Meet OLIVIA FOX

Today we’d like to introduce you to OLIVIA FOX.

Hello OLIVIA FOX, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Our lead singer and guitarist Lauren Flynn has been a singer/songwriter for over a decade and had dreamed of creating something new – a band with three-part harmonies and deeply emotive music combined with a fresh, modern sound. Over the course of 2016, she met Aubrey Dykeman (vocals, keys) and Tiffany Smith (vocals, violin, guitar), and before we even landed on a band name, we played our first open mic night in September. It was magical how it all came together and though we all have very different voices, we blend together incredibly well.

The three of us really bonded over personal heartache and struggle and sought a name to reflect that solidarity. We wanted a name that would embody a warrior spirit and appeal to all women fighting their own personal battles. Thus, OLIVIA FOX was born – capable, intelligent, brave women supporting others – we like to say, “We are all OLIVIA FOX.”

Alongside Lauren’s long-time manager DJ Lee, our group began working with producer Tyler Banks. Tyler helped craft a hybrid style incorporating programmed beats and synth pads with traditional folk melodies, harmonies, and live instrumentation to form OLIVIA FOX’s sound, what we call “folk-pop.” We really hit the ground running as a band over the next year, recording an EP, creating a music video, and working to build our brand.

We have had incredible opportunities as a band since 2016, including playing venues and events such as Knuckleheads, The Midland, Percheron, recordBar, Lemonade Park, the Sporting KC Park, Crossroads Music Fest, Middle of the Map Fest, the Plaza Art Fair, and have even had the honor of playing at the Kauffman Performing Arts Center. As we continue to move forward as a band (especially post-covid), we are now making more effort to create music together that we love, continue to seek new opportunities and have fun and enjoy the ride.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Upon reflection, one of the most difficult challenges we have had has been working with four different adults’ schedules (some with multiple day jobs) and making it all happen! Figuring out one another’s communication styles and learning methods has been a process over the years, too.

We have had to navigate through those challenges and allow plenty of grace for one another as we move through the hard work (and fun, come on!) of being a band. However, if these are our biggest challenges, we consider ourselves lucky! It takes a LOT of effort to maintain a band but we are all very committed to this and to be honest, committed to one other. We have really become like family.

The other common struggle we have faced is (quite obviously) the pandemic. The struggle of being apart, having the music industry as a whole shut down long-term, and trying to figure out what the new normal is in a multi-faceted and difficult social climate has been a tough process.

We are incredibly thankful for how far everything has come in two years and that we are finally seeing movement in the industry again. People are playing shows, festivals are happening, and folks are collaborating again in person. It’s crazy how much we took those things for granted!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
We are a folk-pop band, focused on harmonies and multi-instrumentation combined with pop beats and synths. What sets us apart is that we aim to be a strong female presence, with the hope to empower women through our music with writing that is honest and vulnerable.

We take pride in the relationships we have built with one another that have transformed from simply being bandmates to a deeper sisterhood. It’s especially meaningful when listeners share their stories with us about how our music has had a positive impact on their life.

It’s a surreal and incredibly beautiful experience to be able to create something that speaks to another’s soul.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
We are all SUPER FANS of The Office. Deep cuts only. If you’re lucky on a warm summer day you might even hear a Michael Scott quote from Tyler’s drum pad, “Feelin’ hot hot hot.”

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: weareoliviafox.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareoliviafox/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weareoliviafox
• Twitter: https://www.instagram.com/weareoliviafox/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-mmb4yCpJwk7C_8fH1EhSw
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-945943627-645654152

Image Credits
Chris Mullins and Hai Chen