Los Angeles-based pop-R&B artist Olivia Prado has officially unveiled her magnetic new single, “Up n Down.” Serving as the latest preview of her highly anticipated forthcoming EP, Dirty In The Sand (due out August 26), the track is a warm, infectious groove that beautifully encapsulates Prado’s signature blend of playful femininity and effortless confidence.
Unapologetic Femininity: Inspired by the Groove
“Up n Down” treats movement not just as a physical action, but as a vehicle for self-empowerment. The record highlights Prado’s rare ability to marry early-2000s mainstream nostalgia with the sleek, intimate design of contemporary underground R&B.
- The Apartment Sessions: The track was written entirely through physical intuition, composed while Prado was literally dancing around her living room to ensure the groove felt natural and undeniable.
- Sonic Reference Points: The record draws direct lineage from vocal titans like Beyoncé, Janet Jackson, and Mariah Carey, while seamlessly weaving in the electronic, minimalist textures of modern indie-pop visionaries Erika de Casier and Oklou.
- The Roadmap to the EP: Alongside her previous hit single “Temptation,” “Up n Down” serves as a foundational pillar for Dirty In The Sand, an EP built around the beautiful complexities of intimacy, joy, and womanhood.
“This song was inspired by movement, dance, and groove. 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.” — Olivia Prado
The Path of Radical Independence
Prado’s artistic identity is backed by profound personal resilience. Raised in California’s Bay Area, she spent her childhood immersed in musical theater from the age of five, writing original music by ten. However, a transformative period studying abroad in Sydney—coupled with the devastating loss of her father—fundamentally shifted her perspective, sparking a fire to pursue her creative dreams without compromise.
Over the past seven years, Prado has operated entirely as a fierce independent force. Following her 2024 debut album Liv Laugh Love, she continues to masterfully execute every facet of her brand alone—from songwriting and studio production to release strategy, marketing, and creative direction.