ELECTRONIC PRESS KIT
OLIVIA’S STORY
"What Do You Stand For," is an explosive pop anthem for the underdog that attempts to expose realties we can no longer ignore. It began as an idea meant to inspire and remind myself that it's important to always stand up for what I believe in and even in this great big world, I matter too. A few weeks later, it turned into something way bigger than just a song for myself.
Earlier this summer, I spent ten days in Tucson, AZ with my team capturing footage that specifically recognizes not only the atrocities being committed at the border but countless other injustices in the name of the United States.
Whether it is deportation without trial or that transgender women are being killed at alarming rates- the injustice in our country for minorities has reached its boiling point. I recognize this systemic racism and bigotry is neither new nor exclusive to the current administration but something’s got to give. Portraying the anti-hero, I represent "America" and it's ‘woke’ ignorance, in an effort to demand social change.
I create art to use the voice I've been given to positively inspire others and talk about things that REALLY matter. Seeing as our country is in such a state of disarray, I realized this was the perfect song to not only inspire all kinds of people but to shed light on social injustice. The video, an AZURxVIBES Production, touches on complicated issues, reveals harsh truths and reaches beyond our border wall illuminating subjects that are heated and have no cut and dry answers. It forces us to question our morals, our values, what side of history we stand on and how just retweeting won’t make the difference we need. Humans have to support and stand up for other humans in more than just 140 characters. It's as simple as that. "What Do You Stand For" is a call to action so, let's be loud in real life and not just behind our computer screens.
DIRECTORS QUOTE
"Our goal as directors was to bring out an emotion of uncomfortable self-reflection from the viewer. We wanted the viewer to feel the dry parched desert from the comfort of their sofa, while watching children in cages on their smartphone. Not guilt... but a slap" - AZURxVIBES
“What Do You Stand For” is an AZURxVIBES production. Music produced by Grammy Nominated Producer Sean Hamilton.
PRESS
“What Do You Stand For takes things to another level. The R&B-soul diva has been a contender in the past, but her latest video reveals she has political edge. Castriota once again stands out from her contemporaries by challenging the status quo, telling us loud and proud what she stands for.” - Popdust
“Olivia Castriota creates the most epic video for her viewers to consume and it will leave an everlasting impression on you. “ -BUZZMUSIC
Deep war drums, battle snares and resounding claps are paired with Olivia Castriota’s penetrative, unapologetic voice in “What Do You Stand For?” It’s a piercing and powerful criticism of today’s vocally active generation. Loud in theory, yet timid in person. Don’t say it. Do it. -WeKnowDiddley
“What Do You Stand For is the kind of impossibly imposing performance that is vital to today’s ongoing struggles. Her words hit hard, and her vocal punches even harder.” -B-sides
ABOUT OLIVIA
With a style ranging from soft, airy, and almost angelic, to raspy powerhouse vocals, Olivia Castriota is sure set your soul on fire! Her sound can be compared to the likes of Bishop Briggs, Zara Larson, Tori Kelly and Amy Winehouse, just to name a few.
Olivia has graced stages across the country over the years. From intimate Sofar Sounds performances, to sold-out shows, including venues like the world-famous Apollo Theater and the electrifying MetLife Stadium, she has gradually created a loyal following.
After her debut album, All At Once (2015), peaked at #2 on the iTunes US New Album Release charts, Live For Live Music labeled her sound as “irresistibly slinky.” Meanwhile Grammy Winner, Vlado Kolenic, crowned her "one of the most talented vocalists in years!"
Her music has been streamed over 200k times on Spotify and she's been featured in PopDust, Gasmask Magazine, Vents Mag, and COOLS Mag among others. Olivia's most recent release, “What Do You Stand For” is the first song from her highly anticipated sophomore album “I Need A Minute” due out early 2020.
MORE VIDEOS
HIGHLIGHTS/ STATS
Instagram Followers: 16.6k
Collective Total Youtube Views: 25k
Facebook Fans: 1.2k
Over 200k Spotify Streams
CD Baby Staff Pick (2016)
Won 'Best R&B Video' by The Akademia (2015)
Performed at 35 Sofar Sounds shows across the US
Performed at Amateur Night at The Apollo 5 times
Debut album 'All At Once' peaked at #2 on the iTunes US New Album Release charts (2015)
VENUES PLAYED
Paste Magazine (NY)
One World Trade Center (NY)
The Apollo Theater (NY)
Sofar Sounds (NY, NJ, LA, SF, Providence, Chicago)
MetLife Stadium (NJ)
Bowery Electric (NY)
National Cherry Blossom Festival (DC)
The Groove (NY)
Rockwood Music Hall (NY)
BronxNet TV (NY)
Long Island Summer Festival (NY)
Art All Night Festival (NJ)
PVD Fest (RI)
NUBLU (NY)
The Booth (LA)
Music At Home Web Series (LA)
DC Wine Fest
Brooklyn Wine Fest
Talk About It
"Infectious Vocals." - Digital DJ Pool
"It’s clear the girl has chops" - 24ourmusic
“‘Kills Me’ is Heartbreaking Pop Perfection” - Substream Magazine
An Irresistibly Slinky R&B Gem" and "This is the best thing you'll hear all day, haters be damned." - Live For Live Music
“Castriota once again stands out from her contemporaries by challenging the status quo, telling us loud and proud what she stands for.” Popdust
CONTACT
OLIVIACASTRIOTAMANAGEMENT@GMAIL.COM | (717) - 683 - 3627
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SOCIAL