(Mike Barham) - So how did you get into music? What gets you writing and performing your songs?
(Oli Norman) - I can’t really pinpoint how I got into music, so to speak, but I remember my parents listening to a lot of Whitney Houston and Texas albums when I was young, so I guess my interest in singing probably stemmed from there. My parents were never really musically inclined as far as actually making music goes, though, so it wasn’t really ‘passed on’. Just sort of happened.
As far what motivates me to write; like a lot of other people, it’s a bit of a release more than anything. Helps me feel good and keeps me in check, I guess. Performing was hard to start with, but it’s getting easier and more rewarding each time.
MB - Where do you want to be in the musical world? What’s the dream?
ON - Playing songs for anyone who wants to listen. I’d be lying if I said it wouldn’t be nice to ‘make it big’, and earn enough to pay off my parents’ house etc, but I know that’s very unrealistic. To have a handful of people tell me they like my music was a dream to me at the start of this year, so I couldn’t be happier with that as it stands.
MB - What’s your idea of a perfect show?
ON - If I’m playing, to have at least a few people listen! If I’m there to watch, I guess it would have to be one that’s as varied as possible. Makes no sense logistically, and would be a complete mess, but I’d love to have a bunch of different genres under the same roof, just to be selfish..
MB - Musically who do you feel influences your music the most?
ON - I listen to a lot of Dallas Green, David Bazan, Conor Oberst, those sorts of people. I think I picked up some of my vocal inflections from listening to Dallas Green for so long, though I don’t quite pull them off like he does!
MB - What have you got coming up that you’re most excited for?
ON - I have my first EP coming out on November 15, so I’m really looking forward to having something palpable I can show people. Other than that, playing more shows, writing more songs, and meeting more new people!
MB - Would you like to thank anyone? Treat this like your moment at The Oscars!
ON - Too many to name individually! Family and friends, of course. I had a rough time earlier this year, and I honestly can’t articulate how supportive those closest to me have been. I wouldn’t be able to get on stage with even the slightest of confidence if it wasn’t for them, and they know that I’ll forever be indebted to them for it.
Other than that, anyone who has sat through one of my sets and been kind enough to tell me they enjoyed it afterwards. It means an awful lot to me.
