With “Made Friends,” Olivia Cox steps confidently into 2026 with a single that feels both emotionally grounded and quietly ambitious. Set for release on 16 January, the track captures the tension of modern life—its speed, uncertainty, and constant recalibration—while wrapping those themes in an accessible, addictive pop framework. Produced by Aaron Brennan in Northern Ireland, “Made Friends” balances atmosphere and momentum with impressive restraint. There’s an ethereal softness at its core, but it’s never passive. Instead, the song moves like water itself—swelling, receding, and surging forward—mirroring the central metaphor of struggle and survival. The beat is infectious without overpowering the narrative, allowing Olivia’s vocal to remain the emotional anchor throughout. Cox leans into acceptance rather than defeat. The song doesn’t dramatise hardship for effect; instead, it reflects the quieter, more relatable reality of learning to live alongside disappointment, ambition, and unmet expectations. The idea of “making friends” with struggle is both disarming and resonant, giving the track a philosophical edge that elevates it beyond surface-level pop.
Olivia draws from a lineage of soulful storytellers—there are hints of Amy Winehouse’s emotional honesty alongside a melodic sensibility shaped by classic songwriting traditions. Yet her delivery remains distinctly her own: poised, expressive, and confident enough to let subtlety do the heavy lifting. Each dynamic shift feels intentional, keeping listeners engaged without relying on excess. What makes “Made Friends” stand out is its balance of craft and feeling. It’s catchy, yes—but it’s also thoughtful. The song understands that modern pop listeners crave more than hooks; they want connection, reflection, and authenticity. In that sense, this single feels like a statement of intent, signalling a bold new chapter in Olivia Cox’s evolving sound.
As she looks ahead to recording an EP in Berlin and further live performances later in the year, “Made Friends” positions Olivia Cox as an artist worth watching—one who isn’t afraid to sit with complexity, turn it into melody, and invite listeners along for the journey.
English