Bri Rogers

Bri is a Senior Creative Entertainment Industries Major at Belmont University! Her favorite artist right now is the Paper Kites and she can’t wait to learn about artist management!

Sydney Barton

Sydney is junior Music Business and Economics double major at Belmont University. Her favorite group right now is The Band Camino. She shared that she’s excited not only for the opportunity but also to learn from other women in the industry!

Maddie Hardwick

Maddie is a junior Music Business Major at Belmont University. Her favorite artist as of late is Kings of Leon. She shared that she’s super excited to get more involved in the artist management world and learn and work with such an amazing group of people.

Sam Van Arsdale

Sam is a senior Music Business major at Belmont University. Her favorite artist right now is Jean Dawson. You may recognize Sam as one of our Spring 2025 interns who has graciously agreed to join us again this semester and she says that she’s excited to be back and learn new things every single day!