Music / Feature
Olivia Rose on her musical persona, Gwen Stefani and exciting collaborations
Born in Yate but now based in Bristol, Olivia Rose is the singer-songwriter whose music has captured the attention of the city and beyond.
Depsite not moving to Bristol until she was 19, she says that the city has always felt like home to her.
“I love the vibrant city and the fact that people smile at you when you walk past,” she tells Bristol24/7. “The music scene is great here and there’s always something to do on an evening.”
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After entering a singing competition at the age of 9, it kicked off the musician’s love for music and writing, writing poetry and lyrics at the same age.
“I felt I could express myself through music in a way I couldn’t with anything else,” she explains. “I have been in bands and performed solo. I love that I can mix art, fashion and more into my musical persona.”
The fusion of art and fashion into her musical persona is evident in who Olivia used to listen to growing up.
Influenced by the sounds of Christina Aguilera and Justin Timberlake, the noughties sound runs thoughout the singer’s music and fashion.
The fashion and music of the Y2K (year 2000) era has seen a resurgence in the past few years and the singer leans into that with her fusion of R&B and hip hop but also makes it her own.
Her newest track, Something New, feels both nostalgic and unique.
Dropping on September 29, the single features Bristol artist, Lebo, adding an extra layer to the track; it is sensual, soulful and sincere.
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Showing her versatility, the track is a step away from the singer’s older releases but is just as addictive.
On the collaboration, Olivia says: “I have known Lebo for some time and love his lyrics and gravelly voice. Watching him perform is captivating, he puts so much soul into his music.”
Is there any one else she’d like to collaborate with in the future?
“Yes, James Blake, Slowthai!” She tells us. “If I were to aim high, Gwen Stefani, fancy the pants off of her, she just seems really cool and bad ass.”
Following an impressive performance at last year’s edition of Love Saves the Day, the exciting collaboration with Lebo and over 100,000 streams on the remix of her song ‘Heaven’ En:vy, what does the singer have next up her sleeve?
“A few more single releases, collaborations and performances. You better watch out.”
Main photo: Olivia Rose
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