Hey music lovers, happy new year! We're kicking off 2026 with some exciting news from the UK soul scene that's got me buzzing. If you're into that perfect blend of soulful singer-songwriter vibes, indie pop melodies, and a touch of adult contemporary warmth, then Olive Jones is about to become your new favorite. Today, January 9th, this rising star just dropped her powerful new single "Kingdom" alongside the big reveal of her debut album For Mary, set to land on March 13th via Nettwerk. Talk about starting the year strong!
Let's dive into "Kingdom" first because, wow—this track hits different. Olive's voice is pure honey, that gorgeous, blues-inflected tone that draws you in like she's confiding directly in you. The production is purposeful and emotionally charged, with a propulsive guitar riff driving the rhythm while her stunning vocals soar over it all. Lyrically, it's a political anthem born from her frustration with Brexit—the division, the arrogance, and that lingering search for hope and common ground in a fractured world. She calls out the "buffoon" behind it all, blending raw emotion with poetic flair. It's timely (sadly still relevant), reflective, and downright cathartic. If you've been craving music that feels personal yet universal, this is it. Stream "Kingdom" now—it's the kind of song that lingers long after it ends.
And the best part? This single comes hot on the heels of Olive announcing her full debut album For Mary. This record is shaping up to be a real statement piece, a cohesive tapestry of Olive's life stories woven into soul-drenched tracks. She describes it as a "quilt made from all those patches," with each song capturing a moment from her experiences. The titular "Mary" is inspired by mental health struggles—drawing from people close to her and that feeling of helplessness when you want to protect someone but can't always. Other highlights include groove-led tunes like "Planes," introspective gems like "Colour On The Wall," and the passionate "End of Time." Produced with James Wyatt (who's worked with George Ezra and Lianne La Havas), it blends classic jazz and soul influences with timeless themes of love, loss, and humanity.
Olive's background totally shines through here. Born in Dorset by the coast (idyllic but no real music scene), she grew up on a diet of Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, and Miles Davis thanks to her parents' killer taste. Now London-based, she's honed her craft touring with acts like Bombay Bicycle Club and collaborating with Gotts Street Park. Her sound—sumptuous, melody-driven, with those honey-drenched vocals—feels like a breath of fresh air in the ongoing British soul renaissance. We're seeing so many talented voices emerging, blending retro soul with modern indie pop edges, and Olive is right at the forefront, cementing herself as an essential new artist.
To top it off, she's hitting the road with a UK and EU headline tour in April—dates from Birmingham to Amsterdam, Berlin, Paris, and a big London show at EartH. Tickets are on sale now if you want to catch that captivating live energy.
Olive Jones is the real deal: mature, confident, and deeply empathetic songwriting wrapped in irresistible grooves. For Mary is going to be one of those debuts we look back on as a game-changer. Pre-save the album and stream "Kingdom" today—you won't regret it.
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What do you think of "Kingdom"? Does it hit home for you, or are you hyped for the full album? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I'd love to chat about this rising soul star!
