J Francis Olson
Known as a Americana artist with an enigmatic side, J Francis Olson's new single ‘So Easy’ has exploded on radio and put this Americana artist on the world map.
BLAKE: When did you first get that feeling that your music career was gaining momentum?
J FRANCIS OLSON: When I received notice from Akademia and started to see streams and getting some radio play.
BLAKE: Your song’So Easy’ is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
J FRANCIS OLSON: I was smiling ear to ear. It really does make you happy.
BLAKE: What was the inspiration behind your radio single?
J FRANCIS OLSON: Try to capture the joy that we feel when love lands in our lap and were not looking for it. Love is a spectrum ranging from its carnal nature to agape love. That's part of the mystery. It also has veiled symbolism in the mother of Jesus Christ, Mary who is the gateway to the spiritual being inside us all. When you find love, the best kind is love that captures all of you, your mind, your body, and your spirit, leaving no morsel unaccounted for. That's when you know your fully conscious in humanity.
BLAKE: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experience. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music?
J FRANCIS OLSON: Well there were two huge things really, First, my parents had a brutal divorce and my dad and I were tight. He took me everywhere pretty much. Read to me, we did many outdoors activities typical for a kid on the Iron Range. Whenever we drove around my dad had the radio on. I heard all kinds of music, Glenn Campbell, Roy Orbison, Elvis, Hank Williams, even some Glenn Miller and his Orchestra, and a lot of easy listening stuff. My cousins from my dad's side of the family also had lots of music influence with exposure to Steve Miller, The Beatles, Rolling Stones, etc. So, it set the stage really after the divorce. Second, I was targeted by a pedophile and abused for about 1 year which eventually led to abduction, and rape. There was a lot of mental abuse that accompanied it. And I was threatened physical violence if I said anything. Very similar to some recent reporting going on regarding Jacob Wetterling case. So, that experience really was major trauma. I first picked up a guitar at 9 or 10 years old just after the abuse. And when I did I had an instant connection. My mom's fiancé at the time showed me a few chords. And from there, I have always, and will continue to play music right up to the day I leave this earth. It has left me with a clear perception of just how important Art is to humanity. Because if you take away music, the world would be a very ugly place. I found that playing and writing music is a safe place where I can be truly free of the entanglements of abuse. And isn't that where we all want to be, truly free to think, feel, and act as true human beings? Music was a path out of destruction for me. I'm writing a book about it.
BLAKE: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician?
J FRANCIS OLSON: As an artist, I like to have fun creating. So, I can't get too serious or it's a wet blanket. I like to have some jocularity when writing, keep things light and funny. Even for some of the darker pieces I've written we joked around in the studio. But to a degree it depends upon the material I am writing too. I tend to fully immerse myself in a piece when I write a song- emotionally, physically, mentally it all comes together and I pour myself into it. Some songs are really quick to come together, I can hear multiple instruments at once and know exactly what I want. But with other songs, I'm an experimenter too. I like to play with different instruments to emote feelings I am looking for in a piece. But I like to be open minded when working with other musicians because everybody has some talent and I'm not the kind of guy who?s going to slap down sheet music in front of people and say 'play it exactly like this, please.' You don't muzzle an ox while they're treading out the grain. I want musicians I work with to feel the same freedom and joy I do for a piece. And so, I'm open-minded. But If I have a point I am making for a song it is important to me from a vision standpoint to have some symmetry in an apples to apples sort of way.
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BLAKE: What has your experience been like working with the other people on your team?
J FRANCIS OLSON: Pretty amazing actually. I am very happy to have worked with them. It really is a privilege to know and work with so many talented people. From the deep wells of my heart I thank them all for helping to bring out the musical creation. In a sense, the held the door open for me and called me to freedom on a deep personal level.
BLAKE: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
J FRANCIS OLSON: My father played trumpet. But other than that, no. I think for me it was a gift. It is why I am here. I immerse myself in it. I walk around the house with a guitar strapped to me practicing, always noodling. Modern technology is got its pluses and minuses. One plus is the iPhone I can just plop it out and hit record and play a song idea and develop it from there. Even sign a melody line so I don't forget it. Just don't want it to be a crutch or impede creation. Cause in the end, it's a tactile experience and if the digital world takes that away I feel less human so I avoid it.
BLAKE: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
J FRANCIS OLSON: The most rewarding thing about being an artist is to stand back when you've created something and just take it all in. It's that feeling of 'Ahhh, it's finished and here is the big reveal and guess what, I like it.' There is a sense of accomplishment and joy I get when I see others enjoy it. That's why I like live music. You get that feeling after a song. The most challenging is when I have a vision for a song and I'm only playing the guitar for someone as a sort of demo, but they don't hear what you have in your head. So, I feel like I have to be Pete Townsend and write /play everything the way I have hear it, and then present it. It tends to be much better received and one of the reasons I am a multi-instrumentalist.
BLAKE: Who are your role models in music?
J FRANCIS OLSON: That is a really hard question. I'm not a fanatical groupie kind of dude. I like musicians whom are true students of the muse but managed to keep their wits. Locally Paul Peterson, and his sister Patty Peterson, They are wonderful people who just love music. You can feel it when they play live. Kevin Gastonguay, local jazz player is an extraordinary young man. Studio Cats: Dan Neale- local phenomenon and very talented. Tommy Tedesco- an amazing musician who played on many songs we've heard growing up. Blues roots: Muddy Waters and the three Kings - Freddie, B.B., and Albert are just pure genius. John Lee Hooker, Eric Clapton, Hendrix, Howlin Wolf, Ronny Baker Brooks, Dan Auerbach. Intellectuals: George Van Epps really amazing jazz influence and his books are amazing to me. Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass. Independent: Tom Petty for his tribulations and retaining rights struggle for his music. Bruce Springsteen for his pure inspiration and live performance energy. He is true thru and thru as an artist. Big timers: Pete Townsend was a large influence on the visionary musician side of me, and Jimmy Page is a similar vibe. His creative skills are amazing and were a major influence on me as a composer. Just visionary, and Dave Gilmore. Really love the creative side of these guys. Steve Via because of his creative genius, background and story with reading and writing music. Glenn Campbell, Chet Atkins, just amazingly gifted dudes. I like Garth Brooks as a musician and role model too because he has this ephemeral connection to his audience and is a great songwriter, and pretty cool human being. I like authentic artists who are dedicated to their work and sort of selfless about it.
BLAKE: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
J FRANCIS OLSON: The very first live performance for my high school band. We played three songs and the entire auditorium was insane. Love it when a crowd gets going. Siren, Wi. The whole theater was packed and people were screaming going wild. One recent open mic performance when I just did acoustic live, people really were absorbed. You could have heard a pin after I stopped playing. I thought it was bad performance or something. But then the applause was pretty amazing and people asked me about my songs, etc. I realized it was because they really liked the lyrics from 'One Long Tomorrow'.
BLAKE: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance?
J FRANCIS OLSON: One day I was surprised to learn from a respected local musician, that he likes me because I have fun doing what I'm doing and it shows on my face, and that rubs off onto people. He said he always has a good time playing music with me. So, take those words to heart: How you present yourself has an impact on people. Don't get sucked into crowd posse or mob think. But choose to make your gig fun. That said, here a few pointers: 1) Network. Get out there. Believe in yourself, but I always look for authentic people. 2) Never give up on your vision, but choose your battles. 3) Keep a positive attitude toward continuous improvement as a musician and working with others, starting with the fundamentals. 4) Never talk smack about other musicians because you never know where an opportunity can come from and you can't always trust gossip. I avoid gossipy musicians. When you write, take your time to produce the music the way you want. Do it the best you can, don't skimp on mix and master. Hire an engineer and producer, it's worth it. But have your material ready before you do. Read up on why, just google it. Your art is an extension of yourself, like your resume. So, start with that end in mind. Always be willing to work with people. Tommy Tedesco's advice: take a gig for the experience, the money, connections, fun. Put away your personal biases in politics, religion, and remember music builds bridges. Learn as much about the business side of being a musician. But don't be overly paranoid about your music getting ripped off. Negotiate but don't be a jerk. If you're like me, you can write songs on a dime. So, if your writing music and someone makes a genuine contribution, give them a point. It's how you build trust among musicians. Don't get sell your soul to technology. Go back to the roots.
BLAKE: What's next for you as an artist? Is there an album in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
J FRANCIS OLSON: I am very honored to have received some notoriety from Akademia on the award. Pretty humbling experience and I remain grateful. I didn't expect it. but what a beautiful surprise. I'd like to do some touring and live performance across the United States and in Europe or Japan. Small sorties are easy. My dad gave me good advice in say to me about my dreams: 'start small.' Two words I've never forgotten. Wrapping up a few music videos for 'One Long Tomorrow' music. That is really a new frontier. Looking forward to the release. I have written new material for an album. The material is fruit from very special person I was inspired by. Went into the studio twice already to begin laying tracks. A few songs are recorded. But it's pretty exciting.
BLAKE: I look forward to hearing your new work! Thank you for letting us get to know you better as an artist and I wish you the best of luck and continued success.