When lockdown happened, I needed to find ways to fill my time. It gave me all the free time in the world to really explore music, and I found Olivia Dean. “Crosswords” was the first song of hers I found, and I distinctly remember playing it over and over, not even letting the song hit the final few seconds. I texted multiple friends saying, “you need to listen to this song.” Dean continued to release more songs and performed shows in the UK. As a fan, I was excited for her, but being based in NYC, I felt a pang of FOMO. I made sure to order vinyls, even shipping from the UK. Additionally, I will also admit that on occasion, I would comment on some pictures, “please come to New York.” I doubt it was my comment that led to her having a show at LPR, but in June, I finally got to see her live.
I took my mom with me. She was one of the first people who I showed Olivia Dean to, and then proceeded to play all the new releases whenever we were in the car together. It seemed only fitting that she accompanied me. I will say this–I am certain that this is the only time I will ever see her in such an intimate venue and for a steal of a price. She is destined for stardom.
When you walk downstairs to the basement, there is a middle stage. It had a piano, two stools, a guitar, a bass, and a mic stand. Aside from that, it was a bare stage. There were multiple tables throughout that you had to pay extra for AND you had to buy two drinks if you had a table (a rip-off because it ends up being a $50 ticket because of drinks instead of $25). For a while, my mom and l stood waiting. Dean got to stage late, and I will be honest…my legs aren’t as used to standing for hours like I used to as a teen.
Finally the moment arrived, and she walked out in a puffed shoulder flowery yellow dress. The moment she sang the first note, she was better than an expectation that I could have. Dean hit every note with zero effort in this intimate acoustic set. This was mostly due to the fact that her drummer couldn’t get their visa in order on time, but I’m not complaining. I was so glad to be fortunate enough to experience this stripped-back set.
The show began, and it made all the waiting worth it. I got to witness Dean sing songs such as “Echo,” “Danger,” and “I Could Be A Florist.” She flowed from her upbeat songs to her more personal ones. A little later into the show, she sang a cover of Aretha Franklin’s “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” which are large shoes to fill, so instead she decided to wear none. Literally. She actually took off her shoes to play the piano. Dean did an incredible job with her own rendition of this song. It’s one of my favorite videos I’ve taken. To top it all off, we were graced with the presence of special guest Leon Bridges, who came out to sing “The Hardest Part.” It was perfect timing, given that Bridges was featured on the new remix of that song, due to be released that day.
Her new album Messy is lovely. As a debut, it’s cohesive, individual, and with a sprinkle of sunshine in every song. Olivia Dean is a bright light that will put a spotlight on anything she touches. Who doesn’t like the sun?
julia falcone
yelling about something
daybreak 