Olivia Barton writes songs that walk the line between unfiltered and refined. Musically proficient like Joni Mitchell and Pinegrove, Barton writes music that is emotionally cutting like Sufjan Stevens and Fiona Apple. With reverence for the craft of songwriting, Barton writes and sings like she speaks: unapologetic, yet approachable. As a live performer, Barton is known for quieting a room with just her voice and guitar, turning crowds into confidants. Having shared stages with Lizzy McAlpine, Madi Diaz, Field Medic, Searows, and others, her songs carry what folk music has always carried: emotion, memory, simple truth.

Her 2022 album, This is a Good Sign, produced by Collin Pastore and Jake Finch (Lucy Dacus, Ashe), led to a co-write with Lizzy McAlpine on “Older” and an invitation to support McAlpine’s 2023 North American tour. That same year, Barton co-wrote “if i were a fish” with her partner corook and the song reached millions; the New York Times called it “a forgotten track off the Juno soundtrack.”

Barton’s latest album, For Myself and For You, was co-produced by Sam Skinner of Pinegrove in Brooklyn throughout 2024 released fall of 2025, and toured in early 2026. Skinner calls Olivia “a true visionary of a songwriter and a force of nature.” Built from full live takes, the studio album is as intimate and energetic as hearing Olivia play in the room with you.

Barton is currently working on a project with frequent collaborator Annika Bennett called Whale Songz. The second volume was released mid 2026, and includes songs featuring Leith Ross and Lennon Stella.

“I make something permanent out of temporary feelings, public time capsules of my evolving inner life,” Barton says. “I think that’s brave, and I’m glad I’m stupid enough to do it.”