Music in Visual Media: Why It Matters

By Connor Kozlecar

Think to yourself…

Have you ever watched a movie or binged a TV show without any music in it?

Odds are, you haven’t. And there’s a reason for that. 

Whether you like to think of it this way or not, music is an integral part of your everyday life. In almost every facet of life, music plays a weighty role contributing to many cognitive functions of how we process our daily activities. And now that i’ve pointed it out, you’ll surely begin to notice how prevalent music is in your life. Even down to the simplest form, commercials. 

I can almost guarantee that if you hear someone sing the first part of the jingle “like a good neighbor,” it’s likely that you will be able to finish it without skipping a beat. The beautiful thing (and easily my favorite part) about how our mind processes music and melodies, is the emotion that score composers and artists are able to evoke in a viewer as they watch a movie or a TV show. 

Because that’s the whole point, right?

Where’s the joy in watching a movie or a show if you don’t feel anything towards what your eyes are processing. Visual media and music have a shared responsibility in the experience of the viewer. 

If you think back on a favorite scene, movie, or show of yours and can remember how you felt watching, chances are if you go back and listen to the song or score associated you will be thrown into a wave of nostalgia that makes you wish you were watching it for the first time again. 

The importance of music and sound design in visual media is paramount and having an understanding of the intention behind every scene makes watching all the more worth it. As you go about your day, I challenge you to listen to everything around you and pick out where music falls into your life. Additionally, next time you watch your favorite show or a new movie, notice how the music makes you feel behind what it is that you’re seeing. I bet you’ll find that its presence is far more impactful than you were previously aware of.

To send off, here are a few examples of how music has impacted my viewing experience and some of my all-time favorites:

  1. The Office Theme Song

  2. Jill Andrews Cover of “We Built This City” - Greys Anatomy

  3. Guardians of the Galaxy Soundtrack

  4. “BellBottoms” - John Spencer Blues Explosion - Opening Scene of Baby Driver

Songs That I love by Olivia Management Artists

Listening to all of the great artists at Olivia Management has been a really exciting part of interning here. The artists create music that tells stories and have such rich aspects to their melodies and lyrics. They grab your attention and hold it to where I find myself turning on the rarely used repeat button. We live in a world today where access to great music has never been easier. Thanks to this interning for this little artist management company, I get first-hand access. And so do you! Here’s a condensed list of some of my favorite songs by the artists at Olivia Management! I even threw in a few music and lyric videos for fun because who doesn’t love a good visual aspect?

Click here to stream and download "Joshua Tree": https://smarturl.it/RCJoshuaTree

Jill Andrews

Smooth Hound Smith

in as far as what you've been through has made you who you are today, it's worth every dime & tear. take hope, friends. -derek The third single from Derek We...

Ruthie Collins

Derek Webb

Lydia Luce

Hush Kids

A Playlist of Music I'm Digging

by Emma Martin

If you ever see me walking around Nashville or on-campus, my headphones are most likely in and on. Sometimes I just drive around and listen to music because I love it so much. Listening to multiple genres which is fun because one minute I could be listening to a slow acoustic song by Jill Andrews and the next song up is “Like a Girl” by Lizzo. There is an infinite variety of music out there. Check out this playlist I made of some of the songs that I just can’t stop listening to. 

Great Songs from Artists at Olivia Management 

Jill Andrews - “River Swimming”

Smooth Hound Smith - “Second Hand News”

Ruthie Collins - “Dang Dallas”

Derek Webb - “Wedding Dress”

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On the Road Again?

by Kennady Newsome

November is coming to an end and Thanksgiving is right around the corner. While I’m excited to spend time with family, eat way too much food, and drain my bank account while shopping on Black Friday… I am even more excited for CHRISTMAS! I love the decorations, the movies, the weather, the holiday Starbucks drinks - and most importantly, the music! I’m known for spinning Loretta Lynn’s 1966 release of “Country Christmas” album on vinyl the entire month of December. However, with a five hour car ride through to Appalachian mountains to get to my hometown in eastern Kentucky before I can participate in all the holiday festivities, I have had to resort to Spotify playlists to keep me in the spirit during my road trips. I just can’t get on board with listening to old albums without the pops and clicks of a pressed record. So here you see, I have created a playlist full of modern-day versions of some Christmas classics and some Christmas originals by our artists at Olivia Management to share with you for your holiday travels.

I hope you enjoy and have a Happy Thanksgiving to you from all of us at OM!

My Favorite Covers By Our Artists

by Helena Cook

Every now and again I love looking up covers of random songs I love. Covers are a great way to hear old favorites re-imagined by other artists and help you re-discover the messages of these songs in a new way. They give us both comfort and familiarity, but also excitement from hearing something new. This week I looked up my favorite covers by our artists at Olivia Management, so check them out below.

SHS - “All I Have To Do Is Dream” by The Everly Brothers

Even though Caitlin and Zack are usually known for their uptempo Americana and Rock sound, the harmonies on this cover are heavenly!

Lydia Luce (ft. Casey Breves) - “Rain and Snow” by Pentangle

I love this folk side of Lydia and love love love her sound and voice on this cover.

Ruthie Collins - “Jolene” by Dolly Parton

Her. Voice. Gives. Me. Chills.

Derek Webb - “Every Grain of Sand” by Bob Dylan

I have to admit, I’ve never been a huge fan of Dylan but I do love his songwriting, and this song was perfect for Derek to cover.

Jill Andrews - “Bermuda Highway” by My Morning Jacket

Jill’s voice is so soothing and everything I needed to hear this afternoon.

What are some of your favorite covers by our artists?

Olivia Management's Final Shows of 2019

by Helena Cook

As the end of the year approaches, the tour life of our artists here in Nashville is slowing down little by little. While our artists embark on their last dates of 2019, a few are still left! Check out the final tour dates for the year for Smooth Hound Smith, Lydia Luce, Jill Andrews and Derek Webb below. This may be your last chance to see them before Christmas and the New Year come into full swing! Ticket links are hanging out down there, too. For our Nashville neighbors, check out those upcoming local dates—you won’t want to miss it.

Autumn’s Favorite OM Artist Songs

This summer, I have had the pleasure of getting to know a handful of new artists, in a genre that I don’t find myself listening to as often. Nonetheless, I have still enjoyed this adventure, and I wanted to the share the songs that have stuck out to me during my time here. It’s always hard to pick a favorite song from an artist, so really, a more accurate title would be “the ones I’m digging right now”.

“Dog in a Manger” - Smooth Hound Smith

Whenever I fall into one of those “roots rock” or folk moods, I will definitely be going back to this song and the rest of Smooth Hound Smith’s discography. Seriously, this is so good.

“S.H.a.M.E.” - Matthew Mayfield

As someone who tends more towards rock music than any other genre, I really appreciate Matthew Mayfield’s style. His whole album Gun Shy is fantastic, but I definitely love his song “S.H.a.M.E.” for its depth, relatability, and its message of hope. I’m also a big fan of using strings in guitar heavy songs. (Also, sidenote: I LOVE Matthew’s cover of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” on YouTube)

“Tell That Devil” - Jill Andrews

My true favorite Jill Andrews song is one that has yet to be released (shhh), but since I can’t tell you about that, my other favorite is “Tell That Devil”. I love it’s upbeat vibe and it’s eerie sensibilities.

“Good As New” - Jenn Grinels

I absolutely love the bouncy, jazzy vibe of this song. I wish there were more artists who brought this kind of vibe to their music, no matter the genre. This song reminds me of an artist I used to listen to a lot when I was younger, Francesca Battistelli.

“The Spirit vs. The Kick Drum” - Derek Webb

This song has a nice groove with an important message. In this song Derek draws a distinction between authentic faith and a faith built on feelings that ultimately don’t last. If you’re a little confused, that’s totally okay. If you want to know more, you can check this blog post which breaks down the song.

“Talking to Myself” - Hush Kids

As someone who prefers uptempo songs, this Hush Kids tune is especially enjoyable for me. I love the background vocals in this song, and how they help make it memorable for me.

“Me and Emmylou” - Ruthie Collins

Who doesn’t love a good song of confidence and empowerment? “She thinks she’s the queen of some Mexican desert”. What a lyric!

“Azalea” - Lydia Luce

Last but certainly not least, “Azalea” by Lydia Luce is an excellent track. I love the combination of the heavy, distorted guitar and the strings. Lydia’s thick, strong vocals also fit the whole vibe of this song. Catch her live in the next few Wednesdays at The 5 Spot in Nashville, TN. (BTW, Lydia looks exquisite in this video)

I hope this list helps you find your new favorite artist! These are my personal picks, and I’m sure others in the office have different songs they like best. Be on the lookout for new music from each of our artist. First up: Smooth Hound Smith’s new album coming August 9th!