Olivia Rodrigo

musician

At just 16, Olivia Rodrigo is a soulful artist with a rare gift for emotive and empathic songwriting. “I’m good at knowing how people feel, how I feel, and being able to capture that,” the Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter shares.

Her keen sense for conveying feeling has served her well, thus far. Olivia is the star of Disney’s upcoming High School Musical series which will premiere November 12th. Acting is something of a newish development for her. Olivia has been singing since she was 4, and she took up acting based on a recommendation from her vocal coach. “Acting and music relate in that they are both about capturing feelings and moments as accurately as you can,” she shares.

Olivia exudes an intriguing paradox of being both exuberantly youthful and, sagely, an old soul. She seeks authenticity and bold expression in her music. “My favorite songs are brutally honest and give a vivid look into the artist’s life and mind,” she says. “Honest storytelling is my ultimate goal.” A select cross section of her influences include artists as diverse as Fiona Apple, Jack White, PJ Harvey, and Phoebe Bridgers. Olivia’s two worlds of acting and singing will meet as the first two original songs she wrote debut in HSM. In addition, Olivia performs her music solo on the show.

“Writing for HSM was surreal, to say the least. The fact that they gave a 16-year-old a shot to write for such a big project is so awesome.” She continues: “I think the perspective of a teenage girl is so powerful, and something that doesn't always gets harnessed in its full capacity, too.”

Olivia’s career as an actress began to take off when she was 11 and landed the starring role in Grace Stirs Up Success, an American Girl movie. This led to a three-year tenure in the comedic series Bizardvark. Acting is a passion, but music will always be Olivia’s first true love. “I can’t remember a time where music wasn't a huge part of my life. It seems like it has always been there for me, a constant outlet for me to utilize,” she says

As a kindergartener, Olivia took voice lessons, and then later piano lessons. At age 12, she began playing guitar. It was during this time that she began writing songs. “I remember coming up with melodies and lyrics and writing them down in this pink fluffy notebook that I had won at some arcade. I still keep that notebook on my bedside table,” she says, laughing. Olivia is currently in the studio working on her debut EP.