Olivia Dean Re-Shares The Beautiful 'The Hardest Part' With Leon Bridges

As people, we’re constantly growing and at times, we outgrow people whether that’s close friends, romantic partners or situations. ‘The Hardest Part’ confronts this idea by exploring the conflicting feelings that come with growth and its own form of grief.

Melancholic and sensitive Olivia has one of those generational voices that grounds you into her world, whilst simultaneously lifting you up. She offers up her space and brings you close as she details her experiences.

There are feelings of loss explored from the track but also the sense of finding something new in one’s self as Olivia’s soulful vocals against a warm laid-back production of just snare drums and a baseline leave you reeling.

The name Olivia Dean has steadily been gaining weight over the last three years since the original ‘The Hardest Part’ was released.

Olivia says, “I can’t believe the hardest part came out 3 years ago!! This song really changed my life and holds a special place in my heart. I put together a little EP to celebrate her, featuring a very special guest Mr Leon Bridges. I am such a big fan! I can’t believe we’re on a song together. Big life moment for me :)”

The original version of ‘The Hardest Part’ has been streamed over 117 million times and has now been renditioned to feature fellow old soul Leon Bridges who warmly lends his voice to the track.

Speaking about the collaboration Leon says “The first time I heard ‘The Hardest Part’, it hit me as a 'one-listen' record. Just has that instant classic feel. Olivia paints such a beautiful world with the song and I’m honoured she asked me to join it."

We’ve been blessed with stunning live performances from her sold-out tour of the UK and Europe, including headline shows at London’s KOKO and Roundhouse, where she sings alongside her live band. She also recently appeared on the Jools Holland show performing ‘Dive’.

Feeling like a full circle moment, ‘The Hardest Part’ comes at a time when the Londoner’s debut album Messy will be released later this month.

This a project that will provide a fuller picture of who Oliva Dean is, will be and was as we experience the thoughts and feelings of the girl from Walthamstow.

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