Olivea Watson

At first glance, Olivea Watson may seem like any other singer songwriter, making her way through a bevy of heartfelt pop songs. But, as the music plays, it's obvious that there's plenty of substance to go along with her well-worn roots rock style.

The most striking thing about her is her voice, which sounds strangely enough like a cross between Chrissie Hynde and The Sundays' Harriet Wheeler. It's strong and assured like Hynde's, but there's an underlying sensitivity which keeps you guessing. It also helps that her songwriting is top-notch and creatively done, and the combination of voice and writing pull this one away from the pack.

In other words, this should be just another album by another wannabe rock star, but it shines in spite of itself---and that makes it even better in the end.

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Olivea was asked to be on "The Best Independent Music -VOL 1" compilation CD for her song "Back to L.A.". This CD will be distributed to all the celebrities and attendee's at the upcoming VH1 "Save the Music " benefit. - U Heard it First: The Best Independent Music - VOL 1

livea got a "Honorable Mention" for four of her songs from her debut record "Way Down Deep" in this year's Billboard World Song Contest. This is quite a accomplishment considering the thousands of entries and quality of the entries. Billboard recognized her for her ability to write songs at such a high level and issued her a certificate demonstrating her talent, dedication and ability she has to write a "Hit Song".

- Billboard World Song Contest - Billboard World Song Contest

Olivea's song "All's I want" was chosen for The Montel Williams MS Foundation to help raise money for MS. - Montel Williams

Olivea was chosen to be Gibson's New Artist of the Year!! She won a new Gibson Guitar worth more that $5,000 and recording time at BIG SKY HIGH RECORDING STUDIO! - Gibson Guitars

Olivea Watson was in the Acoustic Guitar World Magazine. She was interviewed for their "On the Rise" section written by Brad Angle. - Acoustic Guitar World Magazine

Olivea was interviewed in the "Buzz Band" section on the Los Angeles times talking about her upcoming gigs throughout Los Angeles.

-Kevin Bronson
Jan '2007 - Los Angeles Times

Olivea Watson has a sensitive and charismatic vocal styling that incorporates the best of blues, rock and pop. She has a vulnerability in her voice that emotes a strong yet silent expressive power. After moving to L.A. from New York, Watson has armed herself with a fervent band of professional musicians, striving to become a force in the music industry.

One particular genre cannot contain the blend of influences that Watson’s music possesses. Watson herself has a style all her own, but it is the concoction of musicians that make up her band which creates a strong fusion of southern rock, blues and contemporary alt-pop. One could interchangeably hear her music on a country radio station, while still maintaining a position on the pop charts.

One such song, “Wake Up” shows the best concoction of genres. Watson’s vocal styling mimics fellow female musician Aimee Mann, while incorporating the influential rhythmical style of late 90’s alt-rock scene. Her vocals are delicate and simple, almost ethereal, which allows the bluesy guitar to voice the emotional upheaval and strength of the song. It’s the combination of all parts that make this track a success. Further on, “Change Me” expresses a more upbeat, southern feel. It is a polished, radio friendly track that has the potential of being an anthem for women all over the world. Her voice is illuminating, while soft drums, smooth guitar and a tinkling of piano throughout the song bring a silky and appealing jazz quality to the track. “Dirty Noise” has a more southern and upbeat feel than the rest. Watson’s sound becomes more pliable with the Sheryl Crow like quality. Her sound is adaptable to the mood and tone that is needed for each stylized track. The ability to change up one’s sound from track to track is a much desired ability and works well for Watson.

Olivea Watson has strived to become a well-respected female singer/songwriter of today’s music scene; an area that is hard to break into because of many well deserved musicians. From her days in New York, perfecting her classically trained violin skills, to breaking free and heading west to bring together a band of talented musicians, Watson shows that she has the dedication and drive to succeed where many strive to go. - In-Tune Magazine- Melody Geear

Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter Olivea Watson (www.olivea.com), who released her
independent debut album Way Down Deep in September, has been announced as the winner of the
prestigious Gibson Guitar New Musician Award for 2007. - Hollywood Reporter

On Way Down Deep, there's a good range of rock and folk that is sure to catch people's attention.
Watson also has a certain earthiness to her vocals, which are not too harsh but have the same vocal
prowess of Fiona Apple, Tori Amos, and even Sheryl Crow. If you like those three, you'd definitely
love Olivea Watson. - Caroline Leonardo, Evolution of Media