Ahead of her glistening new EP ‘Back to You’, we catch up with singer-songwriter Olivia Nelson as our latest Internet Crush!

From recording at Abbey Road Studios to being tipped as a rising star to watch, the 23-year-old artist has already gathered a swell of support across the UK and continues to shine with her formative soul and R&B influenced EP. Her fascination with icons Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey as a young girl allowed her to appreciate exceptional vocal ability, which later inspired her creative outlet as she began channelling her talents in songwriting and performance.

 

Recorded in partnership with BBC introducing, the EP’s title track may at first appear like a seemingly classic love song about missing an absent partner. However, delve a little deeper and she’s in fact sharing a story of the journey she experienced whilst finding herself: “It’s about feeling lost and finding your way back,” she explains. The track sets the tone for the whole EP — self-discovery, coming of age and feeding her talents as a songwriter. Her versatility and range as an artist expand as a result of this new release; drawing influences from her musical upbringing and adding modern funk elements with a contemporary flair.

 

As she prepares to take the UK R&B scene by storm, we sit down with the rising star herself as our latest internet crush which you can check out below!

Do you remember your dreams? Tell us about a recent dream you’ve had.
I write down my dreams if they’re vivid to try and make sense of my subconscious. Recently I’ve had a few dreams about being mugged/house being broken into which is never fun to wake up from.
What is the closest you’ve ever come to death? 
I got hit by a car when i was about 4 when i was playing with my cousins. Luckily the car was only going about 10 mph and all i got was a bloody knee.
Tell us, what is your first memory of music? 
Sitting in the car while my mum was driving, listening to the radio. The song playing was something like ‘Like a Bird’ – Nelly Furtado or ‘Torn’ – Natalie Imbruglia.
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What’s your star sign? (and are you a typical *whatever your sign is*?) 
Aquarius. I would say so… I’m passionate, quirky, head in the clouds mindset. Also been told I can come across cold/aloof at first which is typical Aquarius tendencies.
When was the first time you had your heart broken?  
I was 18 and it felt like the worst thing that had ever happened. Dramatic, I know. I didn’t eat, I went out a lot, it got to an unhealthy place. But they are right when they say time heals all wounds. I think the key is to let yourself feel the pain, but don’t wallow in it for too long. Keep busy.
Who was your first celebrity crush? 
Leonardo Dicaprio in Titanic. Say no more.
Tell us one thing nobody / not many people know about you. 
I love ramen noodles. Specifically, Indomie noodles. They’re the best. #notsponsored
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What would your biography be called? 
Figuring This Sh*t Out.
What was the first song you ever wrote?
When I was 13 I wrote a song about this guy I liked. It was about trying to get his attention. Obviously, as it was my first song it was bad. I even remember it being bad at the time. I’m now imagining my 13-year-old self screwing up my face and my notepad.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? 
What is meant for you, will not pass you by.

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