The Olson Brothers Share Their Journey

The Olson Brothers are one of our favorite new discoveries in 2020. Their latest single “Running for the Sun,” takes listeners on musical journey that dives deeper into the world of the group. As each song they pen has a deep and intricate story, their melodies that surround the pieces give an added boost into the world. Made up of Dylan and Brandon Olson who hail from Vermont, the brothers have lived and breathed music since their childhood. As children the brothers slept in Acoustic Guitar cases at late night shows; as teens they begged to be dragged out to weekend bars and restaurants gigs with their father, (who was also an experienced musician of 20+ years); to starting their own group known as “Vice Versa” around 2008…music is strongly within them.

As of 2020 the brothers are 25 and 23 and recording single after single at Primrose Productions Music in Pownal VT. Their father Ron Olson passed on in April of 2020 and since then the brothers have really gotten serious about bringing some good old fashioned Rock to a new generation, and their passion shines through. Brandon and Dylan stopped by this Fall as we caught up about all things music, and what the future holds.

Q:Congratulations on your latest single release, “Running for the Sun”! What inspired you to pen the track? Share with us all the fun details…

A:I (Dylan Olson) wrote all these songs in 2018 believe it or not. This particular tune was just about striving to achieve your goals no matter what. you have to stay positive and just keep on moving and we wanted the feel of the song to reflect that. I love all those old 50’s do-op/Surf tunes they are just fun to play, You notice what tunes get people up and moving in live situations and those surf tunes just never fail, they have way too much energy to stay sitting still, at the very least you will be tapping a toe.

Q:In your eyes how does the new single differ from your past work, but also how does it coincide?

A:I try to write all my tunes in different styles to keep it fresh, but also to challenge myself. It seems that the 70’s rock always seems to bleed through between the Fender Rhodes elec. piano and the screaming Stratocaster. I would say it coincides because all of my tunes so far have a positive viewpoint even if they are negative in the foreground, i don’t like to be negative when I am writing, there is no sense in that.

Q:When it comes to constructing the lyricism for your songs, do you pen the words before the music ?

A:Almost Never, The tune always comes first for me. I will sit with it and play it again and again and write that way after I have the general feel I am looking for.

Q:Do you keep a journal of both lyric and melody ideas ?

A:I have some thoughts saved into my notes on my phone and some things scattered around here and there. Love letters, thoughts quickly scribbled on this or that. I have ideas but they aren’t really “collected.”

Q:What is your favorite part of being a musician?

A:The way i would feel after getting done playing a 4 hour show with my brother and father. “The Clean Slate.” No more anger, no more sadness, just some leftover adrenaline, a fierce appetite, and a feeling of pure bliss.

Q:As this year is a bit away from the norm, have you found new ways to engage fans? What do you foresee as the next wave of focus for musicians ?