Published: January 03, 2008 9:00 PM EST
By: Isaac Joseph Davis Junior (Juniorscave.com)
Americana / Blues
Move over Bonnie Raitt, there's a new kid in town. The name is Olga and she has all the right stuff to make a name for herself in the music industry. Although she has been compared to the iconic giant, Bonnie Raitt, Olga does not let this comparison go to her head. She remains still hard-working and perfecting her craft to ensure that she leaves her own niche in the music industry.
This Memphis-based artist, who is from San Francisco and of Austrian descent, has completed three successful albums under her belt. We recently had a chance to review her EPK (Electronic Press Kit) on Sonicbids.com (Super Site for Online Resources Music Submission) and were happy to feature her in the online pages of Juniorscave.com
Isaac-Joseph: Happy Holidays! I must tell you that the music you are making is good. In fact, I found myself when listening to it tapping my toes and moving my head. Describe a little about your musical background:
Olga: Happy New Year! Thank you for your kind words! I grew up listening to a lot of classical music and started music lessons from an early age in classical music, in piano, violin and choir plus some composition.
Isaac-Joseph: Introduce the members of your band that play along side of you:
Olga: There are multiple musicians who play on my records, mostly the top of the crop in north Mississippi. One constant musician present is my husband, Jimbo Mathus. Many may know him as the primary music composer and band leader from his prior band, the Squirrel Nut Zippers. Others in the blues world know him from his Grammy winning work with Buddy Guy.
On my most recent album, I have Paul Taylor and Jack Yarber from Memphis, both very well known and respected musicians from there. Also from Mississippi, are Justin Showah, Lightnin' Malcolm, T. Bryan Ledford, and Max Williams. All of them play multiple instruments.
Isaac-Joseph: What originally drew you to wanting to play this type of music (Americana)?
Olga: It just seemed the direction it all went on its own. I did not set out really, but I did get into the blues early on and had great mentors. It was unusual for a young white girl to know much about the blues and I ran into a lot of brick walls. But you have to play what
is in your heart, at least I do, so you put aside other people's opinions and focus on what is really on hand. It's tough but necessary.
Later on, I had the great honor of becoming a close friend of one of the last blues women around, Jessie Mae Hemphill. She was family to me and is still very present in my life even after her passing.
Isaac-Joseph: You have released a total of 3 albums. Since releasing the first album, what have you learned musically from that album (Blues Babe released in 2003) that has helped you with your other releases?
Olga: Well, I would like to think I am a better musician. I think I have a long way to go still. It's easy to look back in retrospective and think about all the things you wish you had done different. I try not to listen to old stuff too much, as they simply are no longer the same. I don't even play the songs the same anymore and some not at all.
Blues Babe is people's favorite out of my records because it is so raw and un-produced. It was largely ignored when it came out, but now it's somewhat of a collectible as it is out of print too.
Isaac-Joseph: Your newest effort (Now is the Time released in 2006) is now out. What has been some of the feedback and reaction from fans, family, friends, and critics about this new album?
Olga: I received a lot of reviews for this one, the majority positive. I was
surprised! Always room to grow, again, there are things I look back on I wish I would have done different, but it is what it is, quirky and all.
Isaac-Joseph: What are you looking most forward to in 2008 musically?
Olga: My next project will be an EP I think. It will be very different from the rest as I have grown a lot and the music has evolved as it should. I am going to record in New Orleans hopefully and utilize some of those influences and connections.
I don't know when the release will be, as I have not recorded anything yet! But there is no pressure for me, as I do not have a major label behind me, or otherwise, so the album would be financed on my own. The industry is changing so much, I may just do digital only, we should know what's in store with the CD market within 6 months, I predict. Truth told; no one really buys CDs anymore, so it’s getting harder and harder to earn a living.
But musically, I look forward to getting better, trying new things and getting back into art.
Isaac-Joseph: In your opinion, what has been the biggest success for Olga in 2007?
Olga: Touring in Italy. The Italians love it! I do well over there and sell a lot of CDs. Plus I am learning Italian, so it's really great for me, simply great.
Isaac-Joseph: Your music makes me feel a variety of emotions. There are even times I feel very sexy about your lyrics. Is this something that you want to come across in your music? How do you feel about sex appeal in music?
Olga: Music, when played with the soul, is sexy in its purest form. You don't have to get naked to have that appeal if you are a really good musician, it's already there.
In pop music, since many of the artists really cannot sing, write or play an instrument, the powers that be have to overkill the sex part and sell it that way. They become a product.
No one has seen Alicia Keys naked or exploited, because she doesn't have to be, she is simply talented and knows her craft in the purest form. And yet she is really sexy!
Isaac-Joseph: What have been some feedbacks you have received from music executives about your music?
Olga: None really! I get wonderful feedback from reviewers like yourself! As far as music execs and the industry, including Blues and Americana markets, I am largely ignored.
Isaac-Joseph: You have an interesting heritage. What role do you feel that your heritage enhances the music you make?
Olga: I have no idea! The music of Austria is nothing like the music of Mississippi.
Isaac-Joseph: If you could collaborate with just one person in your musical career, who would it be and why?
Olga: I would like to do a record with Los Lobos. They are the coolest people in the world! We would have a lot of fun, no doubt.
Isaac-Joseph: What advice do you have for those who are just trying to get started in the music business?
Olga: Funny. I asked this question to Los Lobos about 10 years ago. They said, "don't do it!" What they meant, is that it is a hard and thankless job on the most part and earning a living is extremely difficult if possible at all. They were lucky with their hit in the
late 80's and they stuck around 30 years and still hang in there.
I know how difficult it is for my husband, who had a multi-platinum band at one time. He's been in the business 20 years. Once the party is over, there is nothing left. So if you do it, you have to do it for the art. Make that the most important part of it all. Work on your own thing, don't copy anybody. Work on your craft. If you do all that somehow, you'll be able to eke out a living and get by, so you better really love it!
Isaac-Joseph: This is our Shout Out Time. Give props to anyone and everyone that matters the most to you.
Olga: Thanks be to God.
Isaac-Joseph: Shameless Plugs: Reveal any new releases, tour dates, new press releases (other than us), or anything that you would like for us to know...
Olga: Please check out the JMH Foundation, set up on honor my late friend Jessie Mae Hemphill. It is a non-profit organization to preserve and archive north Mississippi music. We would appreciate your support. www.jmhemphill.org
Isaac-Joseph: Leave us with your final thoughts:
Olga: Thank you for taking the time to interview me! I get by with hearing from people like yourself...it makes the journey worthwhile!
