Olivia Dean has always felt a “strong gut intuition” telling her that she belongs in the music industry. When her first EP, OK Love You Bye, released in 2019, was streamed millions of times, resulting in her signing a recording contract with EMI, her beliefs were confirmed. Her 2023 debut album Messy has only further cemented her success, with Sophie Williams of NME rating the album 4 out of 5 stars, complementing Dean’s “confidence to occasionally dissect subjects that others swerve” while keeping a “mainstream” appeal. The album ends with “Carmen”, a personal favourite of mine and its crowning achievement. While incredibly personal, the song feels like a love letter to all who came before us, letting us admire those stronger than we’ll ever be. 

Dean is unshakably secure yet never cocky. She is also aware of the pitfalls of recreating previous successes. In one word, her new music will be “different”; as she isn’t the type to do the same thing twice.

Below, we chat with the 25-year-old neo-soul singer about her next album, being a third-generation immigrant, and her love of Beyonce.  

Messy is dedicated to your grandmother, whom you also address in the last song, ‘Carmen’. First of all, I’d like to thank you for putting the third-generation immigrant experience into words so beautifully. Does this experience affect your music?

Olivia Dean: For sure. That song was something I had been trying to do for a long time. It’s funny because it’s the song that most people connect to, but at the time, it felt like something I made just for my granny. I think a lot of people can speak to that experience. It’s just in the music, it’s in me, it’s in everything.

You have mentioned that you are inspired by The Supremes, Lauryn Hill (your middle namesake), and Amy Winehouse. How do you maintain these inspirations while staying true to your own unique sound?

Olivia Dean: I think, especially with people like Diana Ross, it’s less of me taking direct reference from the music or the style and more her energy. It’s a funny one with Amy - that’s a tough one to be compared to. I don’t think anyone will ever be like Amy. She was saying exactly what she thought, and you’ve got to be brave to do that, but obviously, I like it because I keep doing it. It’s very freeing.

We’ve caught you after your successful UK and Europe tour, and you’re about a month away from headlining your first festival, Love Supreme. How would your ten-year-old self react if you told her this?

Olivia Dean: I think she would be like, ‘No way, you actually did it’. Because, from when I was like eight or ten, I really wanted to be a singer. I think she would be like, ‘Fair play, you actually committed to that one.’

So that’s always been your goal in your mind?

Olivia Dean: As long as I can remember. I can’t even describe it. I have such a strong gut intuition that tells me that this is what I need to do with my life. It’s like I can’t waver from it or compromise.

Your last album was released about a year ago, and you were just featured on the soundtrack to the BBC series This Town. Can we expect any new music from you soon?

Olivia Dean: It’s the million-dollar question. The answer is yes, you can. I’m working on another album, which will be a little further down the line.

What’s your ghost outfit?

Olivia Dean: That’s a funny question. I’d probably wear a big, flowy, swishy skirt and a white vest. You can’t go wrong with a white vest. And adidas Superstars. Just keeping it classic, you know?

A stylish ghost! What’s your star sign, and are you a typical one?

Olivia Dean: I’m not too into star sign stuff, but I’m a Pisces and have been told I’m a big-time Pisces. Pisces are emotional and creative, so yeah, I guess I am.

What conspiracy theory are you actually quite into?

Olivia Dean: I like that one about Avril Lavigne being replaced by somebody else. That’s quite funny. Imagine that circulating about you – it’s mental.

Do you have any recurring dreams?

Olivia Dean: I mean, sometimes I have the dream where all my teeth fall out, but I’ve looked into that, and it’s just intense stress and anxiety. 

What’s on your FYP right now?

Olivia Dean: I really like food and interior design stuff. I’ve got a love-hate relationship with TikTok right now. My new year resolved to never go on it again, and it lasted until last month.

You almost made it halfway – still an accomplishment. Next question: If you could only listen to one musician for the rest of your life, who would it be?

Olivia Dean: OK, it’s bait, but it’s got to be Beyonce. She’s got everything I need! If I need to feel empowered, she’s got me. If I need to dance, but I’m also really in my feelings, she’s got me. She can give me country, she can give me house, she can give me club. You know what I mean?

What adjective would you least like to be described as?

Olivia Dean: Boring. God forbid. On the spectrum of people liking me as a person and my music, I could never sit in that boring middle space. At least if you hate something, it evokes a feeling in you.

What do you put on your rider?

Olivia Dean: This is dumb, but I really like sliced meat – like cold, sliced meat. It’s just a fun snack for me. I used to have a bottle of champagne, but then I realised you can’t drink champagne every night because it stops being special. Also, a bouquet of flowers, which I thought might be unsustainable, but we always give it to somebody after the show.

Finally, you encounter a hostile alien race, and sound is their only mechanism for communication. What song do you play to them to inspire them to spare you and the rest of the human race?

Olivia Dean: Something immediately came to mind, so this is my answer: “This Must Be The Place” by Talking Heads. It’s got alien vibes. I feel like they would understand it. I also feel like the lyrics are just the pure essence of humanity and love in the world. 

Olivia Dean headlines this year’s Love Supreme Jazz Festival in East Sussex on Saturday July 6th. Tickets available from www.lovesupremefestival. Dazed Club+ members get 25% off tickets here.