Meet Olivia Marsh, rising K-pop star and sister of New Jeans’ Danielle: the Korean-Australian singer started out penning tunes for BoA and Kep1er and says she has ‘a passion for EDM’
Newcomer Olivia Marsh is no stranger to K-pop – she’s the older sister of New Jeans’ Danielle, and has already collaborated with artists including BoA and Kep1er
With a passion for music and a talent for writing her own songs, singer-songwriter Olivia Marsh recently made her debut with the single “42”. The Korean-Australian songstress is coming in hot as the first act signed to Warner Music Korea’s new global division, MPLIFY.
In a statement announcing her debut, she shared her excitement at the opportunity to share her music with a wider audience. “I am delighted to sign with MPLIFY and to work with such a warm, passionate and innovative team. I am grateful for their support and kindness, and I am excited to begin my journey with them. I can’t wait to share my music with you all.”
The singer made her first onstage appearance as a singer-songwriter at the SXSW Sydney showcase, a homage to her Australian roots.
Road to stardom
Born in Newcastle, Australia, Marsh’s family moved to South Korea when she was 10. Having loved music since childhood, Marsh reveals that creating songs is a way for her to express herself. “Music matters to me because I feel music can kind of create a feeling and emotion you cannot replicate in any other way,” Marsh said in a recent YouTube short. “It helps people bond with each other, and it’s a way I connect with my family and friends.”
She later returned to Australia to pursue a music education at the University of Melbourne, with a focus on interactive composition. It was during those college years that Marsh honed her music-writing skills.
She describes her music style as a mix of R&B and pop with a bit of EDM thrown in. “I have such a passion for EDM and the way it makes you feel,” she told Women in Pop. “But I also grew up listening to a lot of John Denver and classical music. So I feel like my roots lie in those singers that I grew up listening to.”
A writer at heart
Her writing talent was recognised before her singing career took off.
She’s collaborated with producers and artists, composing songs including BoA’s “Emptiness” and Kep1er’s “Lovestruck”.
She’s also written and composed a handful of tracks for other musicians. While the single “42” marks her debut as a solo artist, her first song was featured on the soundtrack of K-drama Hide, released in March 2024. She recorded the track under the name Gyuna.