Hahn’s first single ‘Lust over Love’ is a bold take on women’s empowerment
Photo courtesy of Olivia Hahn.
Victoria local Olivia Hahn is an inspiring teen artist. In 2023, she released Healing Our Wounded Hearts, a book detailing the experience of navigating grief as a teenager. Now, she’s turning her attention to music with the release of her debut single, “Lust over Love”.
Hahn’s journey began with dance. Starting ballet at the age of two helped Hahn build a foundation for other dance styles. Passionate about singing and dancing from a young age, she immersed herself in school choirs and bands. Even then, music was an integral part of Hahn’s life. Her dad would make her custom CDs and play a variety of genres from across the world during their drive to school. This helped lay the foundation for Hahn’s love of songwriting and performance. “Growing up with music … has given me a much broader worldview of music, and that is really valuable, because [then] you are not stuck in one genre,” she said.
Music, for Hahn, became a powerful outlet for emotions she couldn’t express in words alone. After enduring a significant personal loss, she wrote her first book about navigating grief, geared towards teenagers. “I couldn’t find anything written by a teenager talking about that because we don’t learn that in school,” she said.
“I have always loved writing … and performing,” said Hahn. “But with music, I could express more than words.” In her songwriting, she aims to be relatable and inspiring. One of the most rewarding moments in her career came when a girl told Hahn, “I would have broken up with him sooner if I had heard your song.” That is why she does it, she says — to inspire and connect with others.
Her debut single “Lust Over Love” is deeply personal. It is about being played, disrespected and then reclaiming power. “You just want to be loved for who you are, not just what you see,” says Hahn. She has previously spoken about the objectification she faced during her time modeling. “I [was] just being seen for my outside…I want people to understand there is more to me. The energy and soul of a person and personality is more valuable than what you see on the outside.”
Hahn’s songwriting process is raw and intentional, beginning with real experiences. “When someone writes from their heart … it is more relatable,” she said. Sometimes she starts with a title or a poem, and sometimes works through 20 different versions of the same song before she feels satisfied with the result.
Despite her talent, Hahn admits she is still learning. “I am still new to singing … [and] it takes a lot of work. It is hard to know what people are going to think of your art.” But, she said, “you can’t let the fear of judgement stop you.” What sets herself apart from the others, Hahn said, is her willingness to be a beginner — to learn with patience instead of rushing. Hahn took the time to work on her vocals, watching videos and studying others’ techniques. She says that if you believe in yourself and stay open to learning, you will get there — you just have to start.
Currently, Hahn’s focus is on writing and releasing more singles. She has already performed at local venues such as Hermann’s Jazz Club, Friends of Dorothy, and the Duncan Showroom.
“Open mics have been a good way to meet other musicians and test it [in front of] an audience,” she said.
With her drive and openness to growth, Olivia Hahn is one to watch. “I want to put everything into it. This is what I really want to do … if you don’t give up, you never know what could happen.”
