Olivia Cox Peels Back The Layers Of “Goodbye for Now”
“I do love my synths, but for the most part, I think this is the most “stripped back” sound I’ve ever put out.”
In the era of uncertain endings and sudden goodbyes, “Goodbye for Now” is a love letter to the beautiful journey one embraced with a place, whether it was a country that felt like a second home or a town that witnessed your vulnerability and evolution. For Olivia Cox, the place is Paris. Sometimes, love happens. And sometimes, a departure is called upon for reasons sometimes beyond your control.
“Goodbye for Now” isn’t forever. It’s a gentle kiss on the forehead and a promise to return. Melancholia meets vulnerable lyrics is where Cox sets the scene. In an interview with Punk Head, we talk about Paris, spirituality, and the behind-the-scenes story behind her new single.
Punk Head: “Goodbye for Now” isn't a clean break but a deliberate pause. What made you want to capture that in-between space instead of a full goodbye?
Olivia Cox: Purely because that’s how I feel about my relationship with the city of Paris. I love it so much, the culture, the dining, eating outside no matter the weather, the food, the wine, the appreciation for it and how it’s made and where it comes from to make it taste the way it does, art; in all aspects like writing, painting and fashion (hence the line in verse one “I know this ain’t our first date but you still make me wanna dress up”)
Paris always makes you want to make an effort, and I love that. I feel very drawn to Paris, so for me, I never want to break up with it. Even though my next visits might be from “hotel rooms” at least I get to go again.
I also think that it’s a very relatable feeling and I’d never heard it expressed in song before so I hope that people who are moving city or country, changing job, going to/ home from a season somewhere else wether that’s a ski or summer season, going to university from living at home or graduating uni and going back home just to name a few examples. There are so, so many moments in life where we never really want to say goodbye for good, so it’s “Goodbye For Now”
Punk Head: The production feels so intimate, like we’re sitting in the room with you. What did you strip away or keep that made it feel that raw?
Olivia Cox: I’m happy you picked up on that because that was the main thing I wanted to do with this new sound. This is my first release with producer Patrick Gold, and I emphasized that I wanted to experiment with a more stripped-back sound and use real live-sounding instruments. He did an incredible job on the production of this song. There are still some 80s-inspired synths. There too because I do love my synths, but for the most part, I think this is the most “stripped back” sound I’ve ever put out.
Punk Head: What line in the song still stings a little when you hear it back?
Olivia Cox: Probably verse 2: “I took myself out for coffee, sipped it slow, and watched life go by. Trying to forget that this could really be the last time” — because this was the literal moment I got the idea for the song.
I was in Paris for my birthday in May with my family, and I’d left the apartment for a bit of ‘me time’ because it was a lot of people on top of each other (I wouldn’t have it any other way but you still need some ‘me time’!)
So, I really did take myself out for coffee, I sat outside and people-watched with my headphones in, and during the walk home is when I started frantically typing my ideas and feelings into my notes app. I was just so overdrawn with the feeling of love I had for the city as I walked home, taking everything in. I was looking up at the architecture of the buildings, the flowerpots on windowsills, watching people cycling in dresses and 3 piece suits, fashion spotting (as usual), people from all walks of life spending their day in this incredible place for whatever reason that brought them.
Punk Head: You’ve said this song came from a period of transition. What did “letting go” look like for you outside the studio?
Olivia Cox: Probably leaving that birthday trip in May to go straight to Berlin to record the song itself. However, it didn’t last long because I went back in September lol. See? I really can’t stay away from the place. I don’t have plans to go back at the moment, but I’m sure it won’t be long. Maybe it’ll be for a show, who knows!
Punk Head: What’s one thing this song taught you about love...or yourself?
Olivia Cox: That’s a great question. I think it’s taught me that I want to live in Paris and learn French at some point in my life lol. In all seriousness, I think it’s a sign to always follow your gut and listen to your intuition. If your body and mind feel at home somewhere, maybe try and nurture that because maybe that’s where you’re meant to be. Also, everything happens for a reason, and whatever is meant to be will be, so if anyone out there is having to say goodbye for now, trust it and it’s meant to be; it will only be a “Goodbye for now.”
Punk Head: The color of “Goodbye for Now” in your head is...
Olivia Cox: Blue! But maybe that has something to do with my double denim cover art shoot in Paris lol but I’ve been using the dark and light blue heart emojis for this song. (Each song of mine always has one or two staple emojis)
