Melody and Rhyme: Vastly different, yet one in the same
Poetry and music go hand in hand. It is a means of expression that reaches all ages and audiences. “Music has a poetry of its own, and that poetry is called melody.” Joshua Logan, American stage/film producer, writer, and director, encapsulates what poetry and music means for 16-year-old Olive White. This combination acts as an escape. To be a musician means to be a poet.
I came across Olive at Brushfire’s monthly Poetry Night at the Holland Project. We clicked instantly, bonding over awful fast food jobs, bantering over ridiculous things, etc. Her kind, vivacious personality and warm smile was captivating. Hearing her read her poetry and feel the energy in the room shift was inspiring and awe striking. From there, we arranged to meet again at Good Days Cafe so I could learn more about her.
Born and raised in Clinton, Indiana, a historic town of just 4,831, Olive has sought new bounds of community after just being in Reno for a year. She’s in a band, “Poly Atomic,” where she is the lead singer and lyricist. The band is fairly new, and has some performances in the works. While writing lyrics, she also writes poetry.
“I just think that music and lyrics are so beautiful. Poetry just came along with that. You can put so many thoughts into words and so much character into rhymes and stuff. I think that it’s just beautiful,” said Olive.
Music has been a passion of Olive’s for 10 years. Through music, Olive discovered poetry. “My favorite thing is just being able to sit down at my desk, drink a warm glass of tea, and just write. Write what I’m feeling, write what I’m feeling in the moment, and then figure out how to make it sound pretty,” said Olive. “I think that poetry is a great outlet to reduce stress and just to put all of your negative or happy emotions into something and show it to people and it becomes unarmed.”
Olive plans to attend UNR with a major in education after she graduates from McQueen High School, and has enjoyed the community Reno has to offer since being here. Attending Poetry Nights, concerts at the Holland Project, and all events MidTown has to offer.
Olive can be found @olivewhite3115 on Instagram
