We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Danny Olson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Danny, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
After graduating college, I embarked on a journey to Los Angeles with a firm commitment: to devote my every ounce of energy and time to becoming the best producer and artist I could be, regardless of immediate financial returns. I wholeheartedly embraced the mantra ‘do what you love, and the money will follow.’
The initial years were a financial struggle, with music gigs being my lifeline to pay rent and survive. However, by the sixth year, my music started gaining traction, getting licensed for use in TV shows, commercials, and movie trailers.
Today, I make a living as a full-time creative. Earning a livelihood from your passion doesn’t happen overnight, but with unwavering determination and a commitment to learning and growing each day, the fruits of your labor will eventually result in success!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m a composer, music producer, and artist based in Los Angeles, specializing in music composition. After college, I committed myself to honing my craft, guided by the belief that ‘pursuing your passion leads to success.’
My work revolves around the fusion of traditional electronic music with cinematic compositions, creating emotionally compelling content that elevates a wide range of projects. Notably, I’ve composed for numerous professional sports teams in the NFL, NBA, NHL, and other leagues, and my music has been featured across various media platforms.
Beyond composing, I also perform my original music live at music festivals, tours, nightclubs, and diverse venues, bringing my artistic vision to life for audiences to experience firsthand.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My creative journey is driven by a clear mission: to create music and art that connects with people on a deep emotional level. I aim to blend traditional electronic music with cinematic compositions to offer unique and captivating experiences. Whether I’m composing for sports teams or performing live, my goal is to make a meaningful and positive influence through art, impacting the lives of those who engage with it.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
In my creative journey, I’ve persistently worked to merge cinematic scoring with the EDM/DJ scene. Despite skepticism that these two industries were just too far apart, I refined my approach through collaboration and experimentation, ultimately finding success in creating music that bridges these two worlds. This journey reinforced the value of persistence and creative exploration in breaking genre barriers and uniting diverse audiences.”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dannyolsonmusic.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/dannyolsonmusic
- Facebook: facebook.com/dannyolsonmusic
- Twitter: twitter.com/dannyolsonmusic