Hello and welcome back to on repeat.
on repeat
This month is all about Olivia Dean. Her music is just like her - cool, effortless, catchy, and makes you want to walk/dance down the street like you’re in a music video. On the playlist this month I’ve included Dive, Ok Love You Bye and Reasons To Stay but all of her songs were contenders. Absolutely buzzing for the debut album which is coming out at the end of June - I’m calling the album of the summer now. I saw her open for Jordan Rakei at O2 Brixton Academy almost exactly a year ago and can confirm her live presence is just as good as the tracks. What a gem. Click the image below for this month’s playlist.
Rewind
This year is racing along and I can’t believe we’re halfway through May already. So much has happened since the last edition came out. Whistle-stop tour of my highlights include three days recording for a special project at Migration Studios, playing with my band at The Spice of Life and sharing the stage with some wonderful artists at PindropUK. Lowlights include having to cancel a gig because I was ill, but sometimes that’s just the way life goes.
The night performing at The Bedford, Balham for PindropUK was a special one. Thanks so much to Nat and Ollie who brought this event over to the UK from Nashville, and for creating such a supportive space for us to share our music. The other artists who performed were all incredible - find out more about them here and watch a snippet of my performance here!
Pause
When music is your profession it’s really easy to lose sight of why you wanted to pursue it in the first place (it’s definitely not the large paycheck). Recently, I’ve been rehearsing with friends in preparation for a friend’s wedding. We’re singing for their first dance and the rehearsal process has reminded me that the joy of singing with friends is unmatched. As a singer-songwriter so much work is done, for me anyway, sat at the piano alone. Looking back at my life though, everything I’ve enjoyed the most has been with other people - choirs, orchestras, a cappella groups, musicals - that’s where the fun is to be had. Music is personal, but for me, it’s always better shared. It’s been a good reminder to make sure I’m making music with other people, and that I don’t have to do everything myself - in fact it’s more fun if you don’t.
Fast-forward
My focus over the next few months is to take time for writing and recording. I have so much music ready to record but want to take my time and make sure it’s recorded when it’s ready and in the right way.
I’m super excited to join Flo Perlin, singing bvs and playing cello, for some of her upcoming gigs. It’s always a joy to play and sing her songs with her. She has a new album out later this year so make sure you’re following her for updates! New music also coming soon from Hannah Brine which I loved singing bvs and playing cello on. First look of her song Don’t dim your light is here.
Shuffle
Obsessed with this podcast, I went straight to find out my numerology number after the episode with Francesca Oddie (I’m a number nine by the way…)
I asked on the onrepeatcommunity Instagram for your favourite song at the moment. I loved the responses and I’ve added Day Dreaming by Aretha Franklin to this month’s playlist - thanks Cat :)
This baby goat is super cute.
Thanks so much for reading all the way to the end - you’re the best! If you’ve enjoyed this spring edition I’d love for you to share it with someone.
See you next month,
Imogen