Dive - Olivia Dean

Olivia Dean: The soul of 60's Detroit, meets the spark of 20's London on 'Dive'

Olivia Dean grew up in East London listening to the soulful sounds of Motown coming from her parents' speakers. The influence of legendary artists like Diana Ross and the Supremes would go on to shape her appreciation for powerful vocals, heart-on-sleeve lyrics, and a timeless feel-good spirit. But it was the energy, depth, and beat of the music that really captured her attention as a child.

As she grew up, this Motown and soul influence would eventually shine through in her own music. Olivia Dean has managed to channel the energy of that time while still sounding fresh and modern. She's an artist who has grown up on the classics but lived in a city that's constantly evolving. And her music reflects that.

Olivia Dean has released four EPs over the last four years, each showcasing her range of musical tastes. But it's only in 2023 that she's accepting and embracing that range. Last night, she announced her debut album titled "Messy," which will be released on June 30th. The album promises to be filled with just as much soul as Detroit in the 60s, with the cutting-edge energy of London in the 20s.

"Dive" is the third single to be released from the album, after "UFO" earlier this year and "Danger" at the tail-end of last year. It's a brand new track that Olivia released yesterday alongside the album announcement. And it's one of her best yet.

There's a certain power in the music tastes of your parents. They'll come to shape your own tastes whether you realise it or not. Olivia Dean is a testament to that. She's bridging the gap between geography and generations, bringing the soul of Motown to modern-day London. Her music is timeless, and it's a joy to watch her grow and evolve as an artist.

Olivia Dean's "Dive" is a track that will be on repeat for the rest of the year. As we head into a summer of Olivia Dean, I can't wait to see what else she has in store for us.