By Jameson MacNamee
There is something amazing and magical about watching an artist grow in real time. From evolving lyrics, braver choices, or the rise in confidence that sparks from life experiences, these changes are unique and powerful. At Olivia Management, as a Nashville-based folk and Americana artist management company, we help our artists’ voices stay true while encouraging them to embrace their individuality.
Let's take a look at some of the incredible journeys where our artists started, and who they have become.
Alex Blue
From Youtube Covers to Indie Intimacy
Once known as Alex G, she entered the industry with heartfelt covers back in 2011. Her takes on songs like “Marry You” by Bruno Mars, “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac, and “Mean” by Taylor Swift only added to her growing platform. Her inspiring and unique covers, still up on YouTube, were just the beginning for her. Soon after, she was touring internationally with full-length pop albums.
Fast forward to today: Alex has fully stepped into herself. Longing for an identity, she has now found it as a proud mother, wife, and bisexual Hispanic Jew with her music reflecting her authenticity. Her latest release “You Wont Miss Me” showcases her vocal confidence, and the depth of her journey. This is a major change from her early songs like “Noise” now showing her depth as a human and telling her truth in every way possible.
Derek Webb
From Church Roots to Queer Anthems
If you were raised on Christian rock music, you have probably heard of Caedmon’s Call. Derek Webb was one of the founding members, with hits like “Faith My Eyes”. His early solo work, such as “She Must and Shall Go Free”, leaned heavily into faith and his upbringing with his band.
But 30+ years into his career, Webb has now turned a corner. His latest album, Survival Songs, is a love letter to the LGBTQ+ community, with songs like “Queer Kid” and “Nail Polish” inspired by real stories from his friends in the community. He wrote and recorded this album in just one month, showcasing vulnerability and authenticity. Now, Derek Webb can be found on tour, sharing his new album with people all around.
Josh Radnor
From a TV Career to Making Music
Yes, this is Josh Radnor, from HappyThankYouMorePlease, Liberal Arts, How I Met Your Mother, Hunters and All Happy Families. But beyond the screen, Radnor is a theater-trained, Ohio native with a passion for writing songs. His artistic roots go all the way back to high school, and later to Kenyon College, NYU Tisch, and Broadway, where he got his first breakthrough role as Benjamin Braddock in the 2002 production of Graduate.
After personal hardships occurred in 2022, Radnor left L.A. He started diving into his passion for storytelling through a new form of art, music, and he headed to Nashville to make his debut double LP. The second installment from that project, Eulogy, Vol II really narrows down on his life, with each song feeling like a funeral for a different version of himself he is letting go of. Now on tour, he is bringing his authenticity and storytelling to every stage he steps on.
Mary Gauthier
A Struggling Beginning to a Life of Hope
Mary Gauthier did not release her debut album Dixie Kitchen until she was 35. Before this, she faced many hardships. From being raised in orphanages to addictions, Mary Gauthier had to overcome her struggles and she moved on from her life as a chef. She chronicles her fascinating life journey in her bestselling book, Saved By a Song. This brought her to music, where she poured her life into her lyrics, creating songs that are filled with truth and stories.
Her most recent album, Dark Enough to See the Stars, proves how her voice only grows stronger with time, and her stories are what help her persevere. She is currently on tour, sharing her story of resilience and her passion for music with people all over.
Ruthie Collins
From Pop Country to Honest Americana
Raised on a farm in Fredonia, NY, Ruthie always had a passion for music. In 2007, she competed in the reality show “Can You Duet”. Following this, Collins launched her solo career with her self-titled 2014 EP “Ruthie Collins”. With songs like “Get Drunk and Cry” and “Trainwreckin'” Ruthie Collins’ early career showed promise and relatability.
Today, she has a new glow. Her most recent single “Barefoot No Fences” showcases a mature voice, and a mindset that focuses on her goals and happiness. This song reflects the love and fulfillment she has found as a wife and a new mother. Between opening for Sam Outlaw in the UK and her “Wish You Were Here” tour, Collins is proving that growth and change are beautiful.
Street Corner Symphony
Competition to Career
This group made its first mark on NBC’s The Sing-Off in 2010. Their inspiring and intriguing a cappella performance followed them to the end of the competition, where they were named runners-up. This competition was only the start, as they continued to share their vocal talents with their fans, adding a strong presence in the a cappella world.
Today, they continue to bring their wide range of vocals to the stage. From pop, rock, gospel, and almost any genre imaginable, they shine with every song and harmony. Their 2022 release Jukebox really showcases their drive and passion for music. Street Corner Symphony just finished up a tour through rural America, bringing live music to small towns and spreading joy through song.
Aaron Lee Tasjan
From Rock Band to Storyteller
Back in the early 2000s, Aaron Lee Tasjan played guitar for rock band Semi Precious Weapons, while still attending Berklee. As the youngest member of the band, he was still trying to find his story, which led him to his solo career.
Now, Tasjan is creating one of the most unique sounds in indie music. With a mix of folk and honesty, Tasjan thrives on telling stories of personal experiences, sexuality, and mental health. His latest album Stellar Evolution shows his raw and honest style that blends humor with vulnerability. You can now find him on tour, where he is traveling the country sharing his lyrics and unique style with everyone.
