the melody of love: how Moyana Olivia expresses herself through music
Everyone can probably remember the coveted feeling of discovering an artist that just understood them; who’s music seemingly read their mind and brought their deepest thoughts and feelings to life through rhythmic melody and chords. It’s a beautiful feeling to feel seen and heard by an artist’s music, and Moyana Olivia does just that easily with her unforgettable voice and lyrics. Her love for music started in the crib, as her dad used to sing Nat King Cole to her and her sister to help them fall asleep. Music still carries that soothing element for Moyana Olivia, as she describes it as “an opportunity to practice self care. If I am upset about something, I’ll play piano.” That undeniable connection to and passion for music is evident in each song she creates.
She aims to be an artist for all to enjoy. Especially as a Black queer individual, her music has a particular focus towards inclusivity and social activism. She didn’t relate to the Taylor Swift ballads that everyone else sang loudly in the middle school hallways, and now aims to “write songs that are very open-ended so that they could be about multiple different things and apply to many different people instead of being just a specific experience.”
“One thing that I was thinking about a lot when I was writing the album that is supposed to come out is that as a Black creator, I have to speak on Black issues and be an activist. So like as I am talking about homophobia and police brutality in music, I have a responsibility to use my platform to talk about those sorts of issues.”
“I just love being able to release something and then have people be like ‘This is beautiful,” and make their own connections to it. [...] I would say just seeing other people being able to resonate with my music and also being able to collaborate with other people is a big goal of mine.” ”
Her newest song, “Missing You,” is an example of her versatility as such a dynamic artist. She originally wrote the song in October of 2020 as she was driving home unexpectedly missing someone she used to date. It caught her off guard, because it had been months since the relationship had ended, which I am sure is a relatable feeling for most. After writing the song and sending it to her mom, who is one of her biggest supporters, she realized that the song could have a double-message also connected to the difficulties of families missing and longing for each other during the pandemic. In January 2021, this song developed a third-message of grief and familial love with the unfortunate passing of her grandmother due to COVID-19. A love song transformed into an ode to the love she has for her dear grandmother, which demonstrates just how real her music becomes for each listener. She bears her truth vulnerably and eloquently, and it truly touched me and many others who listened along.
The future is so bright for Moyana Olivia, and if you are interested in continuing to follow her along her journey, you can check her out on Spotify, iTunes, YouTube, Apple Music, Amazon, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram @moyana_olivia. Also, check out her new website designed by Sophia Simon, another Black creative on Northwestern’s campus. Tomorrow is also a special day for the up-and-coming artist, with the debut of the acoustic version of her heartwarming song “Missing You''.
Lastly, she encourages anyone interested in getting involved with music to do so. Especially if you are a Northwestern student, there are so many ways to still get involved and nurture your musical interests without being in Beinen. Use the free vocal booth in Main Library, join student music groups, and don’t be afraid to collaborate with others to produce something you love. That’s how she started, and she empowers you to chase your dreams too. She is evidence, that dreams, no matter how big, are never out of reach.
