Olly Hite – Know What I Mean? (2022)
Influenced by the likes of Elton John, John Lennon, Billy Joel, Norah Jones and Alicia Keys, one would imagine Olly Hite to have a soul-tinted, pop meets blues sound – and you’d be right. Hailing from the UK, singer-songwriter Olly Hite is making a name for himself on a global scale. Performances at Hollywood’s Hotel Café and London’s Hard Rock Café are met with features on Lost In The Manor, Atwood Magazine, Clout, Vents Magazine and Motion News. The latest addition to his critically acclaimed discography is the single ‘Know What I Mean?’
Described by The Telegraph as having “…beautiful mellow blue-eyed soul…”, Olly Hite can ensnare your senses and calm you with his charming sound. Following the well-received track ‘Lioness’, ‘Know What I Mean?’ is a delicate fusion of blues, soul and pop. Sprinkling upbeat pop tones across a vintage blues arrangement, ‘Know What I Mean?’ is both fresh and familiar with a genre-defying style. A sensual smoothness is heard in Racheal Wood’s guitar, but the underlying piano acts as a sentimental anchor in the track.
While the melodic arrangement can hold its own tipping you into a kaleidoscopic sonic whirlpool, it is the vocals that add an extra bluesy oomph to the track. Olly Hite’s lead vocals are soothing but also retain a rich gruffness that is quite distinctive. The warmth of his dulcet tones is backed by Lorna Osborne’s powerful voice. An almost Aretha Franklin backing up John Legend is heard in ‘Know What I Mean?’, and I love it!
Described by Hite as a “…refreshing stomping hooky happy indie/pop anthem…”, ‘Know What I Mean?’ is a blast of awesomeness to break the daily grind. This is my introduction to Olly Hite, and I would highly recommend him to anyone.
For more from Olly Hite check out his Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
