Harley Olivia takes a deep dive into a doomed relationship on her hard-hitting new single Diggin’ — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
“I wrote Diggin’ in response to a toxic ex who refused to listen to reason or reach any kind of settlement on the grounds that I broke their heart,” the Ontario singer-songwriter explains. “As the battle raged on and the mess got bigger, I tortured myself until I discovered what was truly going on. They were playing the victim to make me suffer.
“Diggin’ was a way for me to take my power back without causing more drama in my personal life. Singing this song is a release but in the best way! It’s dynamic and messy — just like a breakup — but its strong beat and punchy rhythm was what got me back on my feet and excited about writing and performing again.”
Before Olivia embarked on a solo career, her efforts intertwined with several heavy-metal and punk bands. Harley performed in crowd-pleasing acts filled with clowns, confetti, and anything else commonly found in a pop-up circus tent. But while she was leading audiences in balloon sword battles, she leaned into her fascination for a solo project, one that dug straight into what she wished her music could convey.
When Harley toured with the band Anthems In Ashes, the group was awarded first place in the Jack Daniels Supporting Act Competition. This was no small feat for the title, but this award also paved a clear path to work and companionship with Juno-winning producer Siegfried Meier (Face to Face, Kittie, Sectorseven, Woods of Ypres).
Harley followed this friendship and soon found herself back in the studio with Siegfried to work on Diggin’. They collaborated on the break-up anthem during the early days of the COVID lockdown, co-writing the track at Beach Road Studios. The time spent reminiscing and reflecting on the toxic relationship shines through the song’s production.
Watch the video for Diggin’ above, hear more from Harley Olivia below, and keep up with her at her website, Instagram and TikTok.
