Within her home territory of Norway, Ash Olsen has already secured the status of being a ‘2023 One to Watch’. Having already climbed to the top of the local ranks Ash is considered to be Norway’s ‘next big thing’ to take to international waters. Domestic successes include a plethora of nominations at the Norwegian Grammys last year, being nominated as ‘Newcomer of the Year’ at another highly influential Norwegian awards, P3 Gull, and receiving ardent support from one of Norway’s biggest radio stations NRK P3, with ‘Ash Olsen’ being a name frequently heard across national airwaves.
What or who inspired you to begin a career in music?
I grew up skateboarding and that’s where I was first introduced to hip-hop music. I was just very infatuated with it right away, and it pretty fast became the only thing I was listening to at that time. I had an obsession with the song ‘Only God Can Judge Me’ by 2pac, and I dont know what hit me that day but I was in the car and had that song on repeat. Everyone was so tired of it, so I was like ‘let me spice it up then’ so I went on YouTube, on my phone and found the karaoke version just for fun. I was literally a couple words in I was absolute in love with the feeling it gave me. So I never stopped
What differs you and your sound from other artists in the music industry?
Idk I think I have a wide sound and nobody really knows what my next song is gonna sound like, I don’t even know myself. I just know that I love experimenting in the studio with new sounds/genres etc. I like the music to always sound the way I’m feeling at the time
Taken from you forthcoming debut album ‘Golden Child’, your latest single, ‘someone else’ is out now. Can you please describe the creative process and inspiration behind the release?
We started with laying down the guitar chords, if I remember correctly I just went on the mic and freestyled till I found something I really liked and then I just laid down the hook, and from there I went into writing the lyrics. We then we built the production as we went further into the song bit by bit.
I wrote it about how hard it is to see somebody you still love being with someone else..
In your own opinion, what is the most meaningful song you wrote? What makes you say that one?
I think the song that I feel the most for is “low”, because it just opened so many doors for me musically and It was like I unlocked a lot of things in my mind during that process. And I just felt extremely connected to it from the jump
Throughout your musical career, have you experienced any ‘wow’ moments?
Yes, I’ve been pretty shocked a few times during my career so far for sure haha. For example, It is very strange when you finally get the confirmation from the outside I’d say.. like the nominations I’ve gotten has been crazy. And performing on live television, getting to travel and connecting with people who has a connection to the music I’m making is just amazing. I’m very very grateful for those moments <3
What personal advice would you give to someone wanting to pursue this career?
Come prepared, work on your craft, learn the business and don’t do anything that does not feel good, ever.
What does the foreseeable future hold for you as an artist?
My new album ‘Golden Child’ is coming out June 16th!! I’m very exited for it to finally come out, I’m also playing shows! So feel free to come through.
‘someone else’ is available now via all major platforms.
Connect with Ash Olsen
Instagram | YouTube | Facebook
Credits: All photography by Roj Ferman
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