Oliver Tree Biography: Age, Height, Girlfriend, Career, Albums, Net Worth, Songs & Facts

Oliver Tree is an American singer-songwriter, rapper, producer, and filmmaker who turned internet absurdity into a globally recognized brand. Known for his deadpan comedy, oversized JNCO jeans, and a bowl cut that became his trademark before its dramatic retirement, Tree has built a career that blurs the line between music and performance art. From viral SoundCloud hits to a major-label debut, a Guinness World Record, and now an independent fourth album, the Santa Cruz native has proven that being weird can be wildly profitable. Now 32 and operating his own label, he enters 2026 as a fully independent artist with a fiercely loyal fanbase and billions of streams to his name.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Oliver Tree Nickell was born on June 29, 1993, in Santa Cruz, California, into a family of performers. His parents, Ethan and Dominica Nickell, were both acrobats who traveled with a circus, exposing Oliver to a nomadic, theatrical upbringing . He grew up alongside two siblings, Humphrey and Donne, in a household that valued creativity and physical performance .

Tree showed musical promise almost preternaturally early. He began taking piano lessons at age three and had reportedly written an album by age six . During his childhood, he was part of what he has described as the “deal pickle family circus,” traveling frequently . A formative tragedy struck when his cousin died from injuries sustained in a severe accident during Tree’s middle school years; the loss deeply influenced the dark, death-obsessed humor that would later define his music videos and visual aesthetic .

He attended Harbor High School in Santa Cruz, where he DJ’d hip-hop and electronic music events and recorded rap tracks with a group called Mindfuck under the alias Kryph . After high school, he enrolled at San Francisco State University to study business administration and later attended the California Institute of the Arts to study music technology .

Career Journey

Early Independent Work and Hiatus (2010–2016)

Tree launched his solo career in 2010 under the name Tree, self-releasing his debut album Splitting Branches in 2013 . He signed briefly with R&S Records and released the EP Demons in 2013, but then took a hiatus to focus on his studies . During this period, he also worked at Target stocking shelves to support himself .

Viral Breakthrough and Atlantic Records (2016–2018)

In 2016, Tree’s collaboration with producer Whethan, “When I’m Down,” went viral on SoundCloud, bringing him to the attention of major labels . He signed with Atlantic Records in 2017 and adopted the persona that would make him famous: the bowl cut, the oversized sunglasses, the JNCO jeans, and the deadpan delivery .

He released the Alien Boy EP in February 2018, with the title track becoming a cult hit . The accompanying music videos, which he wrote and co-directed, established his signature blend of comedy, stunt work, and melancholy.

Ugly Is Beautiful and Mainstream Success (2019–2021)

Tree spent 2018 and 2019 releasing a string of singles—“Hurt,” “Fuck,” “Miracle Man,” and “Cash Machine”—that would form his debut studio album . Ugly Is Beautiful was finally released on July 17, 2020, after multiple pandemic-related delays . The album peaked at No. 14 on the Billboard 200 and reached No. 1 on the Alternative Albums chart .

In 2021, he released “Life Goes On,” which became his biggest solo hit to date, earning hundreds of millions of streams and cracking the Billboard Hot 100 . He also collaborated with Russian rave group Little Big on the EP Welcome to the Internet .

Cowboy Tears and the Moscow Move (2022)

On February 18, 2022, Tree released his second studio album, Cowboy Tears, which peaked at No. 7 on Billboard’s Alternative Albums chart . Around this time, he revealed that he had relocated to Moscow, Russia, shaved his iconic bowl cut, and was embracing a new creative chapter . He stated, “I no longer live in America and no longer have a bowl cut. I’ve spent the last 4 months in Moscow, Russia where I now call home. I’ve never been happier, healthier and more inspired” .

Alone in a Crowd (2023)

His third album, Alone in a Crowd, arrived on September 29, 2023, supported by singles like “Bounce,” “One & Only,” and “Fairweather Friends” . While it received mixed critical reviews, it continued his streak of charting alternative records and sold-out tours .

Independence and Love You Madly, Hate You Badly (2025–2026)

In October 2025, Tree released “Superhero” as the lead single for his fourth album . On April 9, 2026, he announced that Love You Madly, Hate You Badly would be released on April 24, 2026, and revealed that he had left Atlantic Records to release the project independently through his own imprint, Alien Boy Records . The move marked a significant shift in his career, giving him full creative and financial control after nearly a decade on a major label.

Career Stats & Milestones

Personal Life

Family Background

Tree comes from a family of circus performers. His parents, Ethan and Dominica Nickell, worked as acrobats, instilling in him a comfort with physical performance and theatricality that would later define his music videos and live shows . He has two siblings, Humphrey and Donne .

Relationships

Tree’s most public relationship was with singer-songwriter Melanie Martinez. The couple began dating in 2019 and went public with affectionate photos, including a kiss in a cornfield that became iconic among fans . Martinez dedicated her song “High School Sweethearts” to him during her K-12 Tour . However, by mid-2020, fans noticed they had unfollowed each other and deleted photos, sparking breakup rumors . On May 12, 2021, Martinez confirmed via Instagram that they had split but remained on good terms; Tree reposted her statement .

In September 2023, Tree reiterated in an interview with Anthony Padilla that the breakup was mutual and amicable, and he spoke about the toll that online harassment from some fans took on his mental health . As of 2026, he is single and not publicly linked to anyone.

Move to Russia

In early 2022, Tree announced he had moved to Moscow, Russia, where he lived for an extended period . While the exact timeline of his residence has fluctuated, the move was driven by creative inspiration and a desire for change. He has since maintained a lower public profile regarding his exact location.

Controversies

Tree has largely avoided major legal or professional scandals, though he has been the subject of online controversy.

Melanie Martinez Breakup Rumors

Following his split from Martinez, unverified allegations circulated on platforms like TikTok claiming Tree had been emotionally abusive during the relationship . These claims have never been substantiated by either party. Both Tree and Martinez have publicly maintained that the breakup was mutual and friendly, with Martinez explicitly asking fans in 2023 to stop spreading false information and leave Tree alone .

Industry and Legal Spats

In late 2024 and early 2025, Tree was involved in a public dispute related to a “slime lawsuit” and tensions with fellow artists, including comments about Diplo that hinted at potential legal action . Details remain murky, but Tree addressed the conflicts on podcasts, framing them with his characteristic comedic spin.

Label Departure

His 2026 exit from Atlantic Records was described as a move toward independence, though some industry observers speculated about creative differences given his increasingly experimental direction .

Awards & Achievements

• Guinness World Record – World’s largest kick scooter (May 2020)
• Billboard Alternative Albums No. 1 – Ugly Is Beautiful (2020)
• Billboard Hot 100 – “Life Goes On” (2021)
• Multi-Platinum Streaming Certifications – Multiple singles across RIAA and international bodies
• Viral Sensation – “When I’m Down” (2016); “Miss You” with Robin Schulz (2022) peaked at No. 3 in the UK

Physical Statistics

Quotes

“I no longer live in America and no longer have a bowl cut. I’ve spent the last 4 months in Moscow, Russia where I now call home. I’ve never been happier, healthier and more inspired to make incredible art.”
— On his 2022 move to Russia

“Can you guys do me a favor and leave @olivertree alone. Please be nice, and stop spreading false information. I already told you guys we ended things mutually years ago and on good terms.”
— Melanie Martinez, defending Tree from online harassment, August 2023

“I’ve made the greatest album of my life.”
— On Cowboy Tears, 2022

Favorites

• Hometown: Santa Cruz, California
• Current Base: Moscow, Russia
• Fashion: JNCO jeans, oversized vintage clothing, bucket hats
• Transportation: Scooters (holds a Guinness World Record)
• Collaborators: Whethan, Robin Schulz, Little Big, David Guetta
• Hobbies: Stunt scooter riding, directing music videos, deadpan comedy

Earnings

Oliver Tree’s net worth is estimated between $4 million and $12 million as of 2026, depending on the source. Celebrity Net Worth places his fortune at $4 million , while other outlets cite figures as high as $12 million . His income derives from:

His 2026 move to Alien Boy Records means he now retains a significantly larger share of his recording and publishing revenue than under his Atlantic deal.

Interesting Facts

• Tree began taking piano lessons at age three and wrote his first album by age six .
• He worked at Target stocking shelves before his music career took off .
• He set a Guinness World Record in 2020 for the world’s largest kick scooter, which he later crashed in a YouTube video .
• He directed and co-directed nearly all of his music videos, blending his love of filmmaking with music .
• His stage name “Little Ricky ZR3” is an alter ego used for certain comedic and musical projects .
• He has collaborated with Robin Schulz (“Miss You”), David Guetta (“Here We Go Again”), Diplo (“Ultraman”), and Russian rave icons Little Big .
• His song “Miss You” with Robin Schulz peaked at No. 3 on the UK Official Singles Chart and spent 28 weeks in the top 10 .

Did You Know Already?

• Tree’s bowl cut was so iconic that its 2022 retirement made headlines among fans.
• He released his fourth album, Love You Madly, Hate You Badly, on April 24, 2026, marking his first fully independent release .
• He and Melanie Martinez were featured together in the October 2019 issue of Alternative Press, where Martinez served as guest editor .
• His “Alien Boy” persona and EP title became the namesake for his independent label, Alien Boy Records .
• Despite his comedic persona, Tree has spoken openly about how online harassment from fans affected his mental health during and after his high-profile relationship .

Social Media Links

• Instagram: @olivertree (verified)
• TikTok: @olivertree (14M+ followers)
• YouTube: Oliver Tree (5M+ subscribers)
• X/Twitter: @Olivertree
• Facebook: @OliverTreemusic
• Official Website: olivertreemusic.com

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Oliver Tree?
Oliver Tree was born on June 29, 1993, making him 32 years old as of 2026.

What is Oliver Tree’s real name?
His full name is Oliver Tree Nickell (also reported as Oliver David Tree Nicholson in some sources) .

How tall is Oliver Tree?
He stands at 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) .

Who is Oliver Tree’s ex-girlfriend?
He dated singer-songwriter Melanie Martinez from 2019 to 2021. They broke up on mutual terms .

What is Oliver Tree’s net worth?
Estimates range from $4 million to $12 million as of 2026 .

Why did Oliver Tree shave his head?
He shaved his iconic bowl cut in 2022 as part of a creative reinvention tied to his Cowboy Tears era and his move to Moscow, Russia .

What is Oliver Tree’s new album?
His fourth studio album, Love You Madly, Hate You Badly, was released on April 24, 2026, via his own Alien Boy Records .

Did Oliver Tree leave Atlantic Records?
Yes. He departed Atlantic Records in 2026 to release music independently under his own label .

Where does Oliver Tree live?
He has resided in Moscow, Russia, since approximately 2022, though he maintains strong ties to California .

Conclusion

Oliver Tree’s career is a masterclass in turning the absurd into the commercial. From a kid writing songs at age six to a major-label star with billions of streams, a Guinness World Record, and now his own independent imprint, he has consistently defied industry norms. At 32, with his bowl cut gone but his comedic deadpan intact, Tree enters a new chapter as the fully independent architect of Alien Boy Records. Whether he is crashing the world’s largest scooter, directing cinematic music videos, or releasing genre-bending albums from Moscow, one thing is certain: Oliver Tree will keep doing it his way.

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