Olivia Ellen Lloyd: West Virginia to Brooklyn, Finding Ground in Water, ep. 303

Olivia Ellen Lloyd: West Virginia to Brooklyn, Finding Ground in Water, ep. 303

Author: The Bluegrass Situation March 27, 2025 Duration: 1:01:14

Olivia Ellen Lloyd's latest album, 'Do It Myself,' sees the West Virginia-born Brooklyn-based songwriter reflecting on the powerful imagery of water. She shares how it has been a source of grounding and calmness in her life, from childhood memories spent on the Potomac River to her current love for the ocean, these elements have shaped her artistic journey. In an interesting twist, it was her friends and family that pointed out that she's always trying to get around water. From there, she reflected on the positive impact that being in and around water has had on her mental state.

Olivia also opens up in our Basic Folk conversation about her complex relationship with her hometown of Shepherdstown, West Virginia, where she's experienced both hardships and good memories (her grandfather was actually the mayor and there's a street named after him). Ultimately she decided to leave, but she still spends about half the year there. She talks about how, especially on the new album, her sound is impacted by the duality of small-town life versus her evolving relationship with New York City. We also discuss the foundation of her musicality, which was strongly influenced by her late father, who stressed the importance of learning music by ear. As she navigates her identity as an independent woman in the music industry, she discusses the challenges of societal expectations and the importance of self-reliance. With humor and vulnerability, Olivia Ellen Lloyd explores themes of resilience, love, and the struggles many women face in finding their voice and place in the world.

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There's a certain magic that happens when musicians are given the space to talk not just about their craft, but about the life that feeds it. That's the heart of Basic Folk, a series of conversations that feel more like catching up with an old friend than a formal interview. Hosts Cindy Howes and Lizzie No bring a genuine curiosity and easy warmth to each episode, creating an environment where artists often share stories and insights they might not elsewhere. Since 2018, this podcast has carved out a vital niche, actively seeking to honor and platform the incredible, sometimes under-the-radar, voices within the roots music world. You'll find a beautifully diverse tapestry of sound and experience here, from technical wizards and Grammy-winners like Molly Tuttle to culturally pivotal figures like Leyla McCalla, all united by their connection to folk music's expansive tradition. Produced by The Bluegrass Situation, each episode digs into the personal journeys, creative struggles, and quiet triumphs that shape the music. It’s less about celebrity and more about substance, offering listeners a chance to intimately understand the people behind the songs. Tune in for thoughtful, humorous and deeply human dialogues that remind you why folk music, in all its forms, remains a powerful force for storytelling and connection.
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