WRITTEN BY CHERRYLLE URBANO, PHOTO FROM OLIVE LOUISE
Olive Louise (she/her) is captivating listeners with her latest track, “Greatness” that was released on August 7th. The strange and hauntingly seductive music video debuted on August 12th. Picture the aesthetics of Alice in Wonderland and American Horror Story. Growing up in Long Island, Louise practiced violin and later pursued a voice major at a Michigan boarding school, where she discovered her passion for genres beyond classical music.
“Greatness” features intricate chord progressions, prominent percussion, and an alluring voice, exploring themes of inner worth. She co-directed the music video with Barbara Safonkina, which begins with whimsical piano notes that draw you in from the start. Louise describes, “Greatness has been my go-to before I have to deal with confrontation, set boundaries, or tackle something uncomfortable; it puts me in a headspace where I’m in control.” The video features Louise on a date with a black rabbit and sings about a secret that is yet to be uncovered. Louise is also shown in scenes where she’s adorned with a snake, symbolizing her transformation into a more confident self. Similarly, her music transitions from a slow, slithering feel to a more upbeat and louder chorus, embodying the concept of growing confidence.
I particularly enjoyed the empowering lyricism and the exploration of “Greatness”. Having experienced the slow build-up before stepping out with full confidence myself, I can relate to Louise’s preparation process. Her storytelling is creative, compelling, and visually enticing, especially for viewers who appreciate a narrative told through music. This track could easily fit into my very strangely-specific-titled playlist, “The Origins of a Villainess”, due to its haunting, confident, and stunning qualities. You would not want to miss her story. As the artist herself said, “It would be a mistake to pass up on such greatness.”