Check out our NY Entertainer of the Week- Olivia Castriota! We got to chat about her music, her new song “Pretty Girl” which was just released, and her NYC favorites.

upfrontNY: What do you love most about being able to make music and how did you get your start?

Olivia Castriota: I’ve always wanted to do this for a living, it’s been my dream ever since I can remember. The daily vocal warm-ups and the band rehearsals, finding the perfect stage heels, crafting the perfect topknot, and applying the most vibrant shade of purple lipstick I can find.  Popping my favorite Ricola cough drop in my mouth 20 minutes before curtain and the pep talks I give myself in the bathroom mirror. I love the heat from the lights, the stage, the cameras, the roaring crowd, the smooth electric slides on the guitar and the percussion that forms the rhythm. When I open my mouth to sing and watch the mood shift, it’s incredible. Receiving the energy, the love and the appreciation that crowd gives you and knowing that for 60 minutes you gave them a piece of yourself that you’ll never get back. I never want that feeling to go away.

 

upfrontNY: How would you describe your music?

Olivia Castriota: It’s a little bit of everything. I’m trying this new thing where I don’t necessarily try to smush myself into one genre. I know that’s not ideal for branding purposes, but I’m a brand AND a human, so…

I think my music can be described as pop, soul, funk, rock, jazz.

 

upfrontNY: Can you tell us about your new song  “Pretty Girl”?

Olivia Castriota: Pretty Girl explores a topic that some of us know all too well; you’re pretty but you still suck.  We all know appearances can be deceiving and it still gets us every time! When a female friendship goes sour- what’s a girl to do? Write a Taylor Swift inspired clapback song, obviously. This funky tune explores the classic “it’s you, not me” scenario with powerhouse vocals, electronic guitar slides and heavy percussive elements.

What is it like on release day of a new single? BUSY. It’s a lot of phone and computer time. It’s constant emails between myself, my PR team and manager. It’s like a blur of Instagram posts, emails, pitching to Spotify Playlist Curators etc. It’s a weird feeling to think about it like: a song that you worked on for so long, then you held onto it for so long, and now it’s just out to the world. It’s really overwhelming for 24 hours, then you get a small break to take it all in, then get back to promoting it.

 

upfrontNY: Your last single, “Weekend Lover” was a huge hit. Can you tell us about this song and what it is like to have a song be so successful?

Olivia Castriota: I feel so happy and overwhelmed with the feedback from my single “Weekend Lover.” It’s been three years since the release of my debut album, so I’ve been holding on to this new music for quite some time. It’s feels amazing to get it out there into the world and see how much people love it.

This song is inspired by a relationship that’s completely predictable. Being with someone whose every single move can be anticipated; feeling like you want to live this spontaneous life but yet you’re totally consumed, in the best way possible, by this unwavering person. The Weekend Lover in the song is the King of Consistency, sweet and dependable like coffee and pancakes on a Sunday morning. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t… but you’re in love and you kind of like it.

upfrontNY: What has been your most memorable performing experience?

Olivia Castriota: Performing at the Apollo Theater was pretty amazing. I participated in Amateur Night at The Apollo a few times over the years and each time it’s amazing to be in front of such a animated, high stakes crowd. When the audience loves you, you know and feel it. It’s such a special thing that I’ve been fortunate to experience.

 

upfrontNY: Do you have a dream music venue, city, or country that you aspire to play?

Olivia Castriota: I’m dying to play at Brooklyn Bowl in NY and The Troubadour in LA. They’re both such icon venues. Bookers, call me honey.

 

upfrontNY: We have just said goodbye to summer and hello to a new season. What do you look forward to most this Fall?

Olivia Castriota: I’m looking forward to releasing more music and shooting another music video! So we have the release of “Pretty Girl” September 28th and then “Kills Me” November 2nd. We’re heading Upstate very soon to shoot a music video my moody pop ballad “Kills Me” and I can’t freakin’ waaaaaait!

 

NYC FAVORITES

Favorite NYC music Venue: There are so many! Rockwood Music Hall, Brooklyn Bowl and on the Subway Platforms

The beautiful thing about New York City is that you can find live music anytime, anywhere. Whether it’s busking in the subways, a man playing a Baby Grand Piano in the middle of Washington Square Park, traveling bands playing an Album release party at Rockwood Music Hall or the most amazing funk band playing Brooklyn Bowl- you can’t escape the music. It’s amazing to be constantly surrounded by creatives that live to play and perform. You can feel the hustle in the air.

 

Favorite NYC dessert spot: How did you know I was a foodie!? When I first moved to NYC from Pennsylvania 7 years ago, I started a food blog called Confessions of a Hungry White Girl. It was poppin’ for about a year. I reviewed so many local hot spots and then eventually switched gears. But I am still here for SUGAR. My favorite place for dessert is The Bakeshop by Whoops! Their white chocolate coconut pecan cookies are what dreams are made of.

 

Favorite season in NYC:  I love the Fall. I love my NYC street uniform of  a high waisted dark jean, turtleneck bodysuit and black kneehigh boots. I often find myself walking around the city wearing that outfit with a caramel latte in my hand; feeling like I can take on the world.

 

Favorite spot in NYC: It’s a tie between my foot massage place on West 8th street or anywhere in the East Village.

 

Favorite thing about NYC: I love that everyone came here for a purpose. Everyone has a passion, they have goals, they’re working towards something. People think New Yorker’s are cold and selfish. I don’t agree with that. I’d say their focused and happy to help if asked. So, the main thing I learned about New Yorker’s is ask when you need something. Speak up. I find that people are always more than willing to help you out if they can.

 

Don’t forget to follow Olivia!

Facebook: @OliviaCastriota

Instagram: @OliviaCastriota

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