The walls have come down for Livia O. The 22-year-old artist and producer from New Zealand has been writing songs for over a decade, but on her debut single “Heaven Sent,” Livia found herself opening up in ways she never expected.
Born Livia Wicks, Livia O trained in classical and jazz singing, composing choral pieces and even performing at Carnegie Hall with a youth choir at age 17. Her move to New York for college proved to be a career launchpad, with newfound influences and production skills leading her to develop into something of a polymath. Now the sole writer, producer, engineer and mixer behind her music, Livia strives to challenge the norms of pop arrangements. “I didn’t know I could do it all myself,” Livia says. “Not seeing enough women in production roles gave me imposter syndrome, and now I’m surrounded by a great community of female musicians.” Livia also boasts a string of successful live shows, including performances at Muchmore’s in Brooklyn, Berlin’s “Most Wanted: Music,” and a sold-out headline show at The Wine Cellar in New Zealand.
Informed by her travels, her relationships and the various places she’s called home, Livia sees her music as advice, meditating on the process of growing up and figuring out who you are. “I’m always living in the future,” Livia says. “I want to create a new sound, something people haven’t heard before.” If “Heaven Sent” is any indication of what’s to come, there’s no ceiling for an artist so insatiable.
