Olivia Dean: A Journey to Finding Her Own Sound

Olivia Dean is far from the image of someone who ever felt out of place. With a top four debut album, performances at major festivals like Glastonbury, a nomination for a Mercury Music Prize, and now the prestigious recognition as BBC Introducing's Artist of the Year, her musical journey is nothing short of impressive.

Despite her current success, Dean's roots in Highams Park, north east London, presented challenges early on. As one of the few black girls in her class, she struggled with her identity, trying to fit in by aligning her appearance with her peers. Yet, her love for music remained unshaken. This passion led her to attend the renowned Brit School, where Dean found like-minded individuals, or 'her tribe' as she puts it.

Dean first tasted the music industry as a backing singer for Rudimental. Deciding to venture into a solo career was a leap of faith marked with self-doubt. Nevertheless, her artistry shone through with her debut album, 'Messy', which surprisingly secured a Mercury prize nomination. Amidst a busy schedule that included coveted performances and a sold-out US tour, Dean faced struggles with imposter syndrome and the music industry's tendency to categorize her work based on her appearance rather than its content.

Through these experiences, the importance of having control over her own sound became clear to Dean. Embracing the label of being 'difficult' if necessary, she fiercely guards her creative freedom and insists on personally shaping her music, which serves as her legacy.

Dean draws inspiration from various elements of life, from overheard conversations in pub bathrooms to phrases on the backs of trucks. The minutiae of daily life are threaded into her lyrics, giving rise to relatable music that captures the depth of everyday experiences.

Her approach to creation is equally personal, favoring relaxed and lengthy conversations with her team over rigid, high-pressure methods. Mental health is a cornerstone of her process, with therapy providing a framework for understanding herself better and fostering her creativity.

As Olivia Dean looks towards the future, including more tour dates, her aspirations include another magical performance at Glastonbury, where she feels deeply connected to the audience and the music.

music, award, identity