Olivia Wik is stepping into the spotlight with her new single Let’s Dance. Written by the Canadian singer-songwriter and produced by Towers (the duo of Brad Simons and Brandon Unis), Let’s Dance blends the Edmonton artist’s sharp pop songcraft and sultry vocals with deep bass and strong horns to deliver some serious romantic energy. “This was a rare moment where the song came to me fully formed in my head,” Wik says. “I knew what it had to sound like, what I wanted to say, and how it had to be said. Let’s Dance is all about having a connection so intense that when you’re finally allowed to have an intimate moment with someone, it feels like full electricity. This song lives in the heat of that moment with someone.” To celebrate the release, Wik went toe-to-toe with my ridiculous questions. Let’s see how she did:
What is your musical origin story?
I started taking vocal lessons at a young age because I really loved singing. I then transitioned to musical theatre, then learned to play the guitar and write songs at 15 years old. I realized that I wanted to pursue music in some kind of professional capacity, so I started going to competitions, taking any gigs I could get, and went to conferences to network and meet new people. All of that led me to where I am today. Without music, I wouldn’t have the kind of experiences that I’ve had — and I’m infinitely grateful for it.
What’s your latest project?
Let’s Dance is my latest single and its release has been a long time coming. I recorded it back in 2019, and kept it to myself for a few years because I was waiting for the right time to share it. I am really proud of this release because it’s a song that I wrote all on my own. When I got into the studio, my awesome producers already had a bit of a track for me to listen to. It was incredible and brought what I heard in my head to life.
What truly sets you apart from other artists?
I started writing my own songs right from the start. Doing this has helped me accomplish so much more than I could ever imagine career-wise. I would have never had the opportunities that I’ve had if I didn’t begin writing at a young age.
How will my life improve by listening to your music?
I wish that I could say that you’d win the lottery, but the best I can offer you is the fact that it will make you feel something. I have songs that are upbeat, and some that are melancholy. I’ve always prided myself on my ability to tell a story in a song, and I think that you’ll be gripped by that story and feel the emotions within the music.
Tell us about the first song you wrote and / or the first gig you played.
The first song I wrote was called Drive. I came up with the chorus while I was 15 and cooking eggs for lunch. I worked backwards from there. I was really proud of it. I still am because while it was good for the time, I have grown so much more as a songwriter.
What is the best / worst / strangest / most memorable performance you have given?
I’ve had a lot of strange gigs, but I used to busk at farmers’ markets and I’ve run into a lot of different characters over the years.
What is the best / worst / strangest / most memorable performance you’ve seen?
I’m a big Taylor Swift fan, so seeing her in concert was amazing.
What living or dead artists would you like to collaborate with?
Charlotte Cardin. She’s so talented and I love everything about her style.
What artist or style of music do you love that would surprise people?
I love pop-punk music. Love it.
What words do you hope people use when they describe you?
Loyal, kind, caring.
What useful (or useless) skills do you have outside of music?
I can knit a great hat!
Who can you do an impression of?
Jennifer Coolidge.
Tell us a joke.
What do you call a fake noodle? An impasta.
What do you collect?
I have a ton of random coins. I used to collect the ones with pictures created by the Royal Canadian Mint to celebrate different things within Canada. I don’t think they’re worth anything, but they mean something to me.
If money was no object, where would you live?
I would live in the middle of nowhere in Norway. I’d have a house on the edge of a fjord, surrounded by nature, where no one could find me. That’s my dream.
What would you like to be reincarnated as?
A cat. My cat has a great life, so I’d want to be one that’s pampered and cared for 24/7.
Which historic event do you wish you had witnessed?
I feel like I’ve witnessed a lot of monumental world events in my time on this Earth. I’d like to take a few years off from witnessing major events — historical or modern.
What’s your idea of perfect happiness / total misery?
My idea of perfect happiness is something I already have. I have an incredible fiancé and a cat that I love immensely. The three of us have the most amazing little family and I truly cherish that.
What are your pet peeves?
When someone is mean, unkind, or discriminatory.
What’s your greatest regret?
Not getting enough tattoos. I need more.
What are you afraid of?
So many things. I couldn’t begin to cover all of them here. The list would be too long.
What would the title of your autobiography be?
She Came, She Tried, and She Did Alright.
Who should play you in the movie of your life?
Victoria Pedretti. She’s infinitely cooler than I am, though.
What’s your motto?
Do what’s best for you.
What’s always in your refrigerator?
Hummus. I, currently, have almost too much of it.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would be less critical of myself.
If you had one day to spend as you please without any consequences, what would you do?
I would move into my dream home and create a cat sanctuary in the backyard.
What’s the silliest thing you believed as a child?
I thought that I could control the wind. Plot twist, I can’t.
What was your favourite class in school and why?
Art class. It was my favourite class in high school. It felt like a safe place, I had great friends, and it was something I really enjoyed.
What world record would you like to break?
Best French toast ever made.
What was the worst job you ever had?
I worked at Shoppers Drug Mart when I was in high school and it was … an interesting time.
What’s the best and / or worst advice you were ever given?
The worst advice I was ever given was from a doctor that told me to “just not think about” my anxiety. I mean, as much as I’d like to do that, it’s easier said than done.
Check out Let’s Dance above, hear more from Olivia Wik below, and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.
