Today we’d like to introduce you to Ivan Oliva.
Hi Ivan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my music journey in the Antelope Valley after high school. I’ve been a fixture in the SoCal scene for several years now and I’ve performed in numerous projects as well. Most recently: Drive By Cinema, Pocketwatch Inc., Into Action and of course .XOM.
.XOM started in 2018. Just a few friends trying to translate our very specific feelings into music. Early on, everything was DIY for us and it kinda still is. Recording where we could, playing wherever would take us, and figuring it all out in real time.
What kept it moving was the intention behind it. It wasn’t just the songs, it was identity, it was building something that felt ours.
As things developed, I realized if we wanted longevity, we couldn’t just rely on outside structures. So I started building an independent record label: Moxley Records around .XOM. Not only to just release music, but to create a system behind it.
Now it’s not just a band and an avenue for our releases, it’s a foundation we can continue building on.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has absolutely not been easy. Just for .XOM’s upcoming album there were a lot of stop and go’s. Lineup shifts, delays in recording, limited budget, and just the reality of trying to stay consistent when life throws hit after hit at you.
The album recording sessions stretched on way longer than we would’ve liked, but you quickly learn to trust what you’re creating in the long run. This album expands upon a world we built. A story that invites you to relate to the characters all while asking yourself not to forget your own faults.
That friction sharpens everything. It forces you to get precise.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Besides being a live performer, I strive to try and connect artists with organizations and to offer support wherever I can in my local community.
For my personal projects, I play in a wide variety of acts in many styles. .XOM is a band bordering on a mix of Indie Rock, Alternative and Emo. Drive By Cinema combines Pop Rock with Electronics and Punk energy and Pocketwatch Inc. brings modern Rock sensibility to the Blues with Spanish lyrics as well. Sound, visuals, and live presence are all important aspects that we are known for at our shows.
Moxley Records is the engine behind it. The label helps develop releases, organize shows, all while creating something that can actually sustain itself.
I’m proud that we’ve built real engagement from the ground up. People show up, people pay attention, and it’s growing organically.
What sets us apart is we’re not just focused on being seen. We’re focused on building something that lasts and can connect with people.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I would say in the almost decade I’ve been in the music industry, my definitions of success and my priorities have definitely shifted.
Being able to fund our own releases, run our own shows, and move on our own timing without compromising the vision has brought us the utmost freedom and overall happiness. Control, sustainability, and impact.
And beyond that, building something that hopefully can shift the local culture. Proving you can build something solid with actual real life impact.
If we keep evolving, the system keeps growing, and I’m getting sharper through all of it. That’s success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://xomband.wixsite.com/xomband?
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xom_band/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/XOMband/
- Twitter: https://x.com/xom_band
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@XOMBand
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@xom_band
Image Credits
Desert Grizzly Photos, Hannah Smith, Christopher Cameron, and Nova Blanco.
