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Olivia Dean is saving contemporary pop music. Here’s why…
I have had a complicated relationship with top level pop music. I believe it is due to its pendulum nature, swinging from more synthetic sounds to the occasional organic release. For every batch of artists like La Roux, you had a breakout – typically one-hit wonder. Jason Mraz, Gotye, Passenger… All served the purpose to balance the commercial noise with something more genuine. An acoustic, or more raw track that took over the radio stations. But now, they're less and less apparent, and the pendulum is swinging so aggressively to the synthetic, mass-produced pop we now hear.
Often, I speak to people of a similar age and upbringing, who feel the same nostalgia to the mid-2000’s as myself. A proper 'back in my days' take, but even the most commercial pop artists still had a unique sound. Ariana Grande, Paloma Faith - even Taylor Swift, all boasted recognisable and distinctive sounds, and countered by real bands. Arctic Monkeys, Kings of Leon, Foo Fighters. Guitars and drums, and more importantly, musical talent. When we compare the pop artists of the past, they show the exact problem. Those with unique voices and styles have slowly agglutinated into one entity. Ariana Grande's voice has been FX'd into the same noise as the rest.
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What happened to Taylor Swift?
Taylor Swift's country vibe seems to have faded beyond the general population's memory, and now she's basically spoken word over a drum pad. (Before the Swifties come after me, I totally get it. If I could make a million dollars per show by simplifying my sound, I would be wearing a sequined leotard before you finished reading this article. But I miss the musicianship. Now, she's the captain of a large commercial vessel, with massive teams of 'creatives' inputting. Her first two albums were brilliant. It was about songwriting, storytelling, and genuine artistry. But the need to appeal to all has irradicated any unique identity she once had.
(again, if you're a Swiftie, I am sorry to slander the saviour. But this is an Indie Music platform...)
What is different about Olivia Dean?
A few months ago, my Pop-music-loving wife had a new track to show me on her Spotify. Olivia Dean's "So easy (to fall in love)" was titled correctly. As soon as I heard it, I had to google who she was and learn more. Seeing a 26 year old from London perform Soulful pop and R&B, always dressed stylishly and modest, gave me all the information I needed. When watching Olivia Dean, she performs with the same level of enthusiasm as top pop stars before her, but there's no distractions or misplaced energy. Instead, she is doing what music is about; Enjoying the song. On her two studio albums you can frequently hear her singing through a smile and that continues throughout music videos and live performances. Olivia Dean is here to have fun, and it radiates in every performance.
The next generation of throwback artists.
Olivia Dean isn't the only one bringing back a vintage take on pop music. After obsessing with her unique, music-focused persona, I've realised there's an absolute wave of artists currently taking over the limelight with actual musicianship and pure talent. Laufey's performance on NPR's Tiny Desk, as well as Raye performing "Where is my Husband" across the world, has given me faith that the world is starting to take preference to talented and powerful musicians over performative stadium fillers playing the same sounds.
Is this entire article an excuse to obsess over Olivia Dean? Maybe. But every time I spin her albums I feel such a high sense of hope for the future. The thought that a new generation of up and coming musicians will look up to somebody who just creates beautiful music without the additional pagentry.
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