Olivia Dean

Olivia Lauryn Dean is a British neo-soul singer and songwriter born on March 14, 1999, in the London Borough of Haringey. She was raised in Walthamstow by an English father and a Jamaican-Guyanese mother. Her middle name, Lauryn, was inspired by her parents' admiration for the artist Lauryn Hill. Dean's early musical education included participating in a gospel choir and taking musical theatre lessons. She later attended the prestigious BRIT School, where she initially studied theatre before switching her focus to songwriting.

Career Beginnings

At the age of 17, Dean's career began as a backing vocalist for the British drum and bass band Rudimental, with her first performance in front of a massive crowd at Sziget Festival. In 2019, she was featured on their single "Adrenaline." Deciding to pursue a solo career, she released her debut single, "Ok Love You Bye," in 2019. This was followed by a series of EPs, including "What Am I Gonna Do On Sundays?" (2020), "Olivia Dean If You Know What I Mean" (2021), and "Growth" (2021). Her rising popularity led to her being named Amazon Music's Breakthrough Artist of the Year in 2021.

Debut Album: Messy

Olivia Dean released her debut studio album, "Messy," on June 30, 2023. The album features a blend of soul, pop, and jazz and includes singles such as "Danger," "UFO," "Dive," and "The Hardest Part." "Messy" was met with critical acclaim and was shortlisted for the 2023 Mercury Prize. The album explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery with relatable and honest lyricism. A particularly personal track, "Carmen," is a tribute to her grandmother and the Windrush generation, telling the story of her grandmother's journey from Guyana to the UK.

Artistry and Recognition

Dean's musical style is often described as neo-soul and pop-soul, with influences from artists like Amy Winehouse, Adele, Carole King, and The Supremes. Her music is noted for its soulful vocals and heartfelt storytelling. In 2023, she was named the BBC Music Introducing Artist of the Year. She has also been nominated for multiple BRIT Awards, including Best New Artist and British Artist of the Year. In addition to her music career, Dean is a brand ambassador for Chanel.

Sophomore Album

Olivia Dean has announced that her second album, "The Art of Loving," is scheduled for release on September 26, 2025. The announcement was accompanied by the release of the single "Nice To Each Other."