Modern-day bard Olivia Graham breathes new life into the ancient and mystical tales of the British Isles with her soft, haunting vocals and poetical lyrics. Hailing from York, a city world-renowned for its rich history and folklore, she combines storytelling and musicianship to weave a magical daydream for the listener.
Olivia’s musical adventure began early in 2013 when she wrote and recorded her first EP at the age of 19. Tracks from that record – On the Wings of a Dream – went on to be played on radio stations around the UK. She has since released a further five records (and counting!) and has performed around the UK, including at such festivals as Edinburgh Fringe and Celtic Connections. She recently appeared live in session on BBC Introducing.
Olivia has a BA Hons from the Guildford School of Acting, where she trained for three years as an actor-musician. While studying, her song ‘Morgan le Fay’ was runner-up in the Sir Richard Stilgoe Songwriting Competition, with Sir Richard himself calling her ‘a poet’.
The emphasis on storytelling through musicianship in Olivia’s career has often led her to work on theatre projects, most recently composing and performing the scores for touring Irish children’s show Tír na nÓg (Moonbeam Productions) and The Stranger (Bare Witness Theatre Company). She continues to write and musically direct for theatre and live events alongside her work as an independent singer-songwriter.
A multi-instrumentalist, Olivia plays fiddle, piano, Celtic harp, tin whistles, guitar and bodhrán. In addition to her solo work, she also performs as one quarter of Viking-inspired Scandi-folk band Bruni, with whom she enjoys making a noise on obscure historical instruments.
Discography
- Lavender & Chamomile (2024) Single
- The Bells of Jórvík (2023) Single
- Solstice (2021) Single
- Hey October (2020) Single
- In the Bleak Midwinter (2014) Single
- On the Wings of a Dream (2013) EP
As part of Bruni
- Kvidlingr (2024) EP
- Sulla Lulla (2023) Single