Olivia Prado Reflects On Her Growth And Shares Advice Behind New EP “Dirty In The Sand”

The artist you didn’t know you needed.

If you are in your pop-R&B era, then may we suggest Olivia Prado. With one of the most smooth and soothing voices we’ve ever heard, coupled with songwriting that feels like her music originated from our notes apps, she’s a singer you need on your playlist.

We had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Olivia about her journey as an independent artist, her goals for her career, and more!

Congratulations on your new EP Dirty In The Sand! How did this project come to be?

O: “It gradually came together this year. I knew I wanted to release an EP or album. “Ocean” was the first song written for the project, and I was inspired by the dreams I consistently have about water. My friend Laura and I were shooting video content one day and she snapped a few photos (which became the cover art), and I was so inspired to finish crafting this project.”

This might be hard for you to choose, but do you have a favorite track off the EP?

O: “Is It Enough” gets me every time, haha. It’s a song I’ve tried to write for years and I feel like I finally got it right this time.“

What is the best piece of advice that you can give listeners to the EP who want to also embrace the messiness of life and live life adventurously?

O: “If things feel messy or scary, that doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong, it often means you’re doing something right like getting out of your comfort zone or challenging yourself in new ways.”

From your early releases “Hey You” and “Feel” in 2019 to now, how would you say that you’ve evolved as an artist over your first seven years as a professional singer?

O: “Phew, well I’ve embraced myself way more. I’ve let myself naturally become the artist I am. I’ve leaned into what I know well and do best. I’ve also grown a lot in my skills specifically as a recording artist. I know now what I want out of a vocal performance and am more capable of achieving it from years of practice.”

You’ve been honest with fans about building yourself and your career as an independent artist. And fellow pop R&B girlies like JoJo and Tinashe are also thriving in their indie eras. What has been your experience like as a self-built artist?

O: “Love this question! Well to be frank, I’m indie cause that’s where my path has led me. I won’t front like if I got presented a nice deal tomorrow I wouldn’t take it. It’s been extremely challenging if I am being real, but it’s gotten easier over time and I am proud of the work I’ve put in to build myself entirely independently, it’s empowering. And whenever the opportunity comes for a deal or partnership, I will be wayyyy more knowledgeable and ready to weigh my options.”

With a growing fanbase, over 200,000 streams on just Spotify alone, and a new EP that makes it crystal clear that you’re not afraid to go for it, what’s next for Olivia Prado?

O: “I am manifesting being an opener for someone on tour. No idea if that’ll happen anytime soon but that’s my next goal! Other than that, I’ll continue making music I love.”

Make sure to stream Olivia’s EP

Je’Kayla Crawford– Founder and Director– Je’Kayla has been a journalist for years and decided to start a publication of her own, New Scene Magazine, back in October 2020. When not helping her team and working on their print issues, you can find her watching a movie on Netflix or baking using a viral TikTok recipe.