- Words Notion Staff
Following the release of OLI's highly anticipated debut album, When It All Goes Quiet, the singer-songwriter opens up about the journey that led to its creation.
Rising UK alt-pop artist OLI is on the brink of a major moment with the release of her debut album, When It All Goes Quiet, dropping today. Since her emergence in 2020, she has carved out a unique niche with her blend of jazz-infused melancholic pop and nostalgic 2000s UK indie influences. Her debut LP is a deeply personal reflection of solitude, emotional introspection, and growth. The album’s tracks capture OLI’s journey from seeking to fit in, to fully embracing her individuality as an artist. Each song feels like a window into those quiet, in-between moments in life—the early morning hours when silence reigns and emotions run deep.
Collaborating with producer Benny D and Zara Hudson-Kozdoj, known for her work with Max Richter, OLI has created a soundscape that is as cinematic as it is intimate. The title track, When It All Goes Quiet, serves as the album’s heart, evoking the peaceful feeling of returning home after a long night and finding bliss in stillness. Accompanying the release is a visually stunning music video, directed by Finnish filmmaker Heini Susanne, that embodies the serenity and self-reflection that defines the record.
As OLI continues to evolve, When It All Goes Quiet showcases her as an artist fully confident in her voice and vision—offering listeners a soundtrack for their most introspective moments. In this Q&A, OLI shares the inspiration behind When It All Goes Quiet, the challenges of bringing such a personal project to life, and the lessons she learned along the way. From reworking old songs to embracing the beauty of silence, OLI offers a glimpse into the creative process that shaped her debut record. She also reveals what she hopes listeners will take away from her album and hints at exciting future projects, including a live performance and a surprise release before the year’s end.
What inspired you to choose the title When It All Goes Quiet for your debut album?
When It All Goes Quiet felt like the perfect title for this collection of songs. It’s like those moments when everything else fades and you can finally hear yourself at 3am, completely lost in thought.
Can you share the story behind the title track and what it means to you?
I wanted the track to explain exactly how it feels in the early mornings, when you’re truly alone. Sometimes it isn’t terrible, sometimes it’s exactly what we need, and there’s nothing wrong with enjoying it.
How do you feel your personal experiences influenced the themes explored in this album?
The album reflects a lot of what I’ve been through. Feeling stuck, dealing with change, learning to sit with those emotions and when it’s best to let them pass.
What was the most challenging part of creating When It All Goes Quiet?
Figuring out which tracks would work and flow together! A lot of the songs have very different types of energy/emotion, so I was trying to be aware of that.
Looking back at your creative process, what’s one lesson you learned while making this album?
To always revisit your old music. We reworked/rewrote some songs, ‘Come Back (don’t)’ was one of them and ended up being my favourite.
If When It All Goes Quiet were a movie, what genre would it be and who would play you?
I think it would be a weird mix of fantasy/mystery with some plot twists thrown in. It would be like if Stardust and Interstellar had a moody baby. Taissa Farmiga would play me, she’s awesome.
What do you hope listeners will feel or take away from your album?
It’s cliché, but I just want people to feel less alone. Overthinking and ruminating can be very isolating; I hope my listeners can see that others are going through the same thing.
Outside of music, what’s inspiring you at the moment?
Autumn, I write the most this time of year. It’s either sunny and golden outside or rainy and moody.
OLI rules the world for a day, what’s going down?
Besides an obvious request for world peace… I would want the world to go quiet for a bit, everyone would get a moment to pause and just breathe. It’d be a day for reconnecting with each other (or yourself), without feeling guilty. And it would absolutely be raining.
What’s next for OLI?
I’ll be supporting Zara Hudson – Kozdój at the Troubadour in December! I also have one more surprise song release before the new year.