Erika Olson, an American Expat, raises babies and writes songs in the high weald of East Sussex, combining vulnerable vocals, contemporary storytelling, and musical influences spanning indie, folk, country, blues, Americana and pop.
Her latest release is the folk pop ballad “Benefit of the Doubt” from her upcoming debut album, This is How I Pray. Written during the height of quarantine, social unrest, and the BLM movement, she, like many others, had nothing else to do but really face the reality of the world around us and the injustices that some people face, specifically people of color.
“Benefit of the Doubt” is soft and a little somber with a minor chord progression reminiscent of Johnny Cash musically. Her vocals are raw and vulnerable, conveying a sense of humanity and honesty in her words.
In this interview spotlight, we chat about favorite songs, dream collabs, musical memories and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
What can you share with readers about your new project?
I am delighted to share that my debut album, This Is How I Pray, will be released on Friday, May 5th. I began recording it in February of 2020 and it has been quite a journey getting to this point. With all the uncertainty over the past few years – there were moments when I wasn’t completely certain it would all come together. But with persistence and some covert optimism – I just continued plugging away at it. Truth be told, the extra time allowed me to write new songs that would never have made it to the album if it weren’t for the delays and I was able to revisit each of the previously written songs and improve them ever so slightly. The album is not what I originally planned, it is so much better.
How does this project compare with your other projects you had in the past?
This project is different in that it is complete, both literally and figuratively complete. I started recording an EP in London, a year or so before starting this project. But before finishing the project, I moved out to East Sussex with my husband and three children. Once I got everyone settled, I tried to revive the EP, but I really wanted to make an album. In deciding to create an album, as opposed to an EP, I felt it important to have an overall message to convey. It would not be enough to record 10 great songs – they needed to all stand together for something greater. And so I set about pulling together a body of work that could stand as a complete whole. Now three years later – I think we’ve done it!
What about this project makes you most proud? Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?
I am so proud of how we wove together a variety of themes and genres to create a beautiful piece of work. This album contains a variety of themes surrounding motherhood, womanhood, spirituality, body acceptance, self-reliance and institutional racism. It was clear from the start that this project would not be boxed in by one particular form. So the challenge we faced was creating music to serve individual songs that felt cohesive when put together. To call our goal audacious would not be an overstatement. I was just not interested in making a tried and true folk album. Instead we made an indie, pop, bluesy, Americana folk record. Weaving all these threads together proved to be a challenge worth the effort as the final result is an album in which each track holds its own, but the whole is absolutely greater than the sum of its individual parts. At its heart, This Is How I Pray, reflects the struggle to reclaim agency after a life lived on society’s terms. The album wrestles with what it means to take one’s own counsel, trust one’s own heart and follow one’s own intuition regardless of what everyone else says and does.
What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?
Music came into my life in the midst of my greatest transition to date. I had just had my first child and everything I knew about life suddenly changed. My priorities completely shifted, what was of the utmost importance only days earlier suddenly became insignificant. In the wake of creating and sustaining life, I felt compelled to be more creative. I learned how to play the guitar and slowly started writing songs. Creating music allowed me to process the changes through which I was traveling. I found ways to articulate feelings and experiences I had previously only hidden in the dark caverns of my heart. Music became the way in which I learned to make sense of my new life and reality. I am inspired to continue to make music to remain present to all the ups and downs, pain and joy, wisdom and heartache life has to offer. It is my hope that sharing my music may help someone in the way that writing it has helped me.
If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.
You know who I would just die to collaborate with is Ben Harper. I have loved everything he has ever done. I think I was falling in love with songwriting while listening to his albums. Songs like Excuse Me Mr., Waiting On An Angel, With My Own Two Hands, Diamonds On The Inside. His voice, guitar, tenderness, joy, optimism – he is an incredible artist and it would be beyond amazing to get the opportunity to collaborate with him.
What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands/artists?
I was just in the car with my children listening to the Matilda soundtrack and Revolting Children is just amazing. I adore the double entendre used for the word revolting and the key change is epic! I can’t help but point out the word play to my children who think I am so lame!
Favorite all-time band has to be the Indigo Girls. They can do no wrong in my book, I’ve always loved their poetry and melodies. I admire how they are constantly learning, growing and stretching themselves. They are dedicated to their craft, to each other, and to their audience. I find them inspiring and an all around great jam. No road trip is complete without a windows down sing along to Closer to Fine.
Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?
I am most active on Instagram and you can find me @erikaolsonmusic. To get early and more in depth info you can join my email list at https://www.erikaolsonmusic.com/sign-up – I promise no spamming ever!
I really appreciate your time. Is there anything you’d like to share before we sign off?
Oh goodness – thank you so very much for the incredible opportunity to chat about music. Few things make me happier! I hope you have a wonderful day!
