Image Credit: Eliot Lee Hazel
Jacob Olofsson, the Grammy-winning, multi-platinum composer and producer known as Olovson, has returned after a two-year hiatus with a striking new single, ‘THINGS I COULD’VE LEFT BEHIND’, out now via his own imprint, 1136 Diamond. Revered for his production work with industry giants like Frank Ocean, Dua Lipa, and Mark Ronson, and praised by outlets such as CLASH Magazine, Rolling Stone India, and BBC Radio 6, Olovson is stepping into a new artistic chapter. Blending the delicate piano sensibilities of Nils Frahm with a genre-blurring indie edge reminiscent of James Blake, the LA-based artist ushers in this next era with his first vocal-led release – written, produced, and mixed entirely by Olovson himself.
Listen to the track while you read our interview with Olovson below.
Paint us a picture: what sparked your passion for the arts in the first place? Was there a single moment or experience that solidified your decision to pursue this path?
Being to concerts as a young boy, also learning how to play the piano early on. But there was always something magical with music. A sacred space where anything was possible and anything was allowed.
When you create, what leads the way – a feeling, a story, or the sound itself?
Always feeling. feeling with my heart and soul and let the rest follow. It usually comes from a story or experience so it’s all connected.
What’s in your toolkit? Share the gear, gadgets, or software you can’t create without.
Lots of analog synths and pianos in my studio. i need a piano, it doesn’t have to sound good but I need that to create if I’d be on an island.
What’s your go-to ritual or trick for getting into the creative zone?
Just put your hands on the instrument and it’ll lead you into something interesting. Curiosity.
What’s the one item you always keep within arm’s reach while creating or performing?
Synth or piano.
How did you ultimately end up defining your sound?
Not looking around and not trying to sound like anything else. just see what comes out naturally and refine from there. Not think too much.
How has your creative process or perspective shifted since you started your journey?
Early on you usually copy things as a way of learning to create and produce. Later on you have to forget all that and just jump in the ocean without a life vest essentially.
Walk us through a recording session: what’s the most memorable moment you’ve had in the studio?
This is me as a producer (not artist per se since I work mostly solo for my own stuff): just any session really when that magic happens is really cool. And just meeting other creatives to hang out with and create with is such a privilege and I try to enjoy that every time and every second.
Any side projects you’re working on?
There may be some coming out. I love music so much in all forms so it’s hard not to create different things. and also I’ve been woodworking a bit which may come out sometime soon…. 🙂
Who’s an emerging artist you think deserves more recognition right now?
Hmmm, too many to mention just one.
What’s the strangest or most surprising song currently on your playlist?
Honestly all my kid’s songs I have to add right now like “chickenbanana” haha. but honestly sombr maybe…
Which song, album or playlist do you never get sick of no matter how many times you listen to it?
I think I have to say Jamiroquai’s first two albums. Part of my childhood.
Are there any unexpected hobbies or projects you’re exploring outside of your main work?
Woodworking. So healing working with my hands and so different, yet still creative, than music.
If your life and career were an album, what would its title be, and what’s the hidden track only your fans would know?
HOPE. That’s all I’ve been living by and still do. Never know what tomorrow will bring or where I’ll be, which is exciting and inspiring to me, but also nerve-wrecking at times.
Give us a glimpse into the future – what surprises or milestones are coming up for you this year?
Lots of releases for myself and with other artists I cannot mention but I’m very stoked for this and next year.
Famous last words?
A song I just wrote with an incredible artist is called just “famous last words” 🙂 I leave it at that
Follow Olovson:
Website – Instagram – Facebook – Soundcloud – Youtube – Spotify
