The joy of Olivia Dean

Bringing sunshine to everything she does.

Good morning!

I have a new crush. Totally plutonic, mind you.

Do you have someone that brings an instant smile to your face when you see them? In our house that person is (currently) Olivia Dean.

The 26-year-old Singer from the U.K. is briefly in Australia ahead of a full concert tour next year. (Already sold out, didn’t get tickets, don’t ask…)

If you don’t know much about her here’s a quick catch-up.

Her early career included writing songs from age 16, teaching herself piano and guitar, doing backing vocals for Rudimental.

She released her debut single “Reason to Stay” in 2018, followed by EPs and a signing with EMI records.

Her first full-length album, Messy (2023), gained critical acclaim and helped establish her as a fresh voice in UK soul/pop.

She followed that with her second album The Art of Loving in 2025, which leans into themes of love (in all its forms), self-worth and emotional growth. It’s an absolute belter.

Beyond her obvious talent, I just love the joy that emanates from her face.

She told Elle Magazine… “Honestly… people keep asking me what I put in it, and I’m like, ‘Joy. Joy, guys.’ I made it (the album) because I wanted to have fun.”

Olivia emphasises that she wants the listener to feel good, dance, smile, rather than just endure emotion.

She repeatedly affirms that music for her isn’t just work; it’s a space of joy, freedom, self-expression and connection.

Combining deep influences (soul, heritage, personal identity) with a light-footed, fun-loving approach: Olivia’s songs to be lived as well as listened to. Her emphasis on legacy — making things that last — further signals that the joy isn’t fleeting, but rooted in meaning.

Witness the joy in this performance…

Who’s someone that makes your face light up?

See you on Monday morning,

Wade