In the vibrant, ever-shifting world of pop, Olivia Bragoli stands out as a bold, authentic voice unafraid to wear her heart on her sleeve. Her latest single, “This Time”, is a testament to her growth both as an artist and a storyteller, blending raw emotion with a lush pop/R&B soundscape. Inspired by the tender, complicated feelings of falling for a close friend, the track captures the excitement and uncertainty of navigating a relationship in flux. With its universal themes and soulful resonance, it’s no wonder the single recently hit #5 on the iTunes Pop charts, solidifying Bragoli’s place as a rising star to watch.

What was your inspiration when creating “This Time”?

“This Time” was written during the summer when I started catching feelings for one of my close guy friends. It’s that moment when you realize your connection with someone is shifting into something more complicated, and I wanted the song to capture that mix of excitement, uncertainty, and vulnerability. It’s about the tension of liking someone you already care about and not knowing how to navigate those feelings.

Creatively, this song was a big turning point for me. I was aiming for a pop/R&B sound that felt passionate and immersive—something that matched the rawness of the emotions I was experiencing. Writing “This Time” opened me up to a new level of honesty in my music, pushing me to explore more confessional themes. It marked a shift in my sound, and since then, I’ve been embracing a more authentic, intimate approach to songwriting.

What message or feeling do you hope listeners take away from this time?

I hope listeners can connect with the song and feel inspired to express their feelings to the people they care about. The excitement and vulnerability of developing feelings for someone is such a universal experience, and I really wanted to capture that. It’s a magical feeling, one that shouldn’t be intimidating, but rather seen as a beautiful part of the natural evolution of a relationship.

Can you walk us through your songwriting process for “This Time”?

My songwriting process for 'This Time' was a bit unconventional compared to my usual approach. Normally, I might start with either a melody or lyrics first, but this time, I was actually living through the emotions as I wrote the song. I began by jotting down everything I admired about this person—the things that stood out to me, like his confidence, his tattoos, and his love for tequila. As my feelings grew, I was able to write the lyrics from a really authentic place. Once that was in motion, the melodies came naturally, and I ended up writing the song in just a few hours.

What was it like filming the music video in just one day, and how did you bring your vision to life?

The music video shoot went incredibly smoothly, especially considering we filmed everything in just one day. We shot at a beautiful nature preserve on Long Island, and the setting really helped bring my vision to life. The lush, blossoming landscape of Long Island in the summertime reminded me so much of my childhood summers there, which gave the whole experience a nostalgic and personal touch. The natural beauty of the location perfectly captured the feeling of falling in love—everything felt fresh, vibrant, and full of possibility, just like the emotions I wanted to convey through the song.

“This Time” recently hit #5 on the iTunes POP chart —congrats! What was going through your mind when you realized your new single was resonating with so many listeners?

I was honestly in a bit of shock when I found out that 'This Time' hit #5 on the iTunes Pop charts. It was hard to wrap my head around, especially since it felt like such a huge milestone. To see something so personal to me connect with so many people in such a big way was overwhelming in the best possible way. I’m incredibly grateful and appreciative—it's a reminder of why I do this and how much my music resonates with others.

Is there a particular moment you’re especially proud of in your career so far?

Hitting #5 on the iTunes Pop Charts was an incredibly inspiring moment for me. It was a reflection of all the hard work I’ve put into honing my music, and the song itself is very personal to me. As someone who’s loved pop music since I was a kid, seeing my name next to artists I’ve looked up to for years was surreal and validating. It really reinforced the idea that I’m on the right path and motivated me to keep pushing forward in my career.

Your sound has been described as “moody pop” meets “edgy R&B.” How do you keep evolving stylistically while still staying true to who you are?

My music style is definitely a reflection of the genres I gravitate toward and enjoy listening to in my own time. The pop/R&B blend feels true to who I am because it’s been my go-to sound for as long as I can remember. It’s the kind of music that speaks to me on a personal level. At the same time, experimenting with different sounds has been key to my growth as an artist. As I evolve personally, my music naturally evolves too, and I’m constantly finding new ways to blend influences while staying grounded in the essence of who I am

Looking ahead, what can listeners expect from your next musical chapter?

While I can't give too much away just yet, I will say this: There’s a lot more music coming your way in the early new year, and I’m really excited about what’s to come. I’ve been working on some new sounds that feel fresh, and I think fans will hear more of the growth and evolution in my music. As for style, I’ll definitely be continuing to experiment and push boundaries. Expect more bold statements and unexpected collaborations in both areas. I can’t wait to share what’s next with everyone!

Any hints on upcoming collaborations or creative pivots?

Without giving too much away, you can definitely expect a darker, more intense vibe with my next release. I’m excited to explore some new sounds and creative directions that feel a bit more moody and raw, while still staying true to my style. There may also be some unexpected collaborations in the mix, so I’m really looking forward to sharing what’s coming next!

Is there a piece of advice you’d give to other emerging artists—especially young women—looking to find their own lane in the music world?

My advice would definitely be to keep experimenting and pushing forward, no matter what. In today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in the numbers and the pressure of social media, and sometimes you can lose sight of why you started making music in the first place. For me, staying true to my roots and remembering my love for music has always been the compass that guides my artistic vision and decisions. It's important to stay authentic and not let anyone—or anything—hold you back. Especially as a young woman in this industry, never let anyone tell you what you can’t do. Fight for your dreams and keep believing in your voice.

Connect with Olivia Bragoli : Youtube| Spotify | Website | Instagram