In the middle of summer last year, we introduced you to newcomer Olivia Reid and her resoundingly ebullient sound. Not long after, she released her six-track sophomore EP TO BE NAMED BY THE PEOPLE — a luxuriantly melodic and emotional collection by the budding singer/songwriter. Her music has emerged as a much-needed revitalization of indie-pop. And with a new year ahead, don’t be too surprised if she follows contemporaries like Maggie Rogers into the limelight by the end of it.
Apart from releasing her own exceptionally personal songs, 2023 also found Reid working collaboratively with other artists to create some truly moving pieces. One of the first was “Future Number,” teaming up with Lyd Marie and virgogabrielle at a writing camp put on by Gender Amplified for an effervescent alt-pop track that dives vivaciously into an earnest conversation with their younger selves. Then came her feature on the Every Us single “AWCB,” her iridescent vocals and words of warmth beaming through the track’s exhilarating electro-pop.
Heading into 2024, fans can expect the collaborations to continue for Reid even as she prepares to release more of her own music. The first of which is an ethereal and thrumming remix by WEMI and J. Hamilton of her song “Madness.” The track arrives on January 26th. On top of that, Olivia Reid will be putting the finishing touches on a folk-inspired EP that she conceived after a trip to Poland last fall — a project that will no doubt place more of an emphasis on her radiant vocals, poetic lyricism, and the spaciously lush instrumentals that drift between them.
After playing a handful of dates that included a sold-out performance at the Mercury Lounge in New York City, she also plans to announce a new run of shows for the new year. So keep your fingers crossed it’s a tour that will bring her all the way out to the West Coast because we’re dying to hear the songs of TO BE NAMED BY THE PEOPLE live in all their splendor. Just imagine her packing one of the many intimate venues we have in Los Angeles with the quieting resonance of songs like “Central Park West” or the jubilant anthemics of “Runner’s High” — instant goosebumps.
Words: Steven Ward
Visit Olivia Reid on their website, TikTok, and Instagram to stay updated on new releases and tour announcements.
