Olivia was drawn to music from a young age; starting out as a religious Smash Hits reader and member of the East 17 fan club, her taste over the years matured into following rock and metal bands. She found herself stacking up shoe boxes of CD's as she spent her time obsessively riffling through the shelves of Vinyl Exchange. Living close to the music capital of Manchester meant all her pocket money went on travelling into the city to check out the latest DIY punk, rock, and metal bands.
During the summer time whilst studying at University in Leeds, Olivia would volunteer at festivals; scanning tickets, driving artists to their stages, and general artist liaison odd-jobs. If not, then she was off discovering festivals in the Czech Republic, Belgium and France. This all then lead to an internship in production at Leeds Festival, and some time working from the London Festival Republic office.
"I felt strongly that I needed to move to London to find my way into working more with live music, and after a short time selling bags on Carnaby Street, I eventually got there, and ITB took me on as an intern (apparently it was the part in my CV about making a good cup of tea that sold it). After going to lots of shows and knowing about all sorts of weird and wonderful bands, I found myself in Steve Zapp's office assisting him on his roster. That was in 2010, and here i am today.”
Olivia continues to assist Steve Zapp and is building her own roster of exciting, new talent from across the world.
Bands of your youth: Glassjaw, Deftones, Boy Sets Fire, The Smiths …East 17
First gig that blew you away: I went to see both Spice Girls and then East 17 at Manchester Arena when i was pretty young but I decided that I was a curse to pop bands as both ended up splitting or losing members shortly after i’d seen them.
Incubus at Manchester Apollo is a great memory though. I had bruises under my arms from clinging to the stage barrier so i didn’t lose my spot.
Non musical passion: I took part in a Tough Mudder 12 mile assault course recently which was so much fun. I’m not that sporty, but I like to push myself to try these things.
I’ve started listening to the odd podcast. Adam Buxton's is currently a firm favourite.
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Artists represented by Olivia Sime
Beyond The Black
Creepoid
From Indian Lakes
The Hyena Kill
mewithoutYou
Petrol Girls
Silver Snakes
Youth Club