Just Be.

Roma Roma Roma. So many beautiful things to see in this city of secrets. Unfortunately, I got pretty sick and didn't get to experience much of it. I spent my first four days pent up in the hotel room, downing hot tea and sleeping the day away.

I think my body is mad at me for performing the night before I moved from LA to Nashville in a cross country drive, then getting right on a plane to Italy. My schedule the last few months has been non-stop and no time for rest. Not to mention I've been preparing for tour. Getting sick is my body's way of telling me to slow down and just be. 

(Photo by Kate Gallaher)

So that’s what I did. Now I am in Florence and remembering why I fell head over heels for this city exactly one year ago. As an outgoing introvert it’s perfect. Sure, there are crowded places where tourists gather, but there are also side streets that lead to secret gardens, quiet piazza’s, and cozy café’s.

One of my favorite things to see is how intricately the streets are decorated.

Italian Street   Decor

Bicycle decorations are my latest obsession. Peep the rope lights draped around the wheels. 

If you look closely, there is so much detail that goes into these lovely garden bikes. From their colors to their plants, you can tell a lot of thought goes into each decoration.

Across the river is my favorite little restaurant. It’s a small room underneath the owner’s apartment. He and his daughter seem to run the place. The menu is handwritten and each morning the owner goes to the market to buy his fresh ingredients for the day. They have a projector on the wall that plays live concert videos of Bob Dylan and Simon & Garfunkel. It’s my happy place.

(Photo by Kate Gallaher)

I’m so glad I came on this trip without knowing anyone. The past few months I didn’t realize how much I needed to be by myself. Traveling on my own gives me a sense of adventure and freedom, but I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t lonely at times. I don’t know, maybe loneliness is healthy. If we experience loneliness we’re less likely to take our relationships for granted and I think that’s something that happens far too often. I also believe the most devastating relationships come from not knowing ourselves well enough. If we don’t take the time to understand ourselves, how can we expect others to understand us? It’s like an oxygen mask on a plane, first you help yourself then you assist others. Right now I’m focused on being the best version of me for myself, but eventually it will make me a better partner, friend, artist, and potentially mother??? (YIKES perhaps I’ve been alone too long this week LOL). 

(Photo by Kate Gallaher)

Highs + Lows

This year when I turned 21, I decided this would be the year I would focus on myself. 21 would be the year I put myself before those around me, and love myself enough to pursue my dreams to the fullest without any distractions. I travelled more than ever, moved to LA, and recorded my next project, "Undertow."

Almost a year ago, I set out on my trip to Italy. If you would’ve told me then that I’d be returning today, and then popping over to France for my first headlining tour, I wouldn’t have believed you. I’m still struggling to wrap my mind around it. Last summer was the most magical summer of my life, but I’m ready to top that.

While there were many highs this year, there were a few heavy lows. I loved someone, I lost someone, I saved someone, and I did it alone. Here’s what I learned: we cannot control those around us, but we can control how we react. If you surrender to the undertow, you have a better chance of survival.

"Undertow" is now available for pre-order- the first 15 people to email me a screenshot of their pre-order purchase along with their address will receive a postcard from me from wherever I am.

To pre-order "Undertow," click here. 

Email: contact@livmusicofficial.com

Arrivederci Italia

My last night in Goito, I got to perform for the town. The kids love American music, even though most of them don’t speak English. I had a blast performing there, especially because I recognized myself in the crowd. One little girl told me she wanted to be a dancer, but she didn’t think she could do it. I tried to teach them that if they want something bad enough, there’s always a way to make it happen. The next morning after an emotional goodbye at the station, I boarded the train to Milan.

I ran off the platform and immediately recognized the familiar face waiting for me in the crowd. It was my friend from Nashville, Alessandro. He’s originally from Italy, and it just so happened that we were in the country at the same time. Alessandro and his friend Alecoma are both hip-hop producers. I did a song with Alessandro earlier this year called “Demons,” with a rapper named Brandyn Kaine. Alecoma owns a recording studio in Milan called “La Maison.” I walked into the studio and was greeted by an Italian rapper named, Karma. The boys started talking and I snuck off into a side room to start writing. They were excited to have an American artist sing in English on their track. I wasn’t exactly sure what they were looking for, but I decided I’d just write about what was going on in my life and that would have to suffice.

(Alessandro and me at Lake Como)

There was definitely a language barrier between Karma and I; however, slowly but surely we began to understand each other. Turns out we had a lot more in common than I realized. I’d tell you all what the song was about, but I’d rather just let it speak for itself.

After touring Milan with Alessandro, I couldn’t believe it was time to leave the country. Many people have asked me why I chose to spend two and a half months in Italy. I have many reasons, but my main reason was to understand my roots. My Nonno (Grandpa), on my father’s side was Italian. Before he passed away he wrote me a letter saying, I want you to be proud of where you come from. I’ve always been proud to be Italian, but after living here this summer I have an even greater sense of pride and appreciation for my heritage.

(My Nonno)

Now I’m back in Nashville, but I’m not the same. I’ve returned with new ideas, different goals, and fresh perspective on creativity and life. My time in Italy served as a creative rebirth and I’m ready to put in the energy to share it with you all through my music.

I’m performing in Nashville: Thursday July 14th at 12th and Porter. I go on 8pm and I’d love to see you all there. Tickets are on sale up above under the "Shows" tab. Thank you for following my adventures these past two months, but just because I’m back in America doesn’t mean the adventures will stop. Be on the look out for new projects, shows, and whatever else might be up my sleeve…

All my love,

L I V

The Village of Sacca di Goito

Okay, brace yourself. This is going to be a long entry because I’m squeezing three weeks into one post.

Prior to coming to the village of Goito, I tried to research it, but I couldn’t find much. I was so nervous. Here I was, thousands of miles from home with very little information on where I was going, who I was staying with, or how I was going to get there. As an excessive planner, this was my worst nightmare. There wasn’t a train and the hotel concierge said it was too difficult to take a bus. I was so close to jumping ship and buying a plane ticket back to Nashville (I’d gotten pretty homesick at this point); however, I knew I’d regret it if I took the easy way out. I’m so glad I stayed because here’s what I would have missed…

I would have missed a village of kids that have brought so much light into my life. I would’ve missed performing for them and learning their favorite dances. I would have missed a lot of laughs with my hilarious host mother and seeing her gorgeous gardens. I would have missed her cooking, her love for Wii Tennis, and her beautiful big heart. I would have missed my 22-year-old host sister, Desi and her love for adventuring. I would have missed my host father’s jokes, constantly making me repeat words that he knows I won’t be able to pronounce. I would have missed coming home to him saying, “Whatchup, Leeev!” I would have missed the small town of Goito where I teach English at a children’s camp, and the even smaller village (population 150 people) of Sacca, where I live with my host family. Last but not least, I would have missed my amazing 16-year-old host sister, Alice (pronounced Ah LEE Chay). She and her family have forever touched my life.

Alice may be four years younger than I, but she is my teacher. Most afternoons she sits down with me and patiently teaches me Italian. She helps me with my Italian homework and sometimes it takes me hours, but she never seems irritated. She’s introduced me to her friends, her family, her dance team, and the whole town of Goito. I’m amazed by her and her family’s willingness to fully let a stranger into their life. I truly felt like I was a part of their family. I’m a big believer that everything happens for a reason, and I do believe they were put into my life to remind me the importance of family, community, patience, and kindness.

In Goito they speak their own dialect called, Mantovano. It’s a mixture of Italian, German, and French. Very few people know how to write it anymore, and it’s only passed on by word of mouth- there aren’t any books explaining it. Instead of the Italian “Tutto bene?” which means all good? they say in Mantovano, “Tüt ben?” It’s very hard to catch on and I’m mixing up the dialect with the actual Italian language, but I find it to be facinating. My host father thinks it’s hilarious when I try to speak Mantovano. I’ve learned you can’t be afraid to sound like an idiot because you’re going to sound like an idiot, and that’s the reality so just own it.

There are two other Americans in Goito with me.

First there’s Victoria. A headstrong 19-year-old architect major from University of Maryland. She’s originally from Argentina, but moved to America at a young age. I’m so grateful she’s fluent in Italian because she really helps me communicate with everyone. I often find her sneaking off someplace quiet to sketch. Once when I was rehearsing, she quietly drew me. I was blown away by what she created in merely thirty minutes.

And then there’s Mary. Mary’s a 20-year-old public health major from the University of Virginia. She loves to play soccer and teach the kids English. I enjoy spending time with her because she has this positive spirit that’s contagious.

We are working at a camp in Goito. We were told we’d be teaching English everyday in Milan, and the camp directors were told we’d all be engineering majors from MIT (lololololol). The program launched this year, so the messages seemed to have gotten lost in translation. While we are teaching a bit of English we’re more so just along for the ride. There are roughly 200 kids and every day we do something different. A typical day can vary from a 30 km bike ride, a field trip, or playing soccer for hours on the fields, you never know what’s going to happen.

That’s the thing: life moves much slower here. Not every day is planned down to the minute. I’m used to constantly being in a rush and always focused on what’s next. I’ve had to learn to accept that I usually don’t know what’s happening until it’s happening. Now that I’ve surrendered to the unknown, I’ve grown to appreciate it. I know once I return home to the U.S. life will pick up the pace again and I’ll be missing the days where I didn’t have to worry about a calendar or a clock.

Speaking of home, can we just talk about the Cleveland Cavaliers real quick. Some of my students here wake up at 3 AM just to catch the NBA games. I was so proud to tell them that was my hometown. I watch the news every morning with my host family and they only hear about the negative things in America; the Orlando shooting, the Stanford rape case, forest fires out west etc. But on the morning of June 16th we turned on the news at the breakfast table and we got to witness my city come together as a community. I had tears in my eyes as I recognized some of the faces on the screen. People hugging, laughing, and crying tears of joy. I know it was just a basketball game, but for us Clevelanders it was so much more. Though I was experiencing serious FOMO (fear of missing out), I was so excited to have been able to share and explain that moment to my host family. Even if it was just a game, they got to see that my country wasn’t all bad.

Even though I missed the championship, had I decided to leave Italy I would have missed so many other amazing experiences. I never would have found this village or met these people, and I’m forever changed because I did.

My final stop next week is Milan. I’m meeting one of my closest friends and producer, Alessandro (aka Rugabeatz). I’m excited to spend the week with him and hopefully lay something down in the studio! Of course, I’ll keep you posted.

Xo,

L I V

Wishful Thinking

(Photo by Niles Rooker)

I love Rome. The architecture is amazing. There are ruins scattered throughout the city. It’s a very fast paced place. In a weird way it reminds me of New York City. I’ve been so busy sight-seeing; I saw the Coliseum, Vatican City, the Trevi Fountain, numerous cathedrals, and the Sistine Chapel.

(Photo by Unknown)

Perhaps the place that left the biggest impact on me was the Capuchin Crypt. Guys, I’m not kidding when I say this. I misunderstood my professor and I thought we were going to a place that made cappuccinos. If I’d only known what I was walking into I might not have gone. Before we got to the crypt, we walked through a museum that explained the Capuchin monks. To my understanding, they were selfless friars that devoted their life to the Catholic church. As I turned the corner and stepped into the hallway of the crypt, my jaw dropped. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Human bones. Everywhere. Skulls piled upon one another, full skeletons resting on top of them. Everything from hip bones to shoulder bones laced the walls and ceilings. They were intricately designed as some sort of bone mosaic. In one room the bodies hadn’t even fully decomposed. I didn’t know whether to feel sick or amazed. On one hand I sort of felt like I was in a serial killer’s basement, and on the other hand I knew I was seeing something sacred and rare. I was told they were trying to showcase that there can be just as much beauty in death as there is in life. It reaffirmed for me that life is too short. Personally, I need to stop worrying over insignificant matters and do what will make me the happiest. You can’t waste your life trying to please everyone. It’s just not fulfilling. As morbid as it sounds, it’s true; what we are they once were, and what they are, we will be.   

Change of subject. One day I was walking with a friend and noticed a hair salon. I had been wanting to get my hair cut and luckily they took walk-ins. A beautiful woman named Natalia took me to wash my hair. As I attempted to speak to her in Italian, I realized she spoke very little Italian and zero English. She kept saying “russo, russo!” Russo meaning Russian. The only Russian word I’m familiar with is ‘vodka,’ so I knew explaining how I wanted my hair cut was going to be a challenge. I pointed to a picture of my desired hair style and hoped for the best. She flipped my hair over my eyes and started chopping. I squeezed my eyes shut. I was having flashbacks to when my mother used to give me mushroom cuts as a little girl circa 1997. I despised it. I couldn’t bare to look up. She was cutting my hair so quickly, I thought this can’t be good. When she finally finished, I was afraid to look in the mirror. But I did and I was pleasantly surprised. It was one of the best hair cuts I’d ever had. Sometimes you just gotta surrender to the situation…and hey- if this is the scariest thing that happened to me in Rome, (remember I had just left Ted Bundy’s place), I’m doing pretty well.

One of my favorite days in Rome was spent song writing in the hotel. Afterward a bunch of friends and I bought a few bottles of champagne to enjoy together as we sat alongside the Trevi Fountain. The Trevi Fountain really is as magical as it looks in pictures. I was blown away-per usual. Yes, I made a wish and no, I can’t tell you what it was because I’m extremely superstitious. Let’s just say it’s a limiting belief to think you can only make one wish…I was there throwing coins left and right (I have a lot on my wish list). I know what you’re thinking- geeze, she sounds greedy. But don’t worry! They didn’t all pertain to me.

My American friends headed back to the States, but I’ve continued on. I met my parents in Florence because my Mom is in town partaking in a painting workshop for the week. After meeting my parents, the first thing I did was take them to meet Giorgio- my favorite gelato man that I told you all about last week. When I walked in his face lit up, “Olivia!! You came back!” He gave me a warm welcome and was ecstatic to meet my parents. “La tua figlia è molta simpatica,” meaning, “your daughter is very kind.” He asked if we could take a picture together, and then he sat down and began teaching me more Italian. I’m going to miss sweet Giorgio.

Tomorrow I will move to a small town outside of Verona for the month of June. I really have no idea what to expect. Stay tuned.

Xo,

L I V

Il Gelataio

(Photo by Niles Rooker)

My time in Florence flew by. I got an apartment with five of my girl friends and we attended morning classes for the past two weeks. According to my roommate, I’ve been sleep talking in Italian…I'm hoping it's a sign that I’m actually absorbing the language. We’ve gone to so many museums and churches. Some of my favorites were The Museum of Galileo, The Uffizi Art Museum, and the Medici Family Home.

Something most people don’t know about me is that I love history. I’m not great at remembering specific dates or names, but I’m fascinated with the life and culture of those that came before us. Even seeing how technology has progressed intrigues me. Nerdy, I know, but I believe there's so much to learn from the past.

(Photo by Katie Roth)

I started to get the feeling American students are seen as burdens. Think about it; we come in massive groups, we're louder than Europeans, we expect everyone to speak english, and we're oblivious to how we're perceived. I can't tell you how many times I've been yelled at by locals for things I didn't even realize were frowned upon; however, I've noticed that when you try to speak their language they're far more compassionate. 

(Photo by Katie Roth)

My favorite place to get gelato is owned by an elderly man named, Giorgio. He is the cutest guy; short, round, and he always has a toothless grin on his face. If I had to guess, he’s somewhere between his late 70’s to mid 80’s (good Lord, I hope he doesn't read this). We’d always wave hi to each other on my way to school, but the other day I saw him sitting alone in the rain and I felt the need go over and see how he was doing. I had him pegged as a quiet man, but once I asked a few questions he opened right up. Turned out he had a lot to say- in rapid Italian nonetheless. While I couldn’t keep up with most of the conversation, I did catch one important piece. When I asked him what he thought of Americans, he replied, “I love all people; black, white, red, yellow, green, blue. I don’t care about the skin color. I have respect and admiration for everyone. We’re all important. I just want everything to be peaceful. It makes me sad when I serve Americans because they tend to look down on me. Not all Americans though. Look at you! You make me happy because you try to speak my language, I appreciate your effort to understand my culture.”

He continued to talk to me for another 45 minutes or so about his three children and his love for Florence. I just listened. He didn’t speak a drop of English, nor did I want him to. I did a lot of nodding and saying, “Sí, capisco” meaning “Yes, I understand." That's about all I could say because I don't know enough Italian to make intelligent conversation, but in a way I'm grateful. Not knowing how to speak fluently has forced me to become a better listener, which is arguably just as valuable. When I finally had to leave he said, “Aspetti! Come ti chiami?” meaning, “wait! What’s your name?” I told him my name and he said, “I hope you'll come back soon my new friend, Olivia.”

For the rest of the day I couldn't stop thinking about our conversation. I was disappointed that this was his experience with Americans. Do I think anyone would walk into his gelato store with the intent to belittle him? Of course not. Do I think we’re unaware of how we come across? Absolutely, myself included. If we're being honest, most of us probably wouldn’t think twice about the encounter we had with the man that sold us gelato.    

Sometimes we’d take day trips. My favorite trip was Tuscany, or as it’s called in Italian, Toscana. When I decide to get married in 3,000 years, I’m down to wed there. The view was breathtaking- yes, I know I say this about every place, but it’s true! 

The day was spent vineyard hopping, consuming course after course, and wine tasting…and by ‘tasting’ I mean 8-10 full glasses of vino. You’re expected to keep up at a steady pace, and I kept up. After all, I am Italian- it’s in my blood.

Xo,

L I V

The Isle of Capri

(Photo by Niles Rooker)

Two walks, a 3-hour train, an extremely choppy boat trip, a terrifying taxi experience, and an overcrowded bus ride. That’s all it took to reach the picturesque Isle of Capri. Five of my friends and I decided to take a weekend getaway, and ended up having the time of our lives.

The people of Capri are by far the friendliest. I think I speak for all of us when I say we feel extremely welcome here. Everyone wants to give us advice on the best places to go and the best things to see. What I love most about the people here is that they are genuinely interested in getting to know you. Whether it’s a waiter that sits down to talk to us, or a boat driver that wants to ensure we have the best nightlife experience, everyone I’ve come across has been extremely present.

(Photo by Niles Rooker)

As I travel, the more I realize living in the moment is extremely important to me. In relationships, friendships, and even just being present with yourself and your needs. It’s so easy for me to get caught up in trying to find the next best thing- I often neglect what’s been placed in front of me. Someone once told me, depression is living in the past and anxiety is living in the future; therefore, being present is the best way to find your bliss. I couldn’t agree more.

(Photo by Katie Roth)

Saturday we took a private boat trip on the Tyrrhenian Sea. It was unlike anything I’d ever seen. The water was so clear you could view everything below you. We swam in caves and climbed the beaches. It was a day I’ll never forget.

The evenings are spent making and listening to music. I’ve been writing lyrics without any instruments. It’s been a good challenge for me, and helps me to focus on the message I want to convey in my songs. Luckily, I was on the island with four other musicians; Tom Zampa of Don Soldi, Molly Kramer; a recording artist from NYC, and Niles Rooker and Ryan Lemp of the Niles Rooker Trio. It isn't hard to be inspired when you're surrounded by so many talented and creative beings.

I’m looking forward to spending some time in Florence this week.

Xo,

L I V

P.S. We found a guitar. :)

The Fall

(Photo by Niles Rooker)

Venice, or as it’s called in Italian, Venezia, was a rude awakening. To give you a glimpse of what my time here looked like, I’ll tell you about how I plummeted into the land of gondolas. I was travelling from Bologna by train with a backpack, massive duffle bag, and a 55-pound suitcase. I was bound to fall at some point. I accepted that it was going to be inevitable. As I stepped off the train, my bags in front of me, I realized in mid air I could either drop all of my luggage or I could hang onto it and try to stick the landing. I did not stick the landing guys. I found myself being pulled by my luggage and I did a (not so graceful) tuck and tumble face first onto the platform. I heard a chorus of “Mamma Mia’s” and an angry unsuspecting victim that (unsuccessfully) caught the wrath of my fall.

All tripping aside, Venice is definitely the most beautiful place I have ever been to. Located in northeastern Italy, it is composed of 117 tiny islands connected by canals. There is a post card view from every corner of the city. People use boat taxis to get from place to place, I’ve never experienced anything like it.  

Speaking of new experiences, I was walking with a group of my girl friends and I noticed a fish pedicure spa. I had read about them and had always wanted to try it. I decided I had to do it. The girls hesitantly agreed to join me. We sat with our feet in a tank while these itty bitty fish gnawed the dead skin off of our feet. It was the most bizarre sensation. It looked like something from the show, Fear Factor. We couldn’t stifle our discomfort and the squealing commenced. When I finally looked up we had gained a crowd of people outside taking our picture and watching us through the windows in disbelief. They had to be thinking, who in their right mind would do this?! Me, that’s who.

(Photo by Niles Rooker)

My final hours in Venice were spent lost at night in the pouring rain. It was absolutely miserable, yet deliriously funny due to lack of sleep. To sum up the last 48 hours; it started with a fall and ended with a storm, but everything in between was pure beauty and for that I have no complaints. 

Xo,

L I V

(Photo by Niles Rooker)

15,000 Steps

(Photo by Niles Rooker) 

I finally made it to Bologna, Italy. The land of all things food, perfume, and architecture. It’s been a wild 72 hours. I’m currently travelling this month with 20 other kids my age. In my little friend group, I’m the only one who can understand and speak a little Italian. It’s surprising how quickly you can pick up a language when you suddenly have to depend on yourself to communicate for everyone. The first day we woke up and climbed to the top of San Luca- which felt like a lifetime because we were so jetlagged. We climbed 113 stair cases - I counted. According to my friends pedometer app we walked 15,000 steps. Even though my legs felt like noodles it was 110% worth every step. The view from the top was breathtaking.

On the plane ride over, I met a photographer from Colorado, Niles Rooker. I was so impressed by his natural ability to capture people and places. He’s been travelling with me and my friends, and we enjoy doing shoots together when we go out. I love working with him because he’s so passionate about his art, and he’s a perfectionist- two qualities we have in common. He also plays guitar. We’re on a mission to find a guitar to travel with this month. I’ll let you know if we find one, but either way we’ll write when we have a free moment.  

In the evening we went to a cooking school, Salotto di Penelope. There, we met two older women that taught us how to make homemade cavelli, flatbread, and tagliatella pasta. It’s tough to fathom the amount of time and effort that goes into preparing each meal. In America I feel like we’re always in such a rush to eat and keep going on with our day, but here eating is an event. You take time making it, and you take even more time eating it. It was fascinating to watch the process. We hand rolled. Every. Single. Noodle. Then we ate a massive four course meal consisting of prosciutto, various cheeses, flatbreads, two types of pasta, and an almond chocolate brownie.

We leave for Venice in the morning. I’ll check back soon.

Xo,

L I V

PS. To see more of Niles’ work follow him on Instagram @NilesRooker!

Leap of Faith

Ciao bella! I’m moving to the motherland for the summer, aka Italy. I’d been toying with the idea of going abroad for awhile, and I finally decided to take a leap of faith. Just because I’ll be overseas does not mean I won’t be continuing the things I love—music and eating, and eating some more. But for real, mostly music. This is going to be a time for me to write, learn, record, experience, and develop my voice with a new perspective. I want this to be a way for us to keep in touch while I’m travelling.

My goal with this blog is to create a space that’s more personal. Over the next few months I’ll be writing and sharing pictures, lyrics, and whatever else I think is cool.  

It has been a whirlwind year for me in music. From my first EP release, “Trilogy,” to my first performance, it’s been a super exciting time in my life and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve received. More importantly, I’m forever grateful for your willingness to listen to my music. Thanks for sticking with me. I can’t wait to show you all what’s next.

Xo,

L I V

(Photo by Ivor Karabatkovic)