Change is an inescapable part of the human experience. As much as we try to resist it, the days keep ticking by and ultimately it’s beyond our control. 20-year-old singer and songwriter Olivia Rose was faced with a pivotal transition when she was finishing university. For anyone who has been through higher education, you’ll know what it feels like when the bubble of those regimented years bursts. It can be quite jarring and dysregulating, and this sense of confusion is carried on through into Rose‘s sage lyrics in her single ‘Something New’. Lines like, “Looking for something new, I know I’m on the right path, but I can’t chose,” certainly conveys the weight of indecision. Even if you haven’t been to university, there’s a core experience that can be transferred to your own life.
Beyond the highly relatable theme of ‘Something New’, the soundtrack is a dreamy mix of soul and indie-R&B, with jazzy trip-hop inspired beats underpinning the ethereal melodies. The airy production gives the sense that these thoughts are swirling around the singer’s mind as she flips between not wanting to waste time and also not wanting to make the wrong choice.
Here, the Bristol-based artist explains the intimate context behind her new song:
“This song is very personal to me, I wrote it when finishing university and there was a lot of change. I feel like a lot of people can relate to my song, as we as humans are opposed to change. I am at a point in my musical journey where I am finding my feet, and the kind of artist I want to be. I feel that this release is the start of something great. You, the reader, should listen to my song, and see what I’m all about as an artist, because my lyrics are relatable, I write about what it’s like to be a 20 year old in today’s society. I’m very down to earth, but I’m confident in what I do. I will bring a lot of life to the music scene.”
Joining Olivia Rose in these pondering thoughts is guest artist Lebo whose brooding verse represents a hopeful lover left behind in the mix of hesitation and emotional disorder. Following Lebo‘s smooth interjection, Rose‘s serene vocals lead us back into the shimmering soundscape of ticking percussion, gospel-esque synth keys, and noodling soulful guitars. It’s such an all-encompassing atmosphere ideal for letting your mind run away with itself.
Whether you’re currently find yourself at a crossroads or not, you can’t help but fall under the spell of Olivia Rose‘s ‘Something New’.
You can also listen to ‘Something New’ in our R&B For Days playlist.
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