Los Angeles-based pop-R&B artist Olivia Prado returns with her latest single, “Up n Down,” offering another glimpse into her upcoming EP, Dirty In The Sand, arriving on August 26. Effortlessly blending infectious rhythms with empowering lyricism, the track showcases the warmth, confidence, and playful femininity that have become defining elements of Prado’s evolving sound.
Built around movement and undeniable groove, “Up n Down” captures the carefree energy of dancing without inhibition while encouraging listeners to embrace their own confidence.
“This song was inspired by movement, dance, and groove,” Prado shares. “I actually wrote it while dancing around my apartment. I wanted to create something that makes you feel confident and empowered without trying too hard. To me, it feels cool, stylish, and unapologetically feminine.”
Originally from California’s Bay Area and now calling Los Angeles home, Prado has carved out a distinctive lane by fusing the nostalgic appeal of early-2000s pop with the smooth intimacy of contemporary R&B. Drawing inspiration from legendary artists including Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, Rihanna, and Britney Spears, alongside modern innovators such as Erika de Casier and Oklou, she creates music that feels both timeless and refreshingly current. Her songs celebrate confidence, womanhood, self-expression, and the freedom to fully embrace one’s identity.
Music has been at the center of Prado’s life since childhood. She began performing in musical theater at just five years old, singing, dancing, and acting before writing her first original songs at age ten. A transformative year studying abroad in Sydney, combined with the profound loss of her father, reshaped her outlook and inspired her to pursue music with unwavering dedication. Over the past seven years, Prado has independently built her career, overseeing every creative and business aspect of her artistry—from songwriting and creative direction to release strategy, marketing, and visual storytelling.
Following the release of her 2024 debut album, Liv Laugh Love, Prado now turns the page with Dirty In The Sand, due out August 26. Featuring the previously released single “Temptation” alongside “Up n Down,” the EP explores the emotional highs, vulnerabilities, and complexities of love, intimacy, and self-discovery. Through polished production, rich R&B grooves, and irresistible pop melodies, the project further establishes Olivia Prado as one of the genre’s most compelling independent voices, balancing nostalgic influences with a modern perspective all her own.
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