In an industry often polished to perfection, Olivia O’Brien stands out as a raw, unfiltered voice for those navigating the messy terrain of youth, love, and self-discovery. Born Olivia Gail O’Brien on November 26, 1999, in Thousand Oaks, California, the 25-year-old singer-songwriter has carved a niche with her piercing lyrics and soulful melodies. Her breakout hit, “i hate u, i love u,” a 2016 collaboration with Gnash, skyrocketed to number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped charts in Australia, introducing the world to a teenager who could articulate the ache of conflicted emotions with startling clarity. Since then, O’Brien has become a beacon for fans who find solace in her unapologetic honesty, transforming personal struggles into anthems that resonate universally.
O’Brien’s journey began long before her viral success. Raised in Napa, California, after moving from Thousand Oaks at a young age, she was immersed in music from childhood. By seven, she was singing and teaching herself guitar and piano, her left-handed dexterity hinting at the creative spark that would define her career. Her early years were marked by a Montessori education, which fostered individuality but also left her feeling like an outsider among peers. Bullied as a teenager for her social class and musical ambitions, O’Brien channeled her isolation into songwriting, starting at age 13. These formative experiences of rejection and resilience shaped her ability to craft lyrics that feel like pages torn from a diary, a quality that endears her to millions.
The catalyst for O’Brien’s rise was a serendipitous connection with Gnash, sparked by a SoundCloud cover she posted as a 15-year-old. Impressed by her raw talent, Gnash invited her to Los Angeles to record “i hate u, i love u,” a song she’d written as a voice memo. Released in March 2016, the track’s haunting melody and candid exploration of love’s contradictions struck a chord, earning quadruple-Platinum status in the U.S. The success led to a deal with Island Records, where O’Brien began to build her solo career. Her debut single, “Trust Issues,” dropped in August 2016, followed by “Root Beer Float” featuring Blackbear and “Find What You’re Looking For,” each showcasing her knack for blending pop, R&B, and emotional storytelling.
O’Brien’s music is often described as a soundtrack for life’s messier moments—heartbreak, self-doubt, and the search for identity. Her 2017 debut EP, It’s Not That Deep, introduced singles like “Empty,” “RIP,” and “No Love,” which tackled themes of betrayal and resilience with a maturity beyond her years. By 2019, her debut album, Was It Even Real?, solidified her as a force in pop, with tracks like “I Don’t Exist” and “Care Less More” reflecting her struggles with depression and societal pressures. Critics praised her ability to weave vulnerability with catchy hooks, while fans connected with her portrayal of teenage girlhood in a world obsessed with perfection. Collaborations with producers like Anton Hård and Teddy Geiger elevated her sound, proving she could hold her own alongside industry heavyweights.
In 2021, O’Brien pivoted to a bold new chapter with Episodes: Season 1, the first half of a planned second album. Featuring tracks like “Sociopath” and “No More Friends” with Oli Sykes, the project showcased her willingness to experiment with edgier sounds. However, she paused the release of Episodes: Season 2, opting to focus on standalone singles like “Bitch Back” with FLETCHER, released in 2022. This decision, shared candidly on the Zach Sang Show, reflected her desire to create without the pressure of a cohesive project. Her 2024 EPs, love & limerence and everywhere i go, there i am, further explored themes of romance and self-reflection, earning solid fan support with user scores of 59 and 60 on Album of the Year. O’Brien’s evolution highlights her commitment to authenticity over industry expectations.
Beyond her music, O’Brien’s openness about mental health has cemented her as a relatable figure. She’s spoken candidly about her eight-year battle with depression, emphasizing that her songs aren’t calculated to raise awareness but are genuine expressions of her emotions. “I just wanted to express my feelings,” she told tmrw magazine, noting how writing helps her process pain and move forward. This raw approach resonates with her 3 million monthly Spotify listeners, who see her as a friend who articulates their unspoken struggles. Her social media presence—active on Instagram, Twitter, and her website, oliviaobrienmusic.com—further bridges the gap, offering glimpses of her life, from her pet cat Luna to her love for trying new cuisines.
At 25, O’Brien is still navigating the complexities of fame and artistry. Her 2017 iHeartRadio Music Award nomination for Best Solo Breakout, though a loss to Zayn Malik, underscored her early impact. Outlets like Paper Magazine and NYLON have hailed her as a pop revolutionary, with The Coveteur calling her a playlist essential. Her music’s staying power lies in its universality—songs like “UDK” and “I Don’t Exist” critique social media’s superficiality while embracing the awkwardness of feeling out of place. As she told First Avenue, “We all feel this way,” a reminder that her vulnerability is her strength.
O’Brien’s influence extends beyond music into cultural commentary. Her lyrics challenge the curated facades of Los Angeles’ social scene, where she now resides, and reflect a generation grappling with authenticity in a digital age. Her collaboration with Island Records president David Massey, whom she credits for championing her artistry, has given her the freedom to experiment while staying true to her vision. Whether she’s writing poetry, as she does in her spare time, or penning her next hit, O’Brien’s process remains deeply personal, a therapeutic outlet that doubles as a lifeline for her fans.
As Olivia O’Brien continues to evolve, her trajectory points to a lasting legacy. With over a quarter-billion streams by 2018 and a growing discography that spans 46 releases, including 10 EPs and 35 singles, she’s proven her staying power. Her ability to turn pain into pop anthems, coupled with her refusal to conform, positions her as a voice for those who feel unseen. In a world that often demands perfection, O’Brien’s music is a reminder that it’s okay to be flawed, to feel deeply, and to tell the truth—no filter required.
- Email: neill@outloudculture.com
- Socials: @frazer.live
- @neill.outloud
