WHO IS SHE?
Manchester music’s latest – and surely finest – exponent of chill-hop. First emerging on the local scene around 12 months ago, singer-songwriter/producer Olares made an instant impression with her beguiling hybrid sound: a mix of hip-hop beats with the soothing ambience of chill-out. If that formula sounds a tad contrived, don’t worry. Olares' debut EP, released earlier this summer, showcased a songwriter whose work is defined by her deep warmth and emotion heft. Propelled by jazzy keyboards, electronica flourishes and – most crucially – Olares' beautifully understated vocals, her songs should appeal as much to mainstream pop fans as to followers of more experimental, leftfield hip-hop. Make sure you catch her at next week’s ILuvLive showcase at Gullivers before she’s headlining much bigger venues.
FOR FANS OF
Erykah Badu, J Dilla, LayFullStop, NAO.
MAKE A DATE
Olares plays Gullivers as part of the ILuvLive showcase on Wednesday, September 18. Listen to tracks at soundcloud.com/deeolares
