Meet ølin | musician

We had the good fortune of connecting with ølin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi ølin, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’ve always been drawn to the world of creativity and the arts, and my journey into an artistic career can be traced back to my childhood influences. Growing up, the church played a significant role in shaping my appreciation for music and performance. My family, too, played a crucial role as they shared a deep love for music, making it an integral part of our family gatherings and creating a soundtrack to many cherished childhood memories.

A unique aspect of my upbringing was my father’s involvement in the Raleigh, NC punk scene, exposing me to a diverse and vibrant musical landscape from a young age. As a teenager, my musical horizons expanded even further, thanks to friends and family who introduced me to a wide spectrum of genres, from alternative pop and indie rock to indie folk. The eclectic mix of influences shaped my musical taste and sparked a passion within me to explore the endless possibilities within the realm of sound.

My journey took a significant turn when, at the age of 14, I found myself in the Philippines as a missionary with my family. It was here that I delved into music production, experimenting with sounds and melodies while navigating the challenges of creating in a new environment. The experience was transformative, and it marked the moment when I started taking my creative pursuits seriously.

The turning point occurred when I made my first $100 from my artistic endeavors. That moment validated my belief in turning my passion into a profession, fueling my determination to explore the vast possibilities within the music industry. As a goal-driven individual from a young age, I set my sights on achieving whatever I dreamed of, and pursuing a career in music became a natural progression.

Since the age of 16, I’ve dedicated myself to honing my craft and navigating the intricacies of the music industry. The journey has been marked by a commitment to understanding what makes good music and the desire to create work that resonates with audiences. With each step forward, I find inspiration in the artists who have paved the way and made a career out of their passion, compelling me to believe that I too can carve my own path in the world of music.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Kicking off my fifth year in my music career, I’m more than excited about the upcoming 2024 year and releases. With two EPs and an album set to debut this year, this project is the best music I’ve created since I started my musical journey. I’ve invested so much time, heart, and soul into crafting these songs, and I just hope they resonate with anyone listening.

Distinguishing my work is the fusion of indie pop and indie rock, a unique sonic blend. The forthcoming album explores new avenues in my career, with many self-produced tracks incorporating rock, indie pop, and a touch of punk. This expansion has posed significant challenges, prompting deep self-reflection and navigating through challenging times. The lessons learned during the creation of these tracks have been transformative for me, working through some of the worst and best moments of these past couple of years.

The album delves into themes from love and romance to loss and internal struggles with self-love. It marks a pivotal moment as my first-ever album, arriving as I celebrate nearly five years of making music. The songs within are of higher quality than anything I’ve released prior, representing a significant turning point in my career.

Collaborating with Leonel Velasquez to bring the visual aspects of my artistic vision to life. The journey kicks off with the release of “Home,” followed by my second single “Do U Rmbr?” dropping in March, heralding the first EP of 2024. These releases are significant not just as musical milestones but as a testament to my personal and artistic growth.

Reflecting on my journey, making these songs hasn’t been easy, but each challenge has led to a lot of personal and artistic growth. The lessons I’ve learned emphasize the importance of authenticity, resilience, and staying true to the artistic vision. I am so excited for everyone to finally get to see this all unfold, and I hope people love it as much as I do.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Definitely would have to take them all over NC starting in Wilmington, going to the beach, and visiting the best donut spot, Britts Donuts, on the Carolina Beach boardwalk. Then go hang out with my brother, Avi, and PT’s Grille is a must. The mountains next, with visits to Hanging Rock State Park and Grandfather Mountain, followed by going to downtown Boone. Raleigh is next, and then going hiking at Umstead Park, followed by a visit to downtown Raleigh and some burgers at Char-Grill. Finally, go to my hometown, Holly Springs, visit some nature spots around Harris Lake, and hang out with my parents, probably stopping at Aviator to end the trip.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to my family, first and foremost, to my mom, dad, as well as my siblings Rayn, Avi, and Abrie. I love them so much, and I couldn’t do any of this without them and all their support. I love my family. Also, a big shoutout to my friend Josh; he has been there from the beginning, supporting me through almost all my first songs. Additionally, I want to express my gratitude to my friends: Joseph Cecil, who has been a tremendous help, Judah, a super talented anti-pop artist, Spazi, another incredible indie rock/indie R&B artist, Leo, the greatest photographer/videographer I’ve met, Kodoku, another incredible artist, and Noah.

A special shoutout goes to my girlfriend Chloe; she pushes me so much to be the best I can be. Also, a shoutout to Paycheck; he was my first friend in the music industry and has taught me a lot about music and the industry, not to mention making incredible music himself. Finally, to everyone who listens to my music, I love you, and I am beyond grateful for everyone that has been here for the journey. I wouldn’t be where I am without any of you, and I am eternally grateful.

Website: https://beacons.ai/olinmusic

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olinmakesmusic/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiMsQHiCNbtGG9vvUahIJ9A

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6WrUF11TX1TRytwAy9cZNY?si=oFOtayWYT0eK_drIhgT1rg Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/%C3%B8lin/1502729251 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@olinmakesmusic

Image Credits
@leocreated @chrissteelframe