Oliver Tree Talks Life Goes On, Cowboy Tears, Not Releasing Circuits & Retiring From Music

Introduction to Oliver Tree

Overview of the Conversation

• The conversation introduces Oliver Tree, highlighting his unique personality and diverse topics including music, screenplays, and personal conflicts.

• The host encourages viewers to subscribe and engage with the content.

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Who is Oliver Tree?

Artist Background

• Oliver describes himself as an everyday person dedicated to art, emphasizing years of hard work without breaks.

• He believes he contributes to culture but acknowledges that true reinvention is rare in the industry.

Early Musical Journey

Musical Beginnings

• Started performing at a young age; began piano at three and wrote his first song by four.

• Has been professionally involved in music for ten years after 25 years of experience overall.

Learning from Failures

Perspective on Success

• Oliver reflects on his past failures, stating that most of his work has felt unsuccessful until recently.

• Emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes rather than viewing them as purely negative experiences.

Education and Career Path

Academic Background

• Discusses attending art school after starting music, revealing a tumultuous relationship with record labels early in his career.

• After a hiatus from social media, he returned to focus on creating art independently before pursuing formal education again.

Timing of Releases

Song Release Insights

• Reflecting on why "Life Goes On" is being released now despite being seven years old; suggests artists often create ahead of their audience's readiness.

• Shares a personal story about losing friendship over this song's release but ultimately reconciling afterward.

Transitioning into Film

Future Aspirations

• Announces plans to transition into film-making after releasing "Cowboy Tears," which he considers his first real album conceptually.

• Mentions writing screenplays during the pandemic and using music videos as practical experience in filmmaking.

Music Industry Challenges

Relationship with Labels

• Describes a love-hate relationship with the music industry filled with challenges like contractual obligations affecting creative freedom.

• Expresses frustration over label dynamics while still valuing artistic expression through collaboration.

Unique Recording Locations

Creative Choices

• Explains choosing unconventional locations like the Middle East for recording sessions to inspire creativity.

• Plans include performing across all continents before turning 30, including aspirations for an Antarctic concert.

Artistic Influences

Family Background

• Shares insights about growing up in Santa Cruz with artist parents who prioritized creativity over material possessions.

• His brother’s contrasting lifestyle choices provide inspiration while maintaining a close familial bond despite differences.

Art as Peace

Finding Fulfillment

• Identifies making art as his source of peace and fulfillment amidst chaotic environments like high-profile parties.

• Collaborating with friends enhances both productivity and enjoyment in creating art together.

Creative Process

Idea Generation

• Describes having an endless flow of ideas that sometimes disrupt sleep but views it as a gift rather than a burden.

• Advocates switching between different mediums (music, documentaries), preventing burnout by keeping creativity fresh.

Emotional Connection Through Music

Themes in New Album

• Discusses emotional depth within "Cowboy Tears," aiming to challenge stereotypes around masculinity regarding vulnerability.( 1008 )

• Emphasizes messages about self-love and acceptance woven throughout his work against societal pressures like plastic surgery trends( 1228 ).

How Does a Song Start?

The Creative Process of Songwriting

• A song can begin in various ways, often starting with an idea or concept noted down before heading to the studio.

• Typically, songwriting begins with writing a guitar part and exploring melodies that fit. The last album was largely improvised, leading to successful songs like "Alien Boy" and "Hurt."

• The artist aims to write full songs quickly, sometimes within one night, as they have many ideas but only want to work on those that sound incredible.

• Defining "finished" is subjective; the first version is done quickly, but mixing can take much longer. The goal is to create something presentable.

• Some artists abandon songs if they feel they're going nowhere; however, the artist believes in letting a song develop fully before deciding its fate.

Transforming Songs: Production Changes

Flexibility in Music Genres

• A song's essence can change dramatically through production adjustments—like turning a rock song into a house track—showing versatility in music creation.

• Great songs maintain their impact regardless of genre changes; lyrics should tell stories applicable across different musical styles.

• Pop music often suffers from uniformity; diverse sounds are essential for engaging listeners.

Finding Inspiration and Success

Sources of Creativity

• Pouring personal experiences into music creates authenticity across genres. Living life outside the studio fuels inspiration.

• The artist finds unique ways to blend work with passion by engaging in various activities that inspire creativity.

Defining Success

• True success is defined as finding happiness and doing what you love while staying true to oneself.

• All songs reflect personal reality; authentic storytelling connects deeply with audiences.

The Personal Connection in Music

Authenticity vs. Performance

• Writing based on real-life experiences fosters genuine connections with listeners; authenticity is crucial for impactful storytelling.

• While show business requires some performance elements, being genuine resonates more than creating a character.

Navigating Industry Challenges

Experiences with Record Labels

• There’s a love-hate relationship with record labels; while they provide support when hits are produced, navigating industry politics remains challenging.

• Many artists struggle to release multiple albums due to industry pressures; reaching album two is considered monumental for most musicians.

Creative Freedom and Future Aspirations

Exploring New Ventures

• Despite challenges within the music industry, there’s an eagerness to explore new creative avenues such as feature films while leveraging current success.

Reflections on Past Work

• The artist expresses disinterest in older works like "Ugly Is Beautiful," focusing instead on current projects that resonate more closely with their present self.