OLIVEA WATSON - Just released her new extended EP "Down on my Knees" on Feb 11th, 2023. Her new single "Why Today" and "Get Out" have gotten rave reviews. She is featured on many top playlists. Olivea won Gibson Guitar Best New Artist of the Year. She was based in Los Angeles based but currently living in Philadelphia,  singer/songwriter Olivea Watson, who released her independent debut album Way Down Deep years ago, has been announced as the winner of the prestigious Gibson Guitar New Artist Award. Olivea performed One of her songs from her record " Way Down Deep", her first single "Let Go", which recently hit Radio & Records, Hot 100 Airplay Chart at the Gibson event. She received an exclusive Gibson Acoustic guitar valued at over $5,000. In Addition To Winning "Honorable Mention" For Four Of The Album Tracks In Billboard World Song Contest; The Versatile Singer, Guitarist And Violinist First AAA Radio Single "Let Go" Will Be Featured On An Exclusive Best Buy Compilation Cal

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Olivea won Gibson Guitar New Musician on the Year!!!

Olivea Watso Bio

OLIVEA WATSON - L.A. BASED SINGER/SONGWRITER AND HER BAND THE UNSUNG HEROES
In Addition To Winning "Honorable Mention" For Four Of The Album Tracks In Billboard World Song Contest; The Versatile Singer, Guitarist And Violinist First AAA Radio Single "Let Go" Will Be Featured On An Exclusive Best Buy Compilation Called "Help Save World Hunger", "All I Want", Is Included On A Fundraising CD For The Montel Williams MS Foundation; And "Back To L.A." Is On The VH1 Compilation "Save The Music".
Los Angeles based singer/songwriter Olivea Watson, who released her independent debut album Way Down Deep in September, has been announced as the winner of the prestigious Gibson Guitar New Musician Award for 2007. Olivea performed One of her songs from her record " Way Down Deep", her first single "Let Go", which recently hit Radio & Records, Hot 100 Airplay Chart at the Gibson event. She received an exclusive Gibson Acoustic guitar valued at over $5,000.

Watson Is Currently Involved In Raising Awareness For War Child International, A Global Network Dedicated To Advancing The Cause Of Peace Through Investing Hope In The Lives of Children Caught Up In The Horrors Of War

A few years ago, shortly after moving to L.A. from The Big Apple to more seriously pursue her path as a singer/songwriter, Olivea Watson (www.olivea.com) wrote her single
"Let Go", the heartfelt, roots-rock/blues song that she wrote in response to her crisis of faith, is poised to be the latest breakthrough in the artists suddenly blossoming career. The first single from her debut album Way Down Deep, the track is about to go to AAA stations across the country.

Watson is currently using her musical platform to increase U.S. awareness of War Child International. Watson joins numerous indie artists and such music luminaries as Bono, Sheryl Crow, Phil Collins, David Bowie, Eric Clapton and Elton John in shedding light on the noble efforts of this crucial global charity.

Like a lot of indie artists aggressively seeking unique outlets for their music, Watson was placing her songs on a wide variety of other charity samplers long before her debut had a release date. Her track ,"Back To L.A".,was featured on the VH1 CD Save The Music, one of the station, U Heard It First: The Best Independent Music series. Her heartfelt country/blues flavored rocker ,"Alls I Want",was chosen for the Montel Williams MS Foundation to help raise money for multiple sclerosis; the song was on the organization, compilation CD connected to the MS Music Fest 2006.

Four of the songs from Way Down Deep also garnered Honorable Mention praise from Billboard Magazine's, World Song Contest, impressive for one artist in a sea of thousands of song entries.

Watson and The Unsung Heroes are a mix of musical pros that have decades of collective experience playing with artists in all genres. Her regular live band consists of guitarist Tim Burlingame (Kathrin Shorr); keyboardist Carl Byron (Anne McCue, Hound, Low And Sweet Orchestra, Michelle Shocked, David Baerwald, Jim Lauderdale, Walkie Talkie, Sin City All Stars); the singer's musical partner, bassist Marcus Giamatti (James Montgomery); and the versatile drummer Otis Hayes (Chuck Berry, Ice-T, John Lydon).

Way Down Deep, which was recorded at Burbank's famed Mad Dog Studios, also features guitarist Doug Pettibone (Jewel, Lucinda Williams); Skip Edwards (Lucinda Williams, kd lang, Michelle Shocked), harmonica player David McKelvy (Brian Wilson, Stanley Clarke); drummer Shawn Nourse (Dwight Yoakam, I See Hawks In LA); and percussionist George Martin (formerly with Earth, Wind & Fire). Watson co-produced the album with Giamatti.


REVIEWS

"On the Rise"
Acoustic Guitar World Magazine
Olivea Watson was in the FEB 2006 issue of Acoustic Guitar World Magazine. She was interviewed for their "On the Rise" section written by Brad Angle.


Mish Mash Indie Artist Review
At first glance, Olivea Watson may seem like any other singer songwriter, making her way through a bevy of heartfelt pop songs. But, as the music plays, it's obvious that there's plenty of substance to go along with her well-worn roots rock style.

The most striking thing about her is her voice, which sounds strangely enough like a cross between Chrissie Hynde and The Sundays' Harriet Wheeler. It's strong and assured like Hynde's, but there's an underlying sensitivity which keeps you guessing. It also helps that her songwriting is top-notch and creatively done, and the combination of voice and writing pull this one away from the pack.

In other words, this should be just another album by another wannabe rock star, but it shines in spite of itself---and that makes it even better in the end.

MISH MASH Mandate: Brass In Pocket

VH1 Compilation CD "Save the Music"
U Heard it First: The Best Independent Music - VOL 1
Olivea was asked to be on "The Best Independent Music -VOL 1" compilation CD for her song "Back to L.A.". This CD will be distributed to all the celebrities and attendee's at the upcoming VH1 "Save the Music " benefit.

Honorable Mention for BILLBOARD WORLD SONG CONTEST
Olivea got a "Honorable Mention" for her song "Can you Feel" in this year's Billboard World Song Contest. This is quite a accomplishment considering the thousands of entries and quality of the entries. Billboard recognized her for her ability to write songs at such a high level and issued her a certificate demonstrating her talent, dedication and ability she has to write a "Hit Song".



A&R Report "Olivea Makes Stand at Famed Club"
Music Connection Magazine
Olivea was in the A&R Report of Music Connection Magazine in Novermber 2005. She was recognized for a playing a residency at the L.A. famed niightclub "The Mint" the month of November. It was a special occasion because The Mint does not have residencies. The fact that they asked her to do one got a lot of publicity.

Buzz Bands
Los Angeles Times
Olivea was interviewed in the "Buzz Band" section on the Los Angeles times talking about her upcoming gigs throughout Los Angeles.
-Kevin Bronson
Jan '2006

"Top 10 Demo Critques of the year"
Music Connection Magazine
Music Connection Magazine named Olivea's "Seven Song EP" one of the Top demo's of the year!
December 2005

Radio Ready!
Music Connection Magazine
Material: Heartfelt mix of music somewhere between Sarah McLachlan's soft-rock and Ani DiFranco's folk-punkish fare, Olivea and her band put out a laid-back, sexy, sweet sound, but with plenty of backbone. As the singer/ songwriter, Olivea conveys a wide range of emotions to her audience through her lyrics and musical style. While there are a plethora of similar acts in the industry, Olivea's material has an honesty that cannot be ignored.
This group exhibits excellent musicianship on all parts. The musicians have clearly honed their skills to a razor-sharp edge. Giamatti and Nourse form a strong rhythm section without being overpowering. Olivea has no problem commanding both guitar and vocals simultaneously.
This act was in fine form with no warmup required. Olivea immediately got the crowd's attention with her strong voice. From a throaty growl to a sultry swoon, Olivea had her vocal bases covered as she worked well with the band in near flawless precision. Olivea and her band are clearly a talented group of musicians. Highly polished, with material that is radio-ready, they nearly have it all. Add a powerhouse singer and you have an extremely enjoyable listening experience. Olivea and her crew should really receive the attention they are looking for.

- Dale Hill, Music Connection Magazine





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