Q&A: Olivia Cox Takes Creative Risk In New Single “Paris”
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
☆ BY DANIELLE HOLIAN ☆
LAST YEAR WAS A BREAKOUT YEAR FOR OLIVIA COX — cementing her status as one of pop's most exciting rising stars. With multiple hit singles and an evolving sound that seamlessly blends mainstream and alt-pop, she’s stepping into 2025 with confidence, authenticity, and a fearless approach to music-making. Her latest release “Paris” encapsulates this evolution, offering listeners an immersive and playful experience that feels both deeply personal and refreshingly new.
In this exclusive interview with The Luna Collective, Olivia reflects on her growth as an artist, her influences, and the creative risks that have defined her journey. She opens up about learning to trust her instincts, embracing a genre-fluid approach, and crafting music that feels true to her vision rather than chasing trends. From taking inspiration from artists like Camila Cabello and Addison Rae to experimenting with unconventional song structures, Olivia is pushing boundaries while staying connected to the emotions and stories that resonate with her audience.
As she gears up for an exciting year ahead, Olivia also hints at upcoming collaborations, more new music, and a deepening connection with her fans. Read on as she shares insights into her creative process, her inspirations beyond music, and the surreal moments that have shaped her career so far.
LUNA: 2024 was a huge year for you with multiple hit singles. How has your growth as an artist over the past year influenced your approach to music in 2025?
COX: I think I’ve learnt to just be true to myself and have confidence in my writing rather than creating for other people or trying to write a “hit.” I write my favourite songs when I’m writing for me, so I’ve learnt to follow that gut feeling and hopefully in the process my fans are able to relate in their own ways to my music.
LUNA: The Luna Collective celebrates rising artists with a fresh perspective. How do you feel your music challenges or reshapes the pop landscape?
COX: For a while I was trying to “find my sound” or find a genre that I fit into, which was subconsciously putting a lot of pressure on me. At some point last year I decided to take that pressure I’d put on myself off and just have fun in the studio. I started to create songs that I would listen to myself and to me, that’s all that matters. I think it’s amazing that I’ve found a happy medium between pop and alt-pop because I listen to that the most.
LUNA: Your ability to blend alt-pop with mainstream pop sets you apart. How do you approach finding that perfect balance between experimental and commercial sounds?
COX: I honestly don’t concentrate too much on making sure the song fits into either genre. As long as it has a catchy hook that gets stuck in my head for days or even weeks after writing it, I know it’s good. I also love to tell stories in my songs. So for me; as long as I’ve told a story in a way I’m happy with and I want to listen to it on repeat after it’s written, then I’m excited and ready for it to be released.
LUNA: "Paris" has such a vibrant and immersive feel. What was the inspiration behind the song, and how did you bring that vision to life?
COX: Aaron Brennan (Producer) played me the track and said he made it in 15 minutes “for fun.” It was so fresh, so catchy, so unique and nothing like I’d ever heard him make before. I fell in love with it instantly and knew I needed to do it justice, making sure what I wrote was as cool as the track itself. I think “Paris” turned out even better than I’d have imagined. I wanted to write a fun, girly, crush pop song. Something that takes [listeners] into what feels like a diary entry. “Paris” is a journey.
LUNA: You’ve cited Camila Cabello and Addison Rae as influences on this track. What specific elements from their music inspired you, and how did you make them your own?
COX: One of my favourite Camila Cabello songs from 2024 was “I luv it” because of all her ad libs, backing vocals tucked away that I had to listen a few times to notice, and harmonies. I thought the song was so cool, creative and unique. The same goes for Addison Rae’s “Diet Pepsi;” she used a lot of ad libs and backing vocals to bring the song to life and give it dimension. I was super inspired by this style of songwriting and wanted to experiment with it myself. The first verse I wrote for “Paris” was ironically the first verse of the song. The ad libs that come after each line [were incorporated] because I wanted to add imagery and paint more of a picture for the listeners. I was already singing pretty fast and not leaving much room for breath, so I decided to experiment and record those individual ad libs on top. It ended up being one of my favourite parts of the song.
LUNA: “Paris” feels deeply personal, like a page from your diary. What emotions or stories are you hoping fans connect with when they listen to this track?
COX: “Paris” for me is a super fun and vibey track that I always listen to when I’m driving, especially at night time (to quote the song itself, LOL). I hope it’s something they put on when they are crushing on someone and maybe they’ve looked up their star sign compatibility…who knows? There’s a lot of imagery in the song that fits all different scenarios, so I hope the listeners find something they can pull out and relate to.
LUNA: You talk about wanting to create a “playful and cinematic experience” with this song. What specific elements did you incorporate to achieve that immersive feel?
COX: Like I mentioned before, loads of imagery. When I’m writing a song I want to see it in my head as well as listen to it. Also, the song structure isn’t a typical “verse, chorus, verse, bridge, chorus,” which is why I chose the word “journey” because you don’t really know where it’s going the first time you listen to it.
LUNA: Your music blends alt-pop with mainstream pop in such a unique way. How do you strike a balance between staying true to your artistic style and appealing to a wide audience?
COX: I think as long as I think I’ve written a catchy hook that sticks in people's heads and the lyrics are relatable, then everyone should be able to take what they want if they find they can relate in their own way. Also, because I fit into the pop and alt-pop genres, I am lucky in that I’m still commercial enough for radio to play me which is an amazing way to reach new audiences.
LUNA: Your fearless approach to music-making is earning you a growing fan base. What’s the biggest risk you’ve taken creatively, and how did it pay off?
COX: “Paris” is my biggest creative risk so far because it’s a totally new sound from me. Ad libs, unique song structure and a bit of rapping. The song is still very new so we’ll see whether it pays off or not, but I’m hoping people love it as much as I do. I have multiple of my own favourite artists because they all feed me different things. I don’t want to do something that another artist is already doing.
LUNA: As an artist pushing musical boundaries, how do you stay inspired and continue evolving while remaining authentic to your sound?
COX: Writing and recording as much and often as possible. I’m able to filter out the really good songs from the songs that I don’t feel are as strong. By creating constantly I’m always inspired and thinking of new ideas to do while in the studio.
LUNA: Beyond music, are there any other art forms—film, fashion, or literature—that influence your aesthetic and storytelling?
COX: When I don’t have a lot going in my life that I’m able to write about I think it’s important to write about the things I feel strongly about that don’t necessarily always immediately affect me. The news, movies, different cultures, something a friend is going through. I’m inspired by many different sources.
LUNA: You’ve had an incredible journey so far, with major releases in 2024 and now a bold start to 2025. What’s been the most surreal moment of your career so far?
COX: A huge moment for me last year was being named the “essential track of the week” on Northern Ireland’s biggest radio station. The song was “Miss Me,” and it was named that on release week so the response to that was amazing. I also landed my first Apple Editorial playlist in December and “Paris” just made it onto another today! These are little “pinch me” moments because I realise people are listening to my art and what I have to say and it’s the best feeling ever.
LUNA: With so much momentum behind you, what can fans expect next? Are there any upcoming projects, collaborations, or surprises on the horizon?
COX: There is a collaboration in the horizon that I can’t say too much about, but keep an eye out for hints about that on my social media. I want to use 2025 to give my fans as much music as I can and really grow with them and create a family.
