[9] Tivel was born in La Conner, Washington and grew up in a musical family, learning violin and fiddle as a child.

After moving to Portland at age 18, she developed an interest in songwriting and began to write and perform her own material.

[12] Rolling Stone listed her as a standout performer at the 2019 AmericanaFest in Nashville, writing "In a week of countless songsmiths showcasing their attempt at that exact type of singer-songwriter storytelling, Tivel's winding, largely chorus-less tales shined and shimmered.

[14] On her album The Question, she collaborated with engineer Brian Joseph and producer and musician Shane Leonard.

[16] On May 31, 2024 Tivel released her eighth album, Living Thing, on Fluff and Gravy Records.