Largely known for her infectious, gold certified, premiere offering, "Bizounce," taken from her self-titled 2001 debut studio collection, Olivia, née Longott, has finally returned with her latest tour-de-force, the introspective You Are. Longott, who is of Indian, Jamaican and Cuban descent, has also tackled both the big and small screens; most notably seasons one and ten on VH1‘s hit Love & Hip Hop franchise. So FN Dope® Magazine recently had the good pleasure of speaking with the, now independent, former First Lady of J (Records)…
First things first, let’s hop into this new project, You Are — Conceptually, what does that title represent both to and for you?
OLIVIA: You Are represents whatever you believe you are. The words we speak over ourselves hold so much value. For me, this album represents me honoring my mother. My mother passed away in 2018, and she meant everything to me.
How then does You Are either differ and / or compare to previous Olivia entries?
OLIVIA: This body of work is so personal to me. I dived into this while I was still taking care of my late mother. I had also met my now husband during that time. So this album has all of my emotions in one resilient package.
Why exactly has it taken this long for you to finally decide to drop this exceedingly overdue sophomore album?
OLIVIA: Well on my previous label, I was hoping they dropped my Behind Closed Doors album. That didn’t happen. And after that, I had changed managers and had gone independent. Honestly, I just think God was preparing me for something more. I was always working on my crafts, but after my mom got sick with Parkinson’s disease in 2015 I took a much needed personal break to care for her. Family will always be first for me. After my mom passed at the end of 2018 is when I started to go back into the studio. I had to process everything before I was able to give a new project.
Reflecting, tell me your whole inception into music -- When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for Olivia Longott?
OLIVIA: Music has always been in me. My mom and dad brought me up in the church, both Catholic and Christian. And, you know, how black church is, we were always singing. Aside from that, I grew up listening to the greats like Luther Vandross, Michael and Janet, Whitney and Anita Baker. I figured out by the time I was 16 that singing was going to be the career I pursued.
Now you’re from Brooklyn, New York, correct? So growing up in “Breukelen,” who all else did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?
OLIVIA: Yeah, I’m from Brooklyn. Brooklyn kept me close to my roots / Jamaican heritage. So I loved all the great Reggae artists like Beres Hammond, Bob Marley Sizzla and Buju Banton. I have always had a love for all types of music. Most people would be surprised to know that Lenny Kravitz is one of my favorite artists ever. But my strongest musical influence has always been Brandy.
In having said that, how do you classify your overall sound and / or style?
OLIVIA: I don’t have a general sound, I just go where the music takes me. I love all genres of music.
When and how did J Records enter into the picture?
OLIVIA: Ah, J Records, what a time. 20 year old Liv was forever grateful for that time because that’s what gave me my start. I met Clive Davis when I was 19. I was just so happy to be amongst legends. My manager at that time had scored me a meeting with Clive Davis’ right hand guy, Kieth Naftaly. They were in the process of leaving ARISTA and starting J Records. I don’t think I realized how huge of a deal it was at that time to be the 1st artist signed to his new label.
Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
OLIVIA: I just want people to be inspired. I also hope they find comfort and joy in my music. I always try to evoke emotions from my music.
If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
OLIVIA: Oh, man, that would most certainly be Lenny Kravitz. He’s just such a dope artist and person. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and conversating with him, but was too shy to tell him he was my favorite.
If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
OLIVIA: I’m so fortunate to have been on some of the hugest platforms and stages. Honestly, singing on any stage makes me happy.
On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of R&B?
OLIVIA: Just like everything in this world, things evolve or change but it always comes back to its musical roots and raw talent. It’s always going to be a revolving door of new and old music..but Classics never go out of style.
What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
OLIVIA: I’m going to say good content.
What’s an average day like for you?
OLIVIA: Well, that varies. Some days it’s filled with Zoom or in person interviews. Other days it’s back to back nights in the studio. Some days it’s long flights and shows and appearances. My favorite days are when I get to spend it with family and friends. My dad loves the Racetrack, so when my husband and I take him out to the big races and just hang out and pick horses, that can be an average day, too.
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans...
OLIVIA: I love interacting with my supporters. I respond on my social media pages pretty regularly, and when they see me out in public. I gotta say I have the nicest and coolest supporters.
What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
OLIVIA: My favorite part would have to be the stories of my supporters telling me how much my songs got them through certain things, or how I inspire them.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
OLIVIA: The simplest advice I can give is do not give up or second guess yourself.
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
OLIVIA: I never really answer this question because I don’t want to pigeonhole myself to certain things. I always expect for bigger than what my dreams are. I just see myself being happy and healthy years from now.
Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?
OLIVIA: NOPE.
Any “parting” words for our readers?
OLIVIA: YOU ARE ENOUGH!
Comments