This month, I met writer, spoken word artist, and brand language specialist Olly Davy – chatting about the power of words, Pedro the pirate, and writing for an audience.
Tell us a bit about yourself – where are you from and what do you do?
I’m a writer, a spoken word artist, and a brand language specialist. I’m originally from London and I’ve been living with my family in Frome, Somerset since 2019.
This is a bit grandiose, but I consider my purpose to be helping foster human connection and understanding through the power of words. I do that in a business context with workshops, writing, and coaching.
I also run a live poetry and storytelling event called Dirty Laundry (@DLPoetryNights on Instagram) and I perform poetry and stories around fires, under the stars, in pubs and theatres, and wherever I can.
I juggle different strands that are increasingly coming into alignment around uncorking the magic of language and not taking it for granted. I think about how poetry and story can not only improve brand writing, but also help us become more creative, better at problem solving, bond teams, develop empathy and emotional intelligence.
Call me naive, call me idealistic, but I believe the humanities have a lot to offer in solving our most intractable problems. In this age of AI, my approach is to double down on the human. Everything we write is designed to be read, watched or listened to by a human. That’s my priority: helping people – organisations, leaders, individuals – find their voice and tell their stories, from the page to the stage.
Where did your love of words come from?
My earliest wordy memories are the made-up stories my dad told me at bedtime. Pedro the pirate who was a waiter by day and a pirate at night. Simon and Jim, two friends on wild adventures. He riffed off the cuff and the stories went on for weeks. I’ve kept that up with my kids – running a big foamy bath and letting my imagination go wild.
English was always my favourite subject. I was an MC and rapper in my teens and twenties. My grandfather was a journalist. I’ve spent several years as a travel writer, and the structure, research and rigour of copywriting draws very much on the journalistic discipline. So I feel like I’m honouring my ancestors by following this path.
I also vividly remember the thrill of the library. Taking my library card and walking on my own down to that cool, quiet space with the big shelves. Pulling out The Guns of Navarone or the Hardy Boys. The independence of choosing your own stories and where they might take you, wow.
What made you join 26? And how long have you been a member?
I’ve been a member for close to 10 years. I was introduced by my father-in-law, Jamie Jauncey, one of the Dark Angels and a close friend of John Simmons. As a copywriter, I’ve always been freelance, never worked in a company or agency; lone wolfing. I’ve not always been a great networker, so I was thrilled to discover a community full of amazing people where creativity is unleashed, not constrained like it often is in in the world of marketing. These days I really lean into my network and love making new connections – you don’t have to do everything alone!
Have you been involved in any 26 projects?
Yes, loads. 26 Twits (Roald Dahl inspired, 2016) was my first time working in schools – dressing up as a crocodile and terrifying the children. 26 Armistice, exploring the life of my great-grandfather who fought in World War I on the German side. 26 Postcodes, revisiting my misspent youth in Liverpool. 26 Lies. A Common Place – the lockdown project. 26 Pledges, writing about a local community garden in Frome. 26 Prints, partnering with Eames Fine Art. I haven’t done one for a while, but I’ve loved every one. The variety, collaborations, and exposure to other people’s work is always inspiring.
What’s your ideal scenario for writing?
First thing in the morning. I often start with poetry or stories before my kids or my wife, Ellie, gets up. A pot of sencha green tea and then I’m scribbling away. A creative writing session early doors sets me up for a good day. Mornings are when the juices flow. Afternoons are for meetings, calls, admin.
I work at home and in a shared studio. Noise-cancelling headphones on, classical or instrumental house music. No lyrics. I also love writing on trains – the rhythm and movement makes the words flow.
What are you working on at the moment?
I’m now hosting online Dirty Laundry poetry workshops with inspiring spoken word artists. In May we had Luke Wright. On 4th June we’ve got Jonny Fluffypunk. 75 minutes of creative provocation and writing prompts. No feedback, no pressure. Just a chance to get out of your own way and give your creativity a kick up the butt. Whether you like poetry or not, come along. It’ll be fun. (More info here…)
I’m also preparing a set for a big show on 8th July at the Memorial Theatre as part of Frome Festival in collaboration with the Crysse Morrison Prize for Poetry.
And I’m working on my new website. It’s a big evolution from the last one, establishing my new position. Brand language, yes – tone of voice specialism, general copywriting – but also running workshops and creative facilitation. Helping individuals and teams solve problems. Combining my writing and performance experience, especially for pitches, presentations and public speaking. I can help write a great pitch, a brilliant speech, or a team presentation. But I can also help you deliver it – with heart and gravitas – thanks to my performance background.
I’m excited about my own creative development and how that feeds into my coaching and organisational work. It’s not just what poetry can do for branding. It’s what it can do for you as a human being. I feel like we need that right now.
Could you tell us about a piece of writing you’re particularly proud of?
Recently I performed at Tongue Fu in Bristol – poetry with backing from a live band who improvise the music based on the brief you give them about the flow and emotions of the piece. It was such a rush.
The piece I did was a take on the joys, chaos, and contradictions of being a father. It draws on hip hop rhythms but also has quiet, reflective moments. It’s vulnerable and humorous and is really, I think, about me facing challenges and trying to embrace change.
I’m finding my voice in a space where men often don’t talk. I’m not a marginalised voice – I’m a white, middle-aged, straight man – but communicating our lived experience is vital. I’m proud I’m doing that.
On the client side, I’m proud of my recent work with Somer, a local Somerset brand revolutionising the furniture industry. I worked with the founder to develop their verbal identity. Working with purpose-driven companies that want to improve the world – that’s my sweet spot.
Where do you get your inspiration?
Everywhere and anywhere. I keep my phone handy for voice notes and carry a notebook. Once you open the floodgates, it comes from all directions.
My wife Ellie is a constant inspiration to me – her energy, her creativity, her successful online art class business Still Flower Drawing. My kids, their bonkers imaginations and off-the-wall use of language.
I run Path to the Stage workshops, helping people find their creative voice through writing exercises, improv, getting out of their comfort zone. We did a food tasting game recently with five plates of flavoursome edible things like ginger, sugar snap peas, raisins, and so on. When you give it full attention, using all your senses and taking your time, a single raisin becomes extraordinary. For me, inspiration is about intention and putting the work in. Pay attention and the world offers itself to you.
- Find me: https://ollydavy.com/
- Get in touch: hello@ollydavy.com
- Get a taste of Dirty Laundry: @DLPoetryNights on Instagram