Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Prado.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up in the suburbs of the Bay Area (Pinole), and entertaining myself often came in the form of expressing myself musically. My earliest memories consist of me exploring my voice, performing for my family, and getting my first microphone at the age of three. My parents say I came into this world with a clear passion for music, dance, and entertainment. They nurtured my natural talents and put me in musical theater and dance at age five. At age nine, I learned how to use the internet and would look up auditions for my mom to take me to. I would rehearse my songs and find monologues online to audition with. I was ambitious and knew what I wanted out of life. I spent my entire childhood in the performing arts, loving every bit of it.
Once I became a teenager I became more self-conscious and unsure of myself. High school came around and sports became more of my focus. My life was good up until then, I hadn’t really endured too many hardships. It wasn’t until I was 15 when my brother was in a snowboarding accident. He suffered a spinal cord injury and was paralyzed from the neck down at age 20. As you can imagine, this was absolutely devastating for my brother and family. For the first time, I had felt the depths of pain and heartache…
Over the following few years, my family had grown extremely close and established a new sense of normalcy around my brother’s injury. College applications came around shortly after and I majored in Kinesiology, inspired by my brother’s accident. My parents insisted I go to college, that I could follow my dreams, but that I must get an education.
In 2016, just 5 years later, my father passed away suddenly. I was 20 years old in my 3rd year of college, about to go abroad to Australia in four months. Losing him was and still is the most painful feeling I’ve felt. I had now experienced real sudden devastation, twice, with the closest people in my life.
I set off for Australia, just four months later, and spent a year there exploring, meeting amazing people from all over the world. It reminded me of the beauty of life. I joined a band there and began performing again. Performing for such a diverse crowd really brought me back to myself and my purpose.
After coming back home and graduating, I quickly realized that if I didn’t actively pursue music now then I would end up in a career I had no interest in. My dad’s passing and my brother’s accident made me FEEL the preciousness of life. Those experiences FORCED me to be brave and honest with my soul. That’s when I moved back home and began writing and recording.
I am now in Los Angeles becoming the artist I’ve always dreamt I could be. I work as a private personal trainer, using my degree to help others and keep me afloat. I have grown tremendously through my artistry in a way I never have before. I feel alive, purposeful, and excited in my journey.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not. It’s honestly been mostly a bumpy road up until now, and I’ve mostly struggled so far lol. However, I’ve really learned how to take control of my career, create opportunities on my own, and overcome fear of all kinds. I’ve learned that waiting around for the perfect time and the perfect song is an illusion and that all I can do is share who I am now. I think one of the hardest things that I’ve had to get comfortable with is continually validating myself. When no one is listening and paying attention to what you’re creating, you have no choice but to be the motivation you need to keep going. It can be exhausting, but I have really gotten the hang of it and become even more relentless in my self-belief as a result.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a singer, songwriter, and dancer. I produce a bit too. I’m also pretty funny. I create modern Pop R&B music. I am known for making catchy melodic bops, I think. A bop is something that makes you give that stank face cause it just hits in a very specific way. Bops make you feel good and confident – often upbeat but not always. My sad bops are just as great as my bright ones.
I am most proud of my tenacity in my pursuit of success. I could probably be at some job making a lot of money but feeling so empty inside. I am doing what I love and my success is inevitable. I truly believe that anything is possible. I know that sounds corny, but it’s true. I’m not on earth to live like I’m immortal, I understand that I won’t be here forever.
What sets me apart from others is my intellect, my perspective, and my personality. I’m a genuine person and a charismatic individual. Connecting with people is my strength. I am able to see the beauty and feel the love in life that others may not be able to which allows me to influence people positively.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
A journal or diary. I have been writing in a journal since I learned to write and it’s helped me more than anything else has. I think people need to consume less and reflect and go inwards more. I think we are overstimulated and you’ll learn the most by spending time with yourself and your thoughts.
I’m also a big health freak so exercise and healthy eating is a top priority for me to be my best. Educating yourself about what you’re eating is sooo important and exercise is just a must.
I really love Leeor Alexandra lately, I’ve learned a lot from her and always feel so enlightened and expanded listening to her words of wisdom.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliviademi/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oliviapradomusic
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/oliviademii
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_75wbWVbrbj0rJbC8JNTbg
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/olivia-prado-2
Image Credits
Alister Mori
