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Owen Rivera may be just 17, but he’s already carving a remarkable path in both music and voice acting. With a voice that carries the warmth of a seasoned performer and a creative spirit that draws inspiration from the golden eras of music, Owen is an artist wise beyond his years. His latest single, “I Fall in Love with Christmas,” captures the essence of holiday nostalgia with a fresh twist, effortlessly blending the timeless sounds of the ‘60s with his unique, modern style.
In this exclusive interview, Owen opens up about the inspiration behind his new Christmas hit, working with industry legends like Michael Lloyd and Mavis Staples, and how his journey from childhood performer to rising star has shaped his artistry. Whether it’s belting out soulful tunes, lending his voice to beloved characters, or paying homage to musical icons, Owen’s passion for storytelling shines through in everything he does. Read on to discover the heart behind his music and what’s next for this multi-talented young artist.
Congratulations on “I Fall In Love With Christmas.” It’s such a nostalgic and joyful song. Can you tell us what inspired you to write it?
Thank you! “I Fall in Love with Christmas” is a collaboration with Gold and Platinum album producer Michael Lloyd, as well as co-writers, the country music professor Don Cusic and legendary Curb Records founder Mike Curb. I was blessed to work with this incredible team and bring my own touch to the vocal and instrumental performance and arrangement of the song. The inspiration came from my cherished memories growing up as a young kid during the magical holiday season.
How did you approach creating a Christmas song that feels both nostalgic and fresh?
I’ve always had an interest in popular music from all eras, so it was very natural for me to blend those influences into “I Fall in Love with Christmas.”
You mention that Christmas allows you to reconnect with feelings of joy from your childhood. Can you share a favorite holiday memory?
Christmas is a time for me to create new memories with family and friends. Each year, we pick a new destination for an adventure together. Last year was my favorite yet; we drove across the country from Los Angeles to New York to spend Christmas Day in Times Square, drinking hot chocolate and eating New York’s famous Joe’s Pizza. I’m already wondering where we’ll go this year!
The video includes footage from your family’s Christmases. What was it like to relive those memories on screen?
It was wonderful… and oddly a bit sad. Wonderful because those were such special times, but also sad because those moments have passed. Watching them back made me miss them and wish I could have experienced even more with my brother and family.
What do you hope listeners will take away from this song, especially those who may have lost some of that Christmas spirit over the years?
With any record I’m involved in, my hope is to connect with people emotionally through my past experiences and feelings. If I can rekindle that Christmas spirit and help listeners fall in love with the holiday season again by reflecting on their own special memories, that would be perfect.
How was it working with Michael Lloyd, Don Cusic, and Mike Curb on this track?
Since signing with Curb Records, it’s been fantastic to work on various projects with each of them. I’ve learned so much. This collaboration was extra special since it was a song for the holidays.
Were there any particular influences or sounds from the ‘60s that inspired the song’s style?
I’ve always had a strong passion for ‘60s music and have been influenced by many artists from that era. So naturally, the ‘60s influence seeps into everything I do. I love Christmas classics like “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home),” “Little Saint Nick,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” and “The Christmas Song.” I hope we captured some of that same spirit in “I Fall in Love with Christmas.”
What’s your favorite part of the song? Is it the melody, the harmonies, or perhaps that guitar solo?
Yes!… to all three, haha. I enjoyed working on every aspect of this song, but if I had to choose, I’m always down for a fun guitar solo!
Did you learn anything new from your collaborators that influenced your approach to music?
I’ve learned to respect the song and the creative process. Every step is just as important as the next; there are no shortcuts. Serving the song and giving it what it needs is key. It’s essential to reflect, listen back, and keep learning — that process never stops.
You’ve been performing and recognized for your talent from a very young age. How has that shaped you as an artist?
Performing since I was 4 years old has given me a wealth of experience. Whether it’s performing live on stage, acting in front of the camera, or recording behind the mic, every experience — including the mistakes I’ve made — has helped shape me into a better artist.
Being only 17, you’ve already worked with iconic musicians and mentors. Which collaboration has impacted you the most, and why?
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with and learn from so many talented artists and mentors. It’s hard to say one has impacted me more than another. Collectively, they’ve all been instrumental in my journey, and I’m deeply grateful for each of them.
How did it feel when Mavis Staples invited you into the studio to watch her record? What did you learn from that experience?
Wow… watching Mavis in the studio tracking her album is a memory I’ll cherish forever. I was quite young when it happened, and now, as I get older, I appreciate it even more. What stood out was the pure joy, happiness, and passion she brought to her performance. She was so kind. From watching her, I learned to celebrate who you are, be kind to others, live life passionately, and sing with no regrets. She’s an extraordinary person.
You’ve played alongside legends like Jason Mraz, Graham Nash, and Joan Osborne. Can you share any memorable moments from those performances?
Being around those legends and studying their performances was incredible. One key takeaway from all of them is the art of storytelling through music. One of the most memorable moments wasn’t with any of the artists but with an audience member at the Graham Nash show. After my set, I noticed a tall man in the back giving me a big thumbs up. Later, I met him after Graham’s performance — it turned out to be basketball legend Bill Walton. We connected, stayed in touch, and he even sent me encouraging emails and book recommendations. His friendship and support mean so much to me.
Alongside music, you’ve voiced characters in popular shows and are exploring anime voice-overs. How did you get into voice acting, and what do you enjoy about it?
Music led me to voice acting. I was performing at the Beverly Hills Hilton when I was 5 years old. After my performance, several Hollywood agents approached me. Long story short, I signed with a management team, which led me into voice acting in Hollywood. I absolutely love it! It’s incredible to bring characters to life with your voice and see it all animated. I’ve been lucky enough to star in hit shows on Amazon Prime and Nickelodeon.
Do you see a crossover between your music and voice-over work, especially since your songs have been used in film?
I wouldn’t say there’s a direct correlation, but I’m always thrilled to be part of a movie, TV show, video game, or anime project using my voice or music. It’s all part of the creative process, and I love it!
You recently performed at the Clive Davis Theater at the Grammy Museum. What was that experience like?
It was incredible. I’ve been visiting the Grammy Museum every year for my birthday since I was 5, so performing in the Clive Davis Theater felt like a full-circle moment. My producer has been friends with Clive since he was 16, so it made it even more special.
We hear you’re working on new music for 2025. Can you share any details about what fans can expect?
I’m super excited to release new original music in 2025! There’s a lot of enthusiasm surrounding it, and I can’t wait to share it with the world… so stay tuned!
How do you balance covering classics like Dylan and the Red Hot Chili Peppers with creating your own material?
It’s not really a balancing act. Covering artists like Dylan and RHCP inspires my own work. It helps me connect with the music and the artists, which fuels my creativity. Plus, it’s just a lot of fun!
