Firsts With Olivia Nelson

Words Aimee Phillips

August 5, 2022August 5, 2022

Modern R&B rising artist, Olivia Nelson, shares her musical firsts with Notion.

Having burst on to the scene back in 2017 with her popular collab single “Someone That You Love” with Jarreau Vandal, Olivia Nelson has been steadily building a name for herself ever since.

Soulful track “Smother Me” from Olivia’s 2018 ‘For You EP’ spotlighted the artist’s incredible vocal power, while “Never Too Late” showcased her deft capacity to create uplifting earworm numbers.

2019 saw Olivia share her ‘Back To You EP’, which saw a shift in production and delivery as Olivia experiment with her artistry. Then, after two years away, she returned with the sweeping “Oblivion”, as well as the singles “Morning” and “Diesel”.

Raising the bar once more, Olivia has shared the double single “Friends / Strangers”, two songs that explore a twisted, complex romance.

Notion caught up with Olivia Nelson to hear about her musical firsts – from her first instrument to love of Whitney Houston and more.

First song you ever made?

I don’t remember the name of the first song i made but I remember I was about 14/15 years old and it was my first time in a studio to record my own demo. The lyrics to the chorus were something about ‘Romeo, take it slow’.. embarrassing.

First song you released officially?

“Cleopatra”.

First CD or record you owned?

Probably Whitney Houston’s Greatest Hits. Classic.

First time you realised you wanted to be an artist?

Probably when I would watch the young pop stars of my generation like Britney/Christina perform live on TV.

First festival you went to and the first one you played at?

Hackney Weekend in 2012. It was only £2.50!

One of the first ones I played was The Great Escape in Brighton, such a cool festival and nice to chill by the sea after the set is done.

First time you faced an obstacle in your career?

At the very beginning, after recording my first songs some people thought my voice sounded too youthful. But now, I use that to my advantage plus my voice has matured overtime.

First instrument you owned?

Electric keyboard.

First time you felt like giving up?

This is a tricky question because a lot of days I feel like giving up, being an independent artist is hard.. BUT I don’t think my soul would ever actually let me give up completely. I just can’t.

First time you felt starstruck?

So far, I haven’t felt majorly starstruck by anyone, but I would if I met Frank Ocean, Kehlani, James Fauntleroy…people that really inspire me.

First time you ticked off a bucket list goal?

When I played my first headline show in 2018. I cried. Couldn’t believe people actually turned up to hear me and only me sing. Beautiful memories.

Firsts With Olivia Nelson

Listen to Olivia Nelson's latest releases below: