Olivia Booth Unleashes Raw Emotion with New Single "MIND" and Shares Insightful Interview on Its Creation
- STAFF
- Aug 30
- 11 min read
By: Staff
Olivia Booth’s "MIND" is a thrilling blend of power, vulnerability, and musical evolution.
Get ready to experience a sound that’s impossible to ignore. Olivia Booth, an artist hailed as ‘One to Watch 2025,’ has just unleashed her latest track, and it’s one you won’t forget. “MIND” is more than just a song, it's an exploration of late-night battles with the mind, wrapped in powerful guitar riffs and raw, gripping vocals.
We spoke with Olivia to uncover the journey behind this intensely personal anthem. From its humble beginnings as a song written in solitude to its final, thunderous form, “MIND” captures the chaos of overthinking and the isolation that often comes with it. With haunting guitar tones and pounding drums, the track is a reflection of Olivia’s growth, not just as a musician, but as a person.
In this interview, Olivia reveals how her relationship with her collaborators evolved, the challenges she faced putting such vulnerability into her music, and why this song became the one to define her next chapter. But there’s more, Olivia also gives us a sneak peek at what’s next as she continues to push boundaries and redefine the indie scene.
Ready to hear the story behind the song? Dive into the interview below to learn more about the making of “MIND”, and the artist behind it.
Here’s how it went:
Begin Interview:
Hello Olivia Booth, we’re thrilled to have you here for this interview! We've had an amazing time exploring your music and diving into your creative journey. Now, we’re even more intrigued to get a deeper look into both your brand and your personal and professional inspirations.
Q. For the fans meeting you for the first time, is Olivia Booth your given name or a stage name? What inspired you to choose that for your artist persona?
A. I am happy to say that Olivia Booth is my given name. I played around trying to develop different stage names and personas as I know a lot of artists do, but for me ultimately, I just wanted to be authentically myself and so kept reverting to my original given name, so Olivia Booth it is!
Q. Olivia, you've been described as ‘the voice of a new generation.’ What do you think it is about your sound and lyrics that connects so deeply with listeners, especially at this point in your career?
A. Yes, I was really flattered when someone wrote that comment about me. My lyrics are based on my personal experiences and observations of the lives of family and friends and are often very emotive. Listeners resonate with the same emotions. Their journeys may be different to mine, but the emotions are similar, and they feel that.
As for the voice of a new generation – well I suppose my generation has been challenged with unprecedented things - from Global pandemics, lockdowns, the effects of social media and the advancement of AI technology, so there has been a lot going on!. I feel as a generation we are often overstimulated, receiving information 24 hours a day, constantly accessible and often wondering what is real and what is fake? So, I like to keep things simple, real and honest. My music is raw and authentic. I keep the recordings as close to the live sound as possible, and aim for my lyrics and songs to be relatable to the listeners. Each song is unique yet easily identifiable as me and that is important as I establish myself as a solo artist in the industry.
Q. The song "MIND" explores the concept of overthinking and solitude. Can you talk about how those themes reflect where you were emotionally when you first wrote the song, and how your understanding of those feelings has evolved over time?
A. I wrote MIND when I was 16 years old. Ever since I was young, I’ve experienced what my family and I call a ‘confidence crisis’ every now and then. When it happens I become overwhelmed with feelings of self-doubt and crippling anxiety. I constantly replay negative comments in my head or re-live scenarios or troublesome conversations. It could be a flippant comment or a minor situation that most people would just brush off and not give a second thought about, but for me, my neurodiverse brain doesn’t think like that, so often, mostly at night when I am alone in bed, my mind is racing and overthinking.
When I wrote the song I had moved 250 miles away from home for music college and everything was new and different. I had needed to reset myself, developing new friendships, navigating an unfamiliar city, and trying to develop my sound and identity as an artist. During that first year there were numerous challenges of feeling overwhelmed and I struggled with overthinking, worrying and not being able to share how I was feeling. I knew I just had to deal with it. That’s where the lyrics ‘Can someone help me now – no? …so here we go!’- come into play, that was me strapping myself in for a bumpy few days!
Over the years I have learned to recognise the times when it is starting to happen and have worked to understand it and develop strategies to manage it.
Q. Can you tell us how you landed on the title "MIND"? Was it your first choice, or did it evolve over time, and what made it feel like the right fit for the song?
A. I think it was always called MIND, because that was the subject I was writing about from the beginning. Its simple and descriptive, and the lyrics give an insight into my mind!
Q. We loved the powerful vocals and your cadence was so rhythmic in a way that your voice really takes the attention of the whole performance. Your entire performance already feels iconic. When did you discover your voice and what was the turn in your life that converted you from singing in the mirror to recording for professional purposes?
A, Well that is really kind of you. I have been singing since I was young. I would sit in the back of the car singing along to songs on the radio whilst we were out and about, and my parents thought I could hold a tune! I didn’t have the best time at school and as a result my confidence suffered. My parents thought having singing lessons might help, and it went from there really.
Midway through secondary education I transferred to a performing arts school and that’s where my singing and songwriting creativity really started to grow. I regularly performed in school shows and the pivotal moment happened aged 14, when I reached the Grand Final of Open Mic UK at the O2 Arena in London. I sang an original song for industry judges and it was an amazing experience; I loved it . I knew then it was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
Q. You’ve worked with Gareth Nuttall and George Clarke before on previous releases. How did your relationship with them evolve during the recording of "MIND" compared to your past work together?
A. We had worked together on my previous release ‘A Kiss from Me to You.’ Gareth really understands my vision for the songs and can take the skeleton of the acoustic track I have written it and turn it into a rip-roaring band version. George meanwhile is a drumming genius! Although George and I go to the same music Uni in Manchester, we didn’t know each other and only met when Gareth asked him to session drum for the track. George got the sound I was going for in minutes. He did such an amazing job the first time I had no hesitation asking him to work on MIND with me. I trust both of them implicitly with my songs and that is such an important thing when as a songwriter your work is like your baby.
Q. You’ve spoken about the song being a “labor of love” and deeply personal. What was the most difficult part about putting such raw emotion into this track, and how did you overcome those challenges?
A. All my songs draw from firsthand experiences or observations, often revealing raw emotion in the lyrics. I don’t find it difficult to write about deep emotions, its cathartic. I suppose the most difficult part is allowing yourself to be seen to be vulnerable. I find I can write about the depth of emotion once I have been able to process what has happened. In MIND, I express my struggles with racing thoughts and anxiety, which highlights my personal vulnerability. I was only able to do that once I understood what was causing it.
Knowing that I am not the only person who experiences these thoughts and feelings inspires me to be open and share through music. When the audience resonate with the lyrics of your song and you realise what you have written is meaningful for them too, it motivates you as a songwriter to keep going. A perfect example of this is my track ‘Let’s Talk’ which is written about men’s mental health. Whenever I perform that song the response is incredible. Many a tear has been shed by audience members who identify the subject with their own story, it is very humbling.
Q. “MIND” is poised to be the anthem for people struggling with mental noise. How do you hope listeners who connect with the song will feel after hearing it—empowered, understood, or something else?
A. All of the above to be honest. With MIND I am hoping that anyone who suffers with the same challenges can identify with the song and understands that there are many others who experience the same thing so they are not alone.
I hope it empowers people and encourages them to talk about it too. Mental health struggles should not be a secret, and I hope the song inspires people to seek out strategies and tools to help. it could be therapy or practicing mindfulness, or breathing techniques, whatever works for them.
Q. Given your experience of re-recording the track after feeling your vocals had evolved, do you think there’s something particularly special about the way this version captures your current artistic state compared to the original demo?
A. This track has had various iterations. It was the second track I recorded and was originally performed as an acoustic song. I wrote it when I was 16 years old and I loved the original version. I was always meaning to release it, but the time never felt right. So, I held on, and then when I thought it was the right time to release it, I realised my vocals had changed such a lot and I needed to re-record them. After discussing with Gareth, we agreed to re-record the whole thing with some instrumental tweaks such as the addition of the live drums. Compared to the original demo the track has evolved into a mature Indie Pop-Rock anthem with heavy guitar, bass, and pulsating drums.
Q. You’ve mentioned that the song’s theme of sleeplessness and overthinking was something you experienced personally. How does songwriting act as a form of therapy or catharsis for you in these kinds of emotional situations?
A. Absolutely! My songwriting is very personal. Each of my tracks is based on a unique situation I have experienced or witnessed and it has evoked an emotional response or reaction from me. I mentioned my neurodiversity earlier and when I was younger, I was encouraged to write everything down when I was struggling emotionally or felt overwhelmed. This was a way of acknowledging those emotions and it became a way of working through situations that were happening.
Writing down your thoughts and feelings captures the reality at that time. Then when you read it back you can sense the rawness of the emotions. It’s a habit that I have continued to do even though I am severely dyslexic and it is not always easy reading my notes back! but yes, it is cathartic and I guess a kind of therapy.
Q. Having been recognized as ‘One to Watch 2025’ by XS Manchester, what does that recognition mean to you personally, and how do you think it will influence your journey moving forward?
A. I was so happy to make that list, totally unexpected, but it really kicked off my year with a bang. When you are writing songs and putting your craft out there for the world to hear receiving positive feedback means the world. There are so many artists trying to make a living in the music industry and the competition for gigs and streams is really tough. So when you get acknowledged as ‘One To Watch’ it gives you an indication that you are on the right path, that someone is enjoying what you do and thinks you have potential. For a young emerging artist like me it gives me the confidence to continue my journey and you never know what might happen.
Q. You’ve played some iconic venues like The Cavern in Liverpool and headlined your hometown festival. How has your experience performing live shaped the way you approach your music, especially in terms of connecting with audiences on an emotional level?
A. I am lucky to have played some great venues, and I absolutely LOVE performing live. Performing at the Cavern Club and headlining my hometown festival were dreams coming true for me. When I played the Cavern with my band it was Liverpool Football Club’s Champions weekend, so the city was buzzing. The audience were lively, lots of banter and audience participation which is so satisfying as a performer. My hometown festival was amazing and special. I knew so many people in the crowd, and it was amazing to see them all there. I played two stages, and the crowd followed me to both which made my day.
Being able to interact with the audience, to see them enjoying your music and your performance is such an incredible feeling for an artist. After each gig when people come and speak to you and tell you which song was their favourite or how much they enjoyed your set and it makes everything worthwhile.
With some of my songs, because they are emotional subjects I can see in the faces of the audience when someone really connects with the lyrics and the emotion. In the live situation it allows me to make things more personal. I always try to add context and the story behind the song as a little intro and that always goes down well.
Q. Do you find yourself needing to push back against trends to stay true to your sound, or do you feel like the current state of music encourages innovation?
A. As an artist I want to be unique and recognisable. I have never been one to follow a trend or fit into a box, and if you look at reviews of my work, my music is described as genre-defying! On one hand I have been called part Blondie, part Amy Winehouse and part Courtney Love, and the other Dolly Parton meets the Arctic Monkeys! - it doesnt get much more eclectic!
I write what feels natural to me and the result is whatever it is. My sound is truly, authentically me. I offer songs that are both indie pop-rock band anthems and stripped back acoustic ballads. This allows me to provide flexibility and mix things up depending on the gig and the audience.
The beauty of music is the diverse nature of creativity. Different styles of music appealing to different people. Currently I believe the music industry allows for individuality and innovation. I am all for freedom of expression and hope it continues for a long time to come. But, being a realist, with the advent of AI and digital dance music who knows what the music scene will look like in ten years’ time.
Q. And finally, what’s next for you, Olivia? We can’t thank you enough for sharing these intimate details! Can you give us a sneak peek into your upcoming projects and what fans should be most excited about? We’d love to be the first to share the news!
A. Thank-you for listening to my rambling! Lots of things to come. I have more new music coming out later in the year, which I am really excited about and I hope everyone loves it as much as I do.
I have some great live gigs on the cards with my band. We have a few across the North-West but will be travelling further afield in the UK over to Yorkshire and down to the Midlands later in the year so that will be good fun.
There are also solo gigs scheduled. These are supporting well known artists who are on tour and are more stripped back. They will have a different set-list and include some softer songs, still emotional and authentic though!
And then if you haven’t heard enough from me, I have been invited to record a couple of music podcasts interviews too, so watch my socials for more information.
Thanks for having me, I enjoyed our chat!
Olivia Booth, thank you so much, we appreciate you taking the time to talk to us!
End Interview
We’re happy to have shared Olivia Booth’s exciting journey with you and uncovered such inspiring insights about their creative process.
