Olivia Awbrey is a storied songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based out of Oregon. She has been writing, recording and performing original work for more than 15 years. Through this time, her fascination with the musical process, from songwriting through to hand-making DIY vinyl at home, has never waned. As a songwriter she led the Eugene-based Small Joys to win band competitions and tour regionally from 2012-2014. She joined the Portland-based Tara Novellas from 2015-2017 as lead guitarist and backing vocals. Three solo releases deep, including her debut solo album, Dishonorable Harvest (Quick Pickle Records, 2020), Olivia’s songs continue to invite listeners to step out of the everyday noise and connect on a more personal level. Dishonorable Harvest was a collaboration between Portland and London-based musicians, including bandmates from her original band Small Joys, Hutch Harris (The Thermals), and CJ Thorpe-Tracey (Chris T-T, Jim Bob, Frank Turner), as well as Jen Macro (My Bloody Valentine) and Jon Clayton (worked with Steve Albini).
An old-soul songwriter with a penchant for a good story and modern interpretations of traditional folk, Olivia's musical approach is both nostalgic and forward-looking, bringing history, the natural world and the human experience to every listener's doorstep. She has been supported by the Regional Arts and Culture Council in Portland, the Oregon Arts Commission, the GRAMMY Foundation, and more. Olivia tours throughout the Pacific Northwest and the UK. Her new EP will be released in 2026.
“Each of Awbrey’s songs is an intricate story in itself.” - Flood Magazine
“Portland guitar god, anyone?” - Refinery 29
“An impeccable listen for our trouble times, Dishonorable Harvest perfectly matches a poetic social commentary to a creative musicality.” - Ned Tilbrook, KPSU
‘Dishonorable Harvest’ Review by Northwest Music Scene, Gillian Gaar
"Long associated with a more folk sound, this single is the perfect stepping stone between those more considered sonics and what next year’s sophomore album promises to be about." - The Swindonian, UK
Don't Be Alarmed - Olivia Awbrey [Single Review]
"Packing well-crafted, road-tested tunes on her debut record, Olivia Awbrey spreads her folksy wings and brings some outspoken punky, rock and roll energy to her full-band, studio debut while still retaining her softer side." - Vortex Music Magazine
Olivia Awbrey: 'Ones To Make It' [Song Premiere]
"A slightly more epic Esme Patterson... Look out for her." - Midnight Campfire, Brighton, UK
Photo by Sean Jeronimo