Oli XL has finally unveiled new music, ending a period of anticipation and frustration for fans. He previously hinted at a lengthy creative process, describing himself as ”writing rewriting & rerewriting an album.”
Recently, the artist publicly expressed concerns that his label, Warp Records, was hindering the release of his work.On August 27th, he promised a release at 3 p.m. U.K. time, whether officially or through a leak.
Surprisingly, the release came officially, but not as a single. Rather,Oli dropped a seven-track project titled Lick the lens – Pt. 1.The new songs boast an extraordinary roster of collaborators, including Ecco2K, Chanel Beads, james K, Ouri, and Valeria Litvakov. According to his Warp records artist page, this release is the first in a multi-part series.
Oli has a clear vision for how this music will be experienced. he stated,”No singles!!!” and explained his decision to release the album in episodes. He’s inspired by the K-pop mini-album format, aiming to create “a perfect little world to step into” with each installment.
Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:
A Prolonged process: The album wasn’t created overnight; it was the result of extensive refinement.
Label Concerns: Oli openly discussed challenges with his label regarding the release of his music.
Unexpected Format: Fans expected a single, but received a full EP rather.
Collaborative Spirit: The project features a diverse range of exciting artists.
Episodic Release: Lick the Lens* will unfold in multiple parts, offering a deeper dive into Oli’s artistic world.
You can now enjoy the music video for “Love & Pop” and stream the entire project. This release marks a meaningful moment for Oli XL and a fresh chapter for his fans. I’ve found that this approach-releasing music in episodes-builds anticipation and allows for a more immersive experience.
Here’s what works best for artists looking to connect with their audience: clarity and a willingness to share the creative journey. Oli’s openness about the challenges he faced and his vision for the project is a testament to that.
