Olivia Dean, the Tottenham-born musical sensation, is set to depart the grey skies of London for the sun-drenched boulevards of Los Angeles. At just 26 years old, Dean has been crowned the first major British music export since Dua Lipa, and now industry titans are preparing to mould her into what they describe as the 'modern day Mariah Carey'.
Grammy Winner Embarks on Transatlantic Career Leap
Fresh from securing the Best New Artist prize at this month's Grammy Awards, Olivia Dean will collaborate with the world's premier producers upon her arrival in Tinseltown. The relocation is scheduled for the conclusion of her ongoing UK concert tour, with record label executives confident that this strategic move will propel her career to a whole new level.
From London Borough to Global Stardom
Dean, who hails from the Haringey area of London, was immersed in music from a young age. Her English father introduced her to the soulful realms of Al Green and Carole King, while her Jamaican-Guyanese barrister mother shared a passion for 1990s neo-soul icons like Lauryn Hill and Angie Stone. This rich musical heritage has clearly shaped her artistry.
Her album, The Art Of Loving, released in October last year, has become the longest-running number one album by a British female artist this decade. With seven non-consecutive weeks at the summit, it has comfortably surpassed Adele's 30, which managed five consecutive weeks in 2021.
A Surprising Change of Heart
Interestingly, Dean previously expressed reservations about moving to Los Angeles. In an interview with Nylon magazine last year, she described LA as too isolating due to its car-centric culture, noting it felt very A to B. She questioned, What's going to happen on the way? Who am I going to bump into? and added her discomfort with the constant culture of being observed.
However, an industry source revealed to The Mail on Sunday that the singer has been persuaded to reconsider. Olivia's been convinced that the move to LA will be beneficial to her career, the source stated. The plan now is to decamp to LA. She's also been told she'll come to love life there, and that first impressions are not always right.
Factors Influencing the Decision
Several key factors are believed to have influenced Dean's change of mind. The overwhelming praise for her Grammy performance, including accolades from top vocal coaches, has undoubtedly boosted her confidence. Additionally, her upcoming nomination for five awards at the forthcoming Brit Awards later this month underscores her rising prominence.
Dean is the first British performer to win the Best New Artist Grammy since Dua Lipa in 2019, marking a significant milestone in her career. Industry insiders are drawing parallels to Mariah Carey, who has sold over 300 million records across her 35-year career, suggesting Dean has the potential to reach similar iconic status.
Future Plans and Expectations
According to the source, Dean will complete all remaining tour dates, possibly take a brief rest, and then make the move to Los Angeles to begin work on new music. This transition is seen as a pivotal moment, with the vibrant LA music scene offering unparalleled opportunities for collaboration and growth.
The relocation signifies not just a geographical shift but a strategic career evolution. As Olivia Dean packs her bags for Los Angeles, the music world watches with anticipation, eager to see if this British talent can indeed become the next global superstar, following in the footsteps of legends like Mariah Carey.
