Olivia Marsh is a woman of many talents. Originating as a songwriter under the pseudonym Livy for renowned musicians such as girl groups Kep1er and Kiss of Life, the artist is the first to debut with Warner Music Korea’s label MPLIFY. Indeed, Marsh has taken an unconventional journey, transitioning from behind the scenes to the spotlight.
“I’ve always had a love for music, but I only really started to write songs consistently after university when I moved back to Korea. Before then, I was writing orchestral and more ambient music,” Marsh divulges to HBX. Marsh’s debut came in the form of her single 42 released in October 2024, followed recently by the singer’s EP Meanwhile, recently undergoing fan meet-ups and a tour across Asia: “Having these fan meet-ups after releasing my first EP has made me realise how much music connects us. I would never have imagined that my music would be heard overseas,” the singer gushes. Growing up in Australia and currently living in Korea, the singer’s multicultural background proves to be a useful tool in navigating Korea’s ever-growing international fanbase - an industry the artist also shares with her sister.
“Although Dan and I don’t really cross paths in the industry, we gain mutual benefit from sharing experiences, giving advice, and supporting one another,” the singer describes her relationship with Danielle. But despite the duo’s similarity in profession, Olivia is on a mission to carve out her own path: “I feel like with every day that passes, I’m discovering more and more of what sort of music I love and what I would like to release in the future. In that way, I am carving my own path.”
Olivia wears PUSHBUTTON's Halter Sleeveless Dress and SECOND SKIN's Ross Bow Long Sleeve Top.
We recently caught up with Olivia in Hong Kong, where we captured the singer’s distinct energy and style in an exclusive editorial. We chat with her about the complexities of debuting, as well as her favourite brands, and hopes for the future.
Scroll down to see more from Olivia Marsh in an exclusive interview for HBX.
Olivia wears O. Files' Trench Coat.
How have you enjoyed your time here in Hong Kong so far?
It’s my first time in Hong Kong, and it has been a memorable trip. The first few days, I wasn’t able to explore much, but now I’ve walked around the city, tried the local food, and met some incredible people. I’ve always loved egg tarts, but trying the real deal in Hong Kong was next level!
You held a concert in Hong Kong for Meanwhile. What was that experience like?
My fan meet-up in Hong Kong was definitely one of the biggest highlights of my trip. Being able to meet everyone in person, and the energy from that night was unforgettable. Everyone was so lively, and I was so surprised when I saw some people singing along to some of the songs.
You recently released your debut single 42, last year. How did it feel to produce something that featured your own vocals instead of being written by you?
I remember when we first wrote 42 the track was so much different from what it sounds like now. I remember it was the melody that I kept coming back to, and what inspired the concept of 42. The melody felt nostalgic in a familiar yet ambiguous way. It made me think of lullabies that were sung to me as a kid, and that’s where 42 was born. Knowing that my vocals would be on the final released version made me push even harder to get the recording and delivery just right.
Olivia is wearing Maison Margiela Tabi County Mary-Janes.
You often describe yourself as being introverted - how do you push yourself out of that comfort zone to perform on stage, and is it challenging to be a performer because of this?
Although I’m coming back to performing from just songwriting, I actually don’t think that my shyness affects me when I am performing a song. It’s more the talking to the audience in between the performances that the introverted side of me comes out.
Is there a difference between “Performing-Olivia” and “Day-to-Day Olivia”?
I think there are definitely some differences. Performing in front of people is still outside my comfort zone and feels a lot different from day-to-day Liv.
Olivia is wearing MASU's Snake Long Tie.
Are there any brands or pieces that you gravitate towards?
Some of the brands I love at the moment are Paloma Wool, Bape, and Kapital.
When it comes to clothes that I wear daily, comfort comes first. If I’m dressing up, I love either a vintage-inspired look, something simple made unique through accessories, or streetwear aesthetics.
I also love Hara the Label, which focuses a lot on sustainability. The clothes are minimal, and the material is so soft and comfy.
Can you divulge one styling secret to us at HBX?
I wear similar outfits a lot of the time. It’s usually a black tight-fitted top with denim pants or a skirt. I love dressing this plain outfit up by switching around accessories like shoes, hats, or jewelry.
Olivia is wearing Lesugiatelier's Faux Leather Utility Skirt.
Meanwhile is your debut album. Can you tell us a little bit about the album and the emotions you felt while writing the songs on the album?
While I was writing the songs, it was without the intention of putting them together into an EP. All of the songs have a piece of me in them, whether it be about relationships like Waterworks and Strategy, about longing like Pina Colada, or about my past like 42. Even though I wasn’t writing for myself, without realising it, my emotions at the time came out in the music.
What’s your favorite song from Meanwhile? Can you describe what the song would be if it were a scent, location, or feeling?
I think 42 will always be one of my favourite songs on the EP. It’s one that I feel like I will always look back on with fond memories. If 42 were a scent, I think it would smell a little like a library book with a touch of vanilla and sweetness. It has to be a well-loved library book, though - one that’s been passed through many hands.
I heard recently that you wanted to pursue film scoring. Was there a particular film that made you interested in this?
I loved Hans Zimmer all through my late high school years. The way he made movies even more emotional through his music was so inspiring, and I always wanted to work and learn under his wing. I also grew up watching Ghibli movies and loved Joe Hisaishi’s magnificent scores. His music brings me to tears.
You never expected to be doing this, yet your career path changed quite drastically. As an introvert, was that period tumultuous and scary for you?
Absolutely, there were quite a lot of difficulties. I remember the first time having a conference in front of people. I wasn’t expecting to be nervous, but I remember going back up to my hotel room to wait for an hour or so before the talk - that was one of the longest hours of my life. I was so nervous that I had to call my mum overseas to calm me down. In the end, when I got up on stage, my nerves went away, and it was actually really fun.
Olivia is wearing Toga Pulla's Buckle Sandals.
You didn’t originally intend to become a singer like your sister - can you please explain to us why?
I think it all boils down to my personality. Being shy and very self-critical, I knew that it would be something I would struggle with if I debuted.
Does the process of writing songs for yourself vs songwriting for other artists differ in any way?
Absolutely! When I’m writing for other artists, I usually do a little research on their previous work, what they are looking for in their future releases, and their vocal style. In a way, it’s a little bit easier to know what to do when writing for or with other people. When writing for myself, it’s tricky because I have to look inward and understand what I’m feeling and what I want. Most of the time, I have no idea!
Can you describe some artists you enjoy listening to?
At the moment, I’m listening to a lot of Nasaya (his new collab project with Maro is incredible), Tame Impala, and Tate McRae.
What kind of music do you hope to create in the future?
I’m still discovering and rounding out my own style. I’m finding more and more that it’s difficult to settle on one particular genre because I enjoy so many.
I just want to keep creating music I enjoy. I feel like if I enjoy the music I am making and singing, my fans and listeners will also feel that same joy while listening to it.
How does growing up and experiencing more of life influence your work?
I feel like my work is definitely changing the more I learn about vocal production and the more I am in sessions with producers. Performing more has affected my view on the music I will be creating in the future, too. I’m definitely in the process of improving my craft. There’s still something about the raw, unrefined, and natural songs I created before I had learnt anything. I would love to come back to those songs sometime and recreate them.
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