Olson, Evan - singer/songwriter
By: Dominick A. Miserandino
Originally recording with Ben Folds of the Ben Folds Five in a band called, Majosha, Evan has recorded his own album which is garnering critical acclaim.
DM) A number of your fans have commented that your song style is rather diverse throughout the album.
EO) My influences have been so diverse throughout my life that they are reflected in my songs. I can't seem to write the same "style" over and over, because I get bored, and I'm sure anyone listening would, too.
DM) What kind of music were you listening to growing up?
EO) I listened to everything from AC/DC to Paul Simon to Stevie Wonder--and everything in between. I guess the Police were one of my biggest influences, although you may not hear it in my music.
DM) One of the tracks you cover is the '70's song "Tin Man." What prompted you to record it?
EO) I've always liked "Tin Man." I just thought it would be fun to record it in my own way.
DM) Have you ever thought of covering any other tunes?
EO) I've been thinking about recording "Voices Inside My Head" by the Police.
DM) Is that something you're working on for the next album?
EO) I'm constantly trying to write and record new songs. Most of them won't make it to the next album, though.
DM) You recorded all of the tracks on the album yourself. What was your reasoning behind that?
EO) I recorded all the instruments myself because it's actually easier. When I have an idea, I just put it down instead of trying to explain it to somebody else and then having him/her do it another way. That way, if something's wrong, I have no one to blame but myself. I don't think I'll always record that way, though. I'd like to go into a big studio with a whole band.
DM) Which instrument would you say you're best at?
EO) I'm probably best at guitar; however, drums were my first instrument. I really love playing percussion.
DM) And what do you play live?
EO) I play guitar, live, with my band
DM) Is it true that you and Ben Folds (of Ben Folds Five) used to record together?
EO) In college, Ben and I were in a band called Majosha, and we recorded one album together. I learned a lot about music, singing and songwriting from working with Ben.
DM) Do you still have any fans from that period?
EO) Once in a while somebody will come up to me and say, "I've been following you since you were in Majosha!" I think it's great to have some very devoted fans like that.
DM) Have you ever thought about recording with Ben again?
EO) I don't know if Ben would have time to record with me again. He's doing a lot on his own now.
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