Olivia Dean’s music is a captivating blend of neo-soul, acoustic pop, jazz, blues, and R&B. The 25-year-old British artist has gained recognition for her album ‘Messy’ and her electrifying stage presence at festivals like Coachella 2024. Dean’s creative energy seems boundless, as evidenced by her recent performances at Glastonbury and the Love Supreme Jazz Festival, along with the release of her new single ‘Time.’ This latest track showcases a departure from her more romantic songs like ‘Dive’ and ‘The Hardest Part,’ with a rock anthem chorus and a strong orchestral presence. ‘Time’ exemplifies her ever-evolving approach to songwriting and her ability to transcend genre boundaries.
Dean’s diverse musical palette is influenced by a wide range of artists and genres. Her playlist includes Brazilian folk musician Zé Roberto, the whispery melodies of Clairo, and the soulful vocals of Yazmin Lacey. This eclectic taste extends to her own music, which blends soul, pop, and jazz elements. As Dean continues to expand her discography, she’s also inspiring a new generation of multi-genre musicians who push the boundaries of funk, folk, blues, jazz, and soul.
Here are five underrated artists who resonate with Olivia Dean’s multi-genre soundscape:
1. Remi Wolf
Remi Wolf is known for her viral TikTok hit ‘Photo ID,’ but her music has always been a unique blend of pop-soul and psychedelic funk. Her sound is characterized by distorted guitars, offbeat harmonies, and unexpected lyrical turns. For those unfamiliar with her music, ‘Motorcycle’ is a great starting point and is also a favorite of Dean’s.
2. Yazmin Lacey
Yazmin Lacey’s music evokes the atmosphere of a romantic candlelit dinner or a late-night jazz club. She seamlessly blends genres from jazz to electronica, creating sensual and evocative soundscapes. Dean admires Lacey’s collaboration with Ezra Collective, ‘God Gave Me Feet For Dancing.’
3. Baby Rose
Baby Rose, whose real name is Jasmine Rose Wilson, possesses a deeply moving voice that carries emotion with effortless grace. Her music blends neo-soul with R&B roots, creating a warm and enveloping sound. Dean’s favorite track is ‘One Last Dance,’ from Baby Rose’s latest album produced by BadBadNotGood.
4. Pip Millett
Pip Millett’s music is characterized by stunning vocals and a timeless feel-good spirit. Inspired by artists like Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye, Millett’s confessional songwriting is infused with relatable messages of longing, soothing bass lines, and soulful vocals.
5. Jones
Jones, born Cherie Jones-Mattis, has a honey-sweet voice that feels like a hazy dream. She blends melodious soul tunes with contemporary pop elements, creating a unique and captivating sound. Some of her most popular tracks include ‘Kaleidoscope’ and ‘Hard To Be Happy.’
