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Artist
Olly Alexander (Years & Years)
12+ albums
popelectronicEurovisiondanceindie
about
Oliver Alexander Thornton (born 15 July 1990), known professionally as Olly Alexander, is an English singer, actor and LGBT activist. He rose to prominence as the lead singer of the pop band Years & Years, who achieved two number-one albums on the UK Albums Chart, a number-one single, and five top ten entries on the UK Singles Chart. Between 2021 and 2023, he continued to release music under the name until their dissolution in 2024. Alexander represented the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in Malmö, Sweden, with his song "Dizzy", which marked his first release under his name; in the grand finale, he finished in 18th place with 46 points. Music career Years & Years formed in 2010, with Alexander joining the band as lead vocalist after member Mikey Goldsworthy heard him singing in the shower and liked his voice. Their debut single "I Wish I Knew" was released in July 2012 on the Good Bait label, with the band performing as a five-piece group. In 2013, the group signed a deal with the French label Kitsuné as a three-piece and released their second single, called "Traps", in September 2013, which achieved support from Radio 1 and Radio 6, as well as many online publications such as The Guardian and The Fader. "Traps" also features on Kitsuné Maison's 15th compilation. The band released their second single "Real" on Kitsuné and iTunes in February 2014. The music video featured an appearance from Alexander's Peter and Alice co-star, Ben Whishaw, and former M
why this is interesting
# On Olly Alexander's Solo Work This debut solo venture arrives as a significant inflection point, marking Alexander's transition from band frontman to individual artist while maintaining the sonic sophistication Years & Years cultivated. What distinguishes the work is its willingness to balance personal vulnerability with expansive production—exploring identity and connection without sacrificing the craftsmanship that defined earlier work. The songs demonstrate a deepened introspection, examining how individual experience intersects with broader cultural moments. Alexander's voice, now unshared as the sole focal point, reveals new textural subtleties. Listeners drawn to pop music that engages thoughtfully with its own moment—rather than retreating into nostalgia—will find
