© Jordan Naheesi
Olivia Prado is a Los Angeles-based singer and songwriter blending the nostalgia of early-2000s pop with the intimacy and groove of contemporary R&B. Her upcoming EP Dirty In The Sand explores love, intimacy, self-discovery, and the messiness of opening yourself up to others. Moving from playful flirtation to vulnerability, doubt, and heartbreak, the six-track project captures Prado embracing both the excitement and uncertainty that come with taking emotional risks. We caught up with Olivia to talk about creating the EP independently, embracing vulnerability without losing your sense of self, and building a world that's as playful and empowering as the music.
The B-Side Hour: Your new EP is called Dirty In The Sand. It's a title that feels playful at first, but you've mentioned that it is also about "getting messy with life." What made it the right title for this project?
Olivia Prado: Creating, making music, and organizing and packaging yourself as an artist feels messy as hell—but once you get through the mess, it's so fulfilling. I liked that Dirty In The Sand could feel hot and sexy, but also raw and emotional, which is exactly what the music conveys.
The B-Side Hour: Following your debut album Liv Laugh Love, what do you feel Dirty In The Sand reveals about you that listeners hadn't seen before?
Olivia Prado: I think I've gotten more comfortable trusting my instincts and feel like I'm really owning my lane more. I'm performing with my chest, haha, and really leaning into what makes my sound mine. There's also more vulnerability within this project, which makes it feel like a more complete picture of me.
"I think vulnerability and empowerment can exist at the same time"
The B-Side Hour: With your latest single "Up n Down", you spoke about wanting to create something that "makes you feel confident and empowered." How important was it that Dirty In The Sand explored not only romantic relationships, but also your relationship with yourself? How did you balance the two throughout the EP?
Olivia Prado: Super important! Ultimately, when we're talking about relationships and who we are within them, self-worth is really at the center of it. Even in the more vulnerable songs, I wanted to maintain that sense of self. I try to write honestly about doubt, heartbreak and insecurity without becoming self-deprecating. I think vulnerability and empowerment can exist at the same time.
The B-Side Hour: The EP begins in a playful, flirtatious place before gradually becoming more vulnerable, culminating with "Is It Enough." Was that emotional progression something you envisioned from the beginning, or did it naturally reveal itself as you wrote?
Olivia Prado: It naturally revealed itself, and I'm really happy it did. I love that it emerged without ever feeling forced. When I look at the project as a whole now, that progression from confidence and excitement into something more uncertain and introspective is actually one of my favorite things about it.
The B-Side Hour: Your music blends early-2000s pop and contemporary R&B. What drew you to that combination, and how does it best reflect who you are as an artist?
Olivia Prado: I've always loved the soulfulness of R&B and the big, anthemic nature of pop. The combination of the two feels like my most euphoric days and always has, haha. It's the music I grew up on, so it's really in my bones at this point. I listen to a lot of alternative music, singer-songwriters and other genres too, but when I'm making music, those early influences tend to come out naturally.
"I still go back to what music made me feel like as a little kid, and I try to hang onto that as much as possible"
The B-Side Hour: That early-2000s influence gives the EP a nostalgic atmosphere while still feeling rooted in today's pop and R&B landscape. Were there any particular artists or records, from then or now, that helped shape the world of Dirty In The Sand?
Olivia Prado: Creating the project, I wasn't actively referencing certain artists or records. I let my influences speak through me naturally and subconsciously as much as possible. At the same time, it's been important for me to understand where I fit in the current music landscape. I look to artists like Kehlani, Zara Larsson, Lolo Zouaï and Thuy—not necessarily as sonic references, but as examples of artists finding their own space between pop and R&B.
The B-Side Hour: That nostalgic feeling also seems to extend beyond sound. Dirty In The Sand draws on childhood memories, a time when you discovered your passion for music and performance. How much do you think those early experiences still shape the artist you've become?
Olivia Prado: I think they're the bread and butter of my artistry. I still go back to what music made me feel like as a little kid, and I try to hang onto that as much as possible. Music made me feel electric, alive and wondrous. I felt like a little diva listening to music in my room, and I think I still carry some of that attitude into my music, lol.
The B-Side Hour: You've built your career independently, taking on everything from songwriting and creative direction to visuals and marketing. How has wearing so many hats changed the way you think about yourself as an artist?
Olivia Prado: I think it's empowered me to operate more from a business standpoint and look at things more strategically, instead of just throwing caution to the wind all the time and hoping the music does all the work. I think it's also made my artistry stronger because I have a fingerprint in every little thing I do. I've had to develop a lot of skills beyond just the music.
"I had to let myself fully commit to that attitude without getting self-conscious about it"
The B-Side Hour: You've been performing since you were five years old, through singing, dancing, and musical theatre. How do you envision translating the world of Dirty In The Sand into a live setting?
Olivia Prado: I love this question. I'd love to create an immersive experience around the project. A thematic live performance that's sophisticated and sexy but fun and jamming. Cocktails, chic outfits, combined with childlike play. Me and my friends love to throw themed parties a few times a year so I'd love to just create something super cute with my girls.
The B-Side Hour: The idea of "getting your hands dirty" is ultimately about taking risks. Looking back on this project, what do you think was the biggest risk you took?
Olivia Prado: Probably "Turn Me On" as a whole. It's braggadocious, there are some almost rap-like flows, and the whole performance is just really bold. I had to let myself fully commit to that attitude without getting self-conscious about it. Even the title feels like a little bit of a risk—I'm sure some of my family is going to be like, "Oh..." LOL. But whateva!
Stream or purchase Dirty In The Sand