Above: Rubini during her one of her rehearsals for The Voice. Photo by Greg Gayne/NBC.
By Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald
Much of Delaware is awash in excitement for one of our newest DEL-ebrity musicians: Hockessin resident Olivia Rubini. Since wowing the local crowd at Shine a Light on 1984, she’s been wowing audiences from a larger Los Angeles stage, kicking out killer performances as a competitor on this season of NBC’s The Voice. Her impressive run on the show ended April 22.
Rubini — who claims a beloved Delaware music pedigree as the daughter of veteran drummer/producer Ritchie Rubini — is making a splash all her own, with a voice that takes on Linda Ronstadt or Led Zeppelin tunes with equal aplomb and an upcoming album to showcase it.
We connected with Rubini, in between her Voice “battle” victories on Team Dan & Shay, to chat about her upcoming releases, and how she’s navigating this exciting new journey.
Rubini will performing May 10 at the Wilmington Flower Market and June 8 at Schellville’s Sunrise Fest in Rehoboth Beach.
O&A: From your 2021 Silhouettes recording to this new album, how do you feel you’ve transformed as an artist, and did The Voice experience inform that growth?
Rubini: It’s been a lot of evolution in a short time, but it’s also been the most genuine music has ever felt for me. In developing this upcoming album, I really reached back to my childhood — ’70s rock, for example — for inspiration. But I also feel like my style on this album is really melding vintage and current together, and I’m so stoked about that.
The great thing about The Voice work was that it connected me more to my roots and how that’s more a part of my story. It was a nice reminder.
O&A: Getting career advice from both your father as well as all the iconic judges on The Voice, did you process both differently or act on them differently?
Being mentored by Keith Urban was the experience of a lifetime, says Rubini. Photo by Danny Ventrella/NBC.
Rubini: At the end of the day, I view them all as musicians and songwriters and performers. They might be the top or the best, but they’re basically just artists as well, so I take everyone’s work and words seriously. It was all very validating, hearing positive words from the greatest people.
Being mentored by Keith Urban was the craziest thing ever. It’s cool enough having Dan & Shay as my coaches, but Keith Urban is the ICON of ICONS, and he’s just there, hanging out. He’s had such nice things to say. He totally transformed one of my songs in the best way possible. (Note: Urban encouraged Rubini to sing “Tiny Dancer” in a higher octave, helping her win her “knockout” match in April.)
O&A: Did you alter your approach or strategy at all throughout the competition?
Rubini: I always try keep my performance genuine, to keep it very “me.” I don’t change up style much if I can help it. Unless the coaches say so, of course!
Our battle atmosphere was great because it was so supportive — more like a cool rock show than a competition. That’s been my mindset moving forward: That this should be a cool show, make it fun to watch, and keep it real.
O&A: On that tip, what’s been your biggest takeaway from The Voice experience?
Rubini: That you can do a lot more than you maybe ever anticipated. I never thought this would be in cards for me. I initially counted it out, but then the opportunity came, and it all happened. So, really, just know YOU CAN DO IT. Don’t let fear get in the way.
O&A: What can you tell us about the new album? Can you tell us the title?
Rubini: [Laughs] I think I’ll keep the album name a secret. But my first single, “Heartless Woman,” dropped in late March and my second single, “Love ‘Em & Leave ‘Em,” dropped April 12. I’m stoked because “Love ‘Em and Leave ‘Em” is a true rock jam. Anyone looking for that rock sound from me — this is the one! There may be one more single to come … but you’ll have to follow me [on social media] to find out!
After the singles, I’m planning a late-summer album release. I’m also considering an extended deluxe version, possibly with some covers from the show, but that’s a bit down the road.
The album really came together while I was filming The Voice. Everyone was just being super creative and inspiring one another. Very much like, “Let me borrow your guitar and let’s collaborate.” They’re such an inspiring group of people; I was literally writing pages every day. This one just feels really good to me.
O&A: Have you made any really close friends while on The Voice? Like, those could be your musical ride-or-die pals going forward?
Rubini: Everyone is way more tight-knit than I thought we’d be. We’re all still very connected — working, co-writing, doing shows together, getting people in the door of other spaces. I have to give a shout-out to my bestie, [The Voice contestant] Zoe Levert! She’s got the Best Vibes Ever.
You want to surround yourself with people who are supportive and make you feel mellow. Zoe and I have similar personalities. Together, we created fun and calm in a time that can be so stressful. I think we’re probably going to write together some time in the future; maybe she’ll come to Delaware and record!
O&A: Do you have any favorite covers other than those performed on The Voice?
Rubini: I love “Wildflowers & Wine” by Marcus King — it’s a bluesy-rock sitch, but so melodically beautiful. I also love “Black Dog” by Led Zeppelin; it’s a “go nuts” kind of song. Also Patty Griffin’s “Heavenly Day” and “Nobody’s Cryin.’ ” And anything Harry Styles.
O&A: Did you bring with you to The Voice any “Delaware-related” good luck charms?
Rubini: Great question! I’m not sure if this counts, but I consider a lot of my jewelry to be my “good luck charms.” All the rings I wear during my performances are mine, and most of them have been handed down to me through my family. So, they definitely ground me and make me feel like my family’s right there with me onstage.
