Olivia Flenley (Vocals and Guitar)
Max Wilson (Piano)
Influences
the Earth, Jeff Buckley, Camille, Martha Wainwright, Bjork, The Blues, Lisa Knapp, Cole Porter, Feist, Tori Amos, The Beatles , Elliott Smith, Joni Mitchell, Simon and Garfunkle, various anglo-irish folk artists that young olivia was subjected to on many car journeys.
Sounds Like
Warming north-westerly winds bearing a hint of blues twirling through fairy-dwelling tree tops with a sprinkle of french stardust
'my voice seems to find sounds and melodies before i know how to sing them, it's as though my voice is a wise fairy godmother and guides me to new heights.'
TRutH is wiThIn YouRSeLF...
the seeker is mistaken to look outside, to money, to career, to status, when all that is needed is to respect your inner child
Already a passionate singer, my recording career began aged 5 on receipt of a brown Fisher Price tape recorder. I later progressed to flute and before long began expressing myself through improvisation, soon learning that my true desire was in my voice. On graduating from university I began a career in environmental education and ecology, whilst continuing to explore sounds that wanted to express themselves through voice and guitar. My first solo performance confirmed that music would have to take higher priority in my life, and since then I've performed regularly in and around London, and in Paris.
I believe the voice is the best expression of emotion, that is for me anyhow, as it is the most primitive channel through which we express ourselves right from the second we're born. And to turn those emotions into sound that touches people in some way is kind of like Alchemy; i like this magical potential.
I look forward to expanding my sound with other musicians. So if you're a double-bass player or guitarist or drummer and want to co-write, perform and explore new sounds with me, contact me and share what you've got. xox
What's been said about Olivia's music:
"Very occasionally someone comes along with a sound that is truly different and that is always and exciting discovery; Flenley is one of those aritst" Steve Wyatt, The Halfmoon, Putney, London.
hi olivia, i really love RISM, always go on your page and listen to it! how are you? i just got back from america was lots of fun. look forward to meeting up with you, max and steph after i'm back from the england tour at the end of the month xx
Hi Olivia thanks for gettin back..you know we are playing tomorrow if you want to come. Anyways,you have a lovely vibe to your music so good luck, Rice
Hi Olivia. It's great to hear from you. Bed Springs in 2008 has got off to a good start. I'm sorry to hear you've not been too well. We're having our 2 year anniversary on Fri 25th Jan if you fancy coming down and playing a few songs?
thanks so much for your encouragement!!! yeah im looking forward to playing again, i havent played for ages! im still exploring whats going on up here and saving for a new guitar so will record a new set of songs then start booking in some gigs. how are you doing are you playing much? x
Hi Olivia, good to hear from you! I'm good thanks, life is a bit slow up North and I haven't done a show since I was in London but am working on it! I'll be playing somewhere in London in the new year if not next month. How's your music going?
Hello you, I'm really glad you came too. Tree Cover was in my head for days afterwards! Thanks for your lovely comments on my song. Lets meet up very soon and do some music. Or go dancing. xx
Hallo. Right back atcha, lady. You helped me beyond belief. And because you're such a nice bashful person, I am certain you will wonder how. But believe me, in lots of ways. xxx
thank you so much! Enjoyed your sets very much too. Sounded great with Max. (sorry again about the piano transposition!) Lets have a proper catch up at the next gig. Justin
Salut Olivia j'espère que tu vas bien, merci pour ton petit message... Florence m'a dit qu'il y avait de bons retours pour le clip de Tree Cover, je suis contente ! Bonne continuation ! ;-) Joan.
Thanks for the Add! How was your gig at Birmingham last week? I am sure you were great! RISM must be a killer live song! Greetings from your friend in Madrid/Lisbon! Al
HELLO OLIVIA HOW ARE YOU ? YOUR VOICE WELL AND TRULY SHINES. HEAR YOU WERE IN PARIS WITH MAX. WAS HE WRITING MUSIC FOR SOME PLAY ? SOUNDS MAGICAL ! MAY BE COMING DOWN TO LONDON SOON. HOPE TO SEE YOU...KEEP SINGING BEAUTIFUL LADY. XXX
