Talented Olivia hoping to make waves on the country scene

One of the brightest and most talented young singer/songwriters out there on the local scene at present is Oldham's own Olivia Deane.

Still in her early 20s, Olivia, who normally works at the Mahdlo Youth Zone in Oldham by day, is already making waves with her sweet, original country tunes proving increasingly popular with a steadily increasing audience.

A self-taught guitar player since 2017, super-talented Olivia played the ukelele first, only to find that particular instrument a little too restricting.

She subsequently took up the acoustic guitar and now, having been brought up listening to the likes of Shania Twain, the Dixie Chicks, and even Elvis, Olivia's gig diary is packed and a new, original single and six-track EP are on the way.

"I've always loved the writing in country music," said Olivia, speaking to the Chronicle just prior to the current lockdown.

"The story-telling has also attracted me.

"I got into Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks, while currently I listen to Lennon Stella and Julia Michaels.

"I always like to slide my own songs into a set and people don't seem to mind.

"In fact they always seem to respond positively to my own tracks, even at cover gigs.

"For now it's just me, but hopefully I'll be able to get some collaborations together.

"There's one planned for my forthcoming EP, which is really good."

Before Olivia's maiden EP is released later in the Spring, her debut single is already out there, and she's excited about it.

Recorded at Shed Studios in Stockport, 'Cynic Queen' was released on April 24.

Already there has been a terrific reaction on social media.

Olivia, who also recorded an emotional version of 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow' dedicated to late Mahdlo CEO Mike Doran last week, said: "'Cynic Queen' is a very empowering song for young females, especially the single ladies.

"It's aimed at women who might think 'you know what, I don't need a man to make me happy', and that is why I write - to empower young women.

"That just keeps me going and inspires my writing because not everyone has got that role model in life to say to them 'you can be anyone you want to be', especially in these tough times.

"If you can have that opportunity to be that voice for somebody, then you should take it and try and spread a positive message on any sort of platform. That's my attitude.

"My ambition is to keep writing and keep getting my messages out there.

"If people enjoy my music, whether it's 25 people of 25,000 or even 25 million, then I'll be happy.

"I'd love to take this music career as far as I can.

"So far I'm enjoying the natural climbs my music is making, so long may it continue."

Check out the Olivia Deane Music dedicated page on Facebook.

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