Olivia C. Dacal Intertwines Cultures and Continents With Song

Photography by Janet Dacal.

While studying at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Olivia C. Dacal is releasing music and finding her sound as an artist with inspiring drive. Though home is currently Melbourne, Australia, Dacal is following her life-long dream to be a musician with her unique voice and impressive production abilities.

“Hard work is really important to me and my family,” emphasized Dacal. “My dad is Cuban and my mom is Mexican, from El Salvador. So working is deeply rooted in our culture.”

With an impressively developed vocal range and deep understanding of songwriting, Dacal builds worlds within each song, using her understanding of work and dedication to polish her artistic craft. Seamless blending of Spanish and English vocals play into different rhythms while harmonies add echoing depth to each track. The support of her family helps Dacal’s raw talent shine through the sea of new young artists and stick in the minds of her fans.

“My parents didn’t have time to do their own dreams, or even be told that they can dream. I think that’s why they’re supportive of me,” expressed Dacal. As the oldest of four sisters and now so far from home, Dacal feels an immense responsibility to herself and her family to give this career choice her all.

“I tried to figure everything out by myself. I was stubborn and did not watch any YouTube videos,” reflected Dacal, “because I thought ‘I have to do this by myself.'” Despite the pressures and importance of her art form to become a supportive career, Dacal’s motivation to make her art is far from clouded by monetary goals.

“Artists will always want to make art, we don’t have a choice, or else we’re gonna go crazy,” explained Dacal. There is no question that many artist sympathize with this intense and somehow compulsive experience. The choice to follow those feelings and share them takes a lot of bravery, dedication and adaptability. Modern artists exist in a world of technology and multimedia that can be freeing, but also overwhelming. Committed to the balancing act that is any artist’s online persona, Dacal uses moody visuals to supplement her musical talents and continues to evolve her sound.

“You have to express yourself, and you have to let whatever comes out of you come out freely. Sometimes it doesn’t fit with the algorithm. I’m working on trying to find a balance,” Dacal told the The Curio Cabinet.

As a young rising start within complex fame culture, Dacal puts lots of energy into developing her artistic persona while also finding what is true to her art and personal goals.

“My end goal is not to be famous, it’s a consequence of what I want. I want to share my music and perform. When I’m on stage I’m able to touch a lot of people, because thats what music does. It changes people,” explained Dacal.

With lyrical storytelling, a deep immersion into the world of music making and a voice beyond her years, Dacal is sure to win the hearts of many more fans. Already two albums deep in her career, there is lots of art in store and many hearts for Dacal’s music to touch.