Gussapolooza Music Festival, the unparalleled celebration of independent music, art, and creativity, which takes place in Cookstown, Ontario is set to take place September 15-17, 2023.
Born from the chaotic dive bar scene of Toronto; Harley Olivia has seen it all. From fronting metal bands to circus-punk and everything in between, Harley has always felt most alive on the stage. Her energetic performances are characterized by punchy synths, infectious melodies, and Harley’s signature swagger.
Harley’s new single, “Haunted” is coming soon. Pre-save it here.
Harley is set to play Stage 2 on Friday, September 15 at 7:00 p.m.
We caught up with her to chat via our Gussapolooza Performer Interview.
Listen to “Diggin’” below and learn more about Harley Olivia via our mini-interview.
First off, care to introduce yourself?
Hey, I’m Harley and I’m an artist from Toronto! I sing high-energy, alt-rocky goodness and I enjoy jumping around on stage because I can’t afford a gym membership. I collect books I’ll never read, watch bad reality TV and I fall in love with every cat I meet. Oh, and I’m also a voice teacher! I’m playing Gussapolooza on Friday, Sept. 15th at 7:00 pm and then I’m giving a seminar entitled “The Athletic Vocalist: How To Warm-Up Your Voice and Sing or Scream Without Tension” on Saturday, September 16th at 11 am!
Tell us a bit about your most recent release.
I recently collaborated with Maybe May on the song “Still Mine” which was released this summer. We had so much fun making the music video too; lots of water balloon battles, awkward fruit eating, water gun fights, and general ridiculousness. It was as much fun as it looks!
You’re set to play Gussapolooza in Cookstown, Ontario through the weekend of September 15-17. Give us a hint of what attendees can expect from your performance.
A high-energy, rock n’ roll dance party where everyone is free to come jump around, dance, or mosh! I’ve always gravitated towards rock, metal, and pop so you can expect a combination of those three styles. I often feel like Frankenstein’s Monster, created with parts of Lady Gaga, Andrew W.K., and My Chemical Romance!
If you could recommend only one song of your songs for attendees to check out before the festival, which would you choose?
Diggin’! This is my latest single and one of my favourite songs to perform! It’s a super punchy song that makes even the stiffest of wall-flowers bob their heads. Also, the music video includes an inflatable ball pit, evil, cat-obsessed nurses, and a bad-ass medieval queen, so there’s something for everyone!
With an amazing line-up, who are you excited to check out at the festival?
I have some super-talented friends who are playing and I can’t wait to rock out during their sets! Drop Top Alibi, One In The Chamber, Shoemaker Levee, Vinyl Hero, and Ellis In Transit!
Let’s talk FOOD, What is one food or beverage that you ALWAYS have when you’re playing a festival?
Before my set, I’ll be a responsible human and drink water to keep my cords hydrated, but afterward, I am grabbing an ice cold beer, fresh cut fries, and a juicy burger ASAP!
Do you have any other shows or festivals coming up that you’d like to tell us about?
This past summer was packed with shows so the next big thing for me is a new single! I will be releasing a creepy, dark rock song called ‘Haunted’ on October 20th – just in time for Halloween! So keep an eye out for clips of ‘Haunted’ appearing on my socials this month!