Australian indie folk-pop songstress Olivia Coggan is back with a stunning new single, Fault Line. Blending lush arrangements and dreamy melodies, the track channels a powerful narrative about stepping into the unknown and trusting your gut. Growing up in the Illawarra region surrounded by music spending her childhood backstage with her award-winning father Darren Coggan, learning from Kasey Chambers, and touring alongside powerhouses like Missy Higgins and Boy & Bear, Olivia has crafted a signature sound that seamlessly bridges indie-folk and pop. Today, we’re sitting down with Olivia to talk about navigating change, preserving the joy of authentic songwriting, and bringing her brand-new live show on the road with her full band. Olivia graciously took some time to answer a quick Q + A
Hi, thanks for taking the time to chat with Hear 2 Zen, what have you been up to today?
Thanks for taking the time for me! I’ve had a great day so far. I’ve for a walk and a coffee with a friend and I’m now enjoying some downtime before my show tonight in Sydney!
Tell us about yourself, how long have you been performing/creating music for?
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been surrounded by music. With a dad who is a country music artist and a mum with an incredible taste in music, I guess it was only a matter of time before I started my own journey. I used to jump on stage with Dad from a really young age and sing songs together, which is where my love of performing really began.
When I was around 14, I decided I wanted to start pursuing music for myself and slowly chip away at building my own career. I had such a huge love for so many different types of music and was curious to see what I could discover and create on my own path. What started as a curiosity at 14 has grown into something I now want to build a life and career around.
Who are your greatest inspirations? Why?
Lennon Stella, Kacey Musgraves, MUNA, Fleetwood Mac and Mumford & Sons! They’ve all had a huge impact on me, along with so many other artists. I think it’s because they’ve each made me connect so deeply with their music. I’m drawn to artists who can share stories and experiences through songwriting that make you connect and feel understood. I also love that there are so many girls killing it in the industry.
How do you create music? Are you lyrics/story driven, or does the music/melody come first? Explain your process.
Honestly, every song is so different. Sometimes it’s a chord progression or riff on the guitar that I can’t strum out of my head. Sometimes it’s written in an hour and sometimes months. My notes app is full of one liner lyric ideas that I’ve written down while on the go and they always serve their purpose when I’m in need of a lyric!
What has been your greatest challenge so far in performing/creating music?
My greatest challenge has been learning that rejection isn’t failure. It’s easy to beat yourself up and question whether you’re good enough, but the hard part is understanding that one “no” doesn’t define your career. I’ve learned to keep showing up, keep working on my craft and trust that the right opportunities will come. Rejection is part of the journey, and perseverance is what keeps you moving forward.
Tell us about your new release, how did it come about?
Faultline came from a period of feeling caught between excitement and fear in the unknown of what comes next. I was going through a lot of change and realised that sometimes you just have to take the leap, even when you don’t know where you’ll land.
What advice do you have to artists who are just starting out?
Stay in your lane and stay true to yourself. It’s not a competition or a race. What makes you shine is your authenticity, not copying what someone has already done.
Tell us your favourite Zen practice.
Spending time in nature or a long walk. Without a phone or music.
Thanks to the incredible Olivia Coggan! Her dazzling new single Fault Line is out today on all streaming platforms, the perfect track to sink into if you love heartfelt, evocative storytelling. If you want to experience these new songs live, Olivia is hitting the road with her full band starting next month, playing The Espy in Melbourne, La La La’s in Wollongong, and The Eveleigh Hotel in Sydney. Head over to her website and social media to grab your tickets, support real music, and follow along with her journey. Olivia, thank you so much for joining us, and best of luck on tour!
