Christi's debut single is a breakup song with a twist
Breaking up is never easy, but for many people it is an inevitable part of personal growth.
NewcomerChristi Olivier’s debut single, FALL APART, is a reflection of the end of a long-term relationship and of doing something that is painful but necessary.
Written by Christi, in collaboration with Hugo Ludik and Nick Jordaan, it is essentially a breakup song delivered in a fun, upbeat way.
Inspired by her personal experience, the song considers whether people can still be friends once their relationship ends and captures what it feels like to have to make a difficult decision when things don’t work out. “Sometimes you meet someone who is wonderful, but who just isn’t right for you, and it can be really difficult to admit when a relationship just isn’t working,” Christi explains. “FALL APART is about doing what’s right for you, even if it hurts.”
Although the young artist has shared samples of her music on social media before, FALL APART is her first official release. “Getting here has been quite a journey, but I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity,”she says.
The 22-year-old, who was born in Vanderbijlpark but who spent most of her life in Potchefstroom, has loved music and has wanted to be a performer for as long as she can remember. Her passion was sparked by her father, who was a DJ, and she is currently studying towards a bachelor’s degree in music at the University of the Free State.
Christi describes her music as “sad songs which are ironically fun, light and upbeat” and says that for her, music is an emotional outlet. “I struggle with mental health issues and writing helps me to deal with my feelings and put my thoughts in order. I am an overthinker, so putting my thoughts down on paper helps organise them. I guess it’s my own form of self-care,” she explains.
Considering that she’s a full-time student and working on her debut album, Christi has limited leisure time. When she does take a break, she loves spending time with her pets (having always been a dog person, she recently realised that she also really loves cats), watching documentaries or period movies and series (she loves history), and listening to ‘old’ music from the 60s, 70s and 80s (she was born in 2000).
Incidentally, she is greatly influenced by artists from these eras, as well by Troye Sivan, Lauv and Julia Michaels. Her role model, however, is Taylor Swift. “Her music is honest and poetic, and she is a true queen who uses her music as a voice not just for herself but for others,” says Christi.
The up-and-coming young artist’s plans for 2023 are straightforward: “I want to release a few singles, complete my album, and finish my degree.” With her talent and drive, she will undoubtedly achieve this and more.
