“Olivia Cella releases new music video”
Exclusive Interview by Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net
Olivia Cella. Photo by Terri Scherli.
From Sunset Blvd. to the Hollywood Hills, Olivia Cella’s new music video takes us on a ride through some of Southern California’s most iconic destinations. StayFamous.Net recently asked Olivia about her catchy new song “Us 2,” what it was like filming the music video, and how she began her musical journey.
At age 17, Olivia has already compiled an impressive modeling portfolio, working with brands like Ralph Lauren and Parents Magazine, as well as an acting resume that includes television commercials for companies like Panda Express and even a role in the 2016 feature film Blowtorch (starring William Baldwin). But right now, it is her music that is really taking off.
Michael Aaron Gallagher: “Can you tell me a little bit about how you got started singing? What made you want to do music and perform?”
Olivia Cella: “I started singing in my school choir when I was four years old. I wanted to start taking lessons immediately but we waited until my family and I moved back from Switzerland and officially started at six years old. I love music and how happy it makes me feel but what really made me want to sing was when I saw Lady Gaga perform live. She is so talented and I was in such awe that she inspired me so much. She pushed me to turn my hobby into my life.”
Michael Aaron Gallagher: “How does it feel to start off with a song and watch the whole process develop as you record it in the studio and then make a music video?”
Olivia Cella: “It is so cool. When I am recording the song it is always so hard to picture the end result but there is always a moment where it all clicks and you get this great feeling that you just poured your heart and soul into something amazing.”
Olivia Cella on the set of her music video for “Us 2.”
Michael Aaron Gallagher: “How did the song ‘Us 2’ come about?”
Olivia Cella: “The idea for the song was something my producer, Nathaniel Levingston and I talked about before we started to actually write it. The song was in rough draft mode when we were in the studio recording ‘Missing U.’ After we finished recording ‘Missing U,’ and since our creative juices were flowing and my voice was already warmed up, we were able to fine tune the writing of ‘Us 2’ and record it relatively quickly.”
Michael Aaron Gallagher: “What was the inspiration behind it?”
Olivia Cella: “My producer showed me the beat to the track and how it was similar to Grover Washington’s ‘Just the Two of Us.’ I always loved that song. Taking inspiration from that song and personal experiences, I was able to co-write the lyrics in no time. It just flowed through me so gracefully and quickly.”
“Us 2” is a contemporary R&B track with a soulful vibe. The music video, which was directed by Hector Meija, picks up on the smooth tempo and tells the story of a rekindled relationship. Olivia’s costar is actor and model Tariq Brown (on Twitter @itstariqbrown). The song is available for download on iTunes.
Olivia Cella. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Cella.
Michael Aaron Gallagher: “You’ve worked with Tariq Brown on a couple of your music videos. What made you decide you wanted to work with him again on ‘Us 2?’”
Olivia Cella: “I met Tariq actually the day of the shoot for my other song ‘Missing U.’ He was a friend of a friend and then Tariq and I became really good friends and we talk every day. ‘Us 2’ is loosely based as a sequel to ‘Missing U.’ In ‘Missing U’ at the end of the video our relationships ended and in ‘Us 2’ he found me again in the record store.”
Michael Aaron Gallagher: “Where were some of the locations you filmed your music video?”
Olivia Cella: “We filmed at my favorite beach Point Dume, in Malibu on top of a cliff. Evening scenes were shot in Hollywood. One scene was on Sunset Blvd. by my mom’s favorite spot, Whiskey A Go Go, which is a famous bar/venue. We also shot in the Hollywood Hills at a beautiful outlook spot.”
Michael Aaron Gallagher: “I liked some of the aerial shots of you guys on the rocks. Did you have to climb up there and film with a drone?”
Olivia Cella: “Yes, it is actually a really hard climb up to the top but the view was perfect and the Director Hector used a drone and got some beautiful shots! We even had dolphins appear while we were shooting, which was so cool.”
Olivia Cella at the Radio Disney Music Awards. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Cella.
Michael Aaron Gallagher: “I saw you’ve done some acting as well. Is that something you would like to continue to pursue, or are you going to focus more on music?”
Olivia Cella: “I actually was more of an actor before I started making music. I was in movies, TV shows and tons of commercials but singing just took off faster and took over my life. I love singing and will always continue to sing but I still act as well.”
Michael Aaron Gallagher: “You have a sister who’s also done some similar work? What has it been like sharing some of the experiences together and have you learned anything from each other?”
Olivia Cella: “Yes, my older sister, Michelle has helped me so much with everything. I always ask her for advice on everything from which photo to post on Instagram to what my song should be called and she’s my best friend like any other sister. She inspired me to pursue acting and singing as well because she has always been such a natural born actor and singer, it just comes so easily to her. Michelle currently pursues acting in Los Angeles, while also attending college.”
Olivia Cella in the recording studio.
Michael Aaron Gallagher: “Who are some of the entertainers that you admire or would like to work with someday?”
Olivia Cella: “I admire so many artists but I would love to work with Lady Gaga. I would cry if I got to meet her. I also would love to work with Tamia. She has a similar voice to me and she could help me with my own music so much. Both are such big role models for me.”
Michael Aaron Gallagher: “What’s next for you? Do you have any projects you’re working on?”
Olivia Cella: “I just signed with a new manager which I am very excited about. I also perform live a lot more now and I am focusing on growing as an artist. I have no official plans yet but I will be making more music very, very soon!”
To find out more about Olivia, visit www.oliviacella.com and follow her on Instagram (@OliviaCella).
“Olivia Cella Releases New Music Video”
Copyright 2018 by Michael Aaron Gallagher
Photography courtesy of Jennifer Cella
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