Two days after Charli XCX brought Brat Summer energy to 45,000 punters at Laneway Sydney, Olivia Dean – one of the festival’s more laid-back, soulful acts – stepped into the spotlight for a show of her own.
The Mercury Prize-nominated breakout star, fresh off conquering Glastonbury and Coachella in 2024, sold out the UNSW Roundhouse (with Melbourne’s Forum set for later this week). At just over 2,000 capacity, the venue felt comically small for her surging popularity. Some fans, who arrived early, were locked out, venting frustration after the last handful of tickets disappeared just an hour before doors.
“She’s massive in the UK, but no one knows her here,” a London-accented fan mused, bewildered by the venue choice. A friend had scored a last-minute ticket after catching Dean at Laneway the day before. “She just had to come.”
Dean’s show made one thing clear: next time, she’ll need a bigger venue.
She had an effortless warmth, sipping beer and giggling with her tight-knit band between songs. Draped in a baby blue vintage-style dress with fur trim, she channeled old Hollywood glamour. “I think this is my favourite dress I’ve ever worn,” she beamed.
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In the front row, fans already sported her merch with slogans like “it’s a gift to exist” – a fitting mantra for music that feels like a heart-to-heart with a close friend. Her setlist glided through everyday highs and lows: exes unfollowing you on Instagram (“Dangerously Easy”), swapping anxiety (“Everybody’s Crazy”) for self-belief (“Be My Own Boyfriend”), and drunken bathroom bonding with strangers (“Ladies Room”).
“Carmen” was the emotional core of the night, a tribute to Dean’s grandmother. “This one’s for my granny, who came to the UK when she was 18. I’m a product of her bravery. This song is for any immigrant… anyone brave enough to take a leap,” she said.
The show was a family affair, too. Dean’s parents were in the crowd, and she grinned as she shouted them out: “we’re as far from home as we could possibly be.”
But it was her early hits that tipped the night into something special. “Reason to Stay” and the self-affirming “The Hardest Part” earned thunderous applause, leaving Dean visibly moved.
“I’ll remember that forever. Thank you so much,” she said, her voice thick with gratitude.
The crowd also got a taste of what’s next. She unveiled the more rocking “Time”, performed acoustically, and an unreleased track called “Nice to Each Other”. “It’s a sweet little song I’m quite proud of,” she gushed.
Dean closed the night on a high with the jazzy love song “Dive”, leaving the crowd buzzing. It’s clear that Olivia Dean is already a star – Australia just needs to catch up.
