We caught up with the brilliant and insightful York Olszewski a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

York, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I’ve been playing guitar for almost 20 years now, but it wasn’t until early 2021 that I made the decision to pursue this career whole-heartedly. Finally, at the age of 31 and with a daughter on the way, I said, “yes, I can make it as a musician.” I wanted to do something meaningful with my art. After I released some of my first music and writings, one friend spoke to me to let me know that something I said moved him. It struck a chord in his life and a piece of the art allowed him to process something that he hadn’t yet been able to. Wow, I thought. Who am I that can touch another human like that? How could I possibly bring value like that into the world? I am still utterly humbled by that one moment, and each new experience like that makes me realize how special this human experience is. I believe that each one of us has something beautiful to contribute. There is a room inside of you that no one else has access to. Inside that room is something rare, incredible, and priceless. Nurture what is in there. Share it or not, it’s up to you. But, take the time to know what’s in that room. Give it some attention and give it some life!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I write, record, and perform all original music in and around the KC area. Recently, I’ve had some great opportunities to play live music for people including a performance at the Water Lantern Festival and other various gigs at regular music venues or special events. When I can squeeze it in between parenting and work, I love to busk on the street to brighten my community with music. Busking is one of my favorite times to play for people and I am always encouraged by the little kids who catch sight of my playing and either dance or stand in amazement. Upcoming live performance dates can be found on my Instagram or website.

My music is 100% original and could generally be called singer/songwriter. But I like to call my music “Prairie Indie” style. It’s a little folky, a little indie, a lot of heart. Some of my best shows are intimate, acoustic performances where it’s just me and my guitar playing all out for the good folks of KC.

In addition to playing music, I am writing articles and short essays aimed at defining a philosophy that’s relevant for right now. I am always reading, researching, and drawing from personal experiences to refine what I’m putting out into the world: Inspiration-Determination-Compassion. This is all part of my continual effort to build Compati Studio into something bigger than me and my music. Anyone who wants to build with me is welcome. We can make the world a better place with courage and love.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Work doesn’t have to suck and you can achieve your creative goals.

A friend of mine is a successful tattoo artist running his own tattoo shop, True Love Tattoo Club, in downtown Leavenworth. When he first started tattooing, I was a Lieutenant in the US Army thinking that I was on the proper path with a great career in the Army and then corporate America afterwards. Ten years later, I find great inspiration in what this friend has built. He knew what he wanted to do when he was young. He liked what he did and stuck with it no matter what society told him at the time. I’ve tried to incorporate these lessons in my own journey. While I don’t regret my decisions, and I am still stuck working a corporate job to support my family, I know that persistent effort on my music will lead to a fulfilled life. I’ve seen proof in my progress. Just keep working on what you know you want to do every day. Bit by bit, the shows and releases and little wins are stacking up. More power to you!

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

One unexpected quote that I come back to again and again comes from a guy on YouTube called “How to Dad,” who makes silly videos about raising kids. From his Ted Talk: “they’ve got this saying, ‘fake it till you make it.’ I say, ‘make it till you make it because fakers don’t make it.'” https://www.ted.com/talks/jordan_watson_how_to_dad. This quote is better than gold to me.

I am a huge reader and consumer of interesting philosophies. I try my best to turn what I’m processing about humanity that comes to my consciousness into music. For simplicity, some of the books I’ve read in the last year that I would recommend include: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (seriously it’s amazing), Spinoza’s Ethics, The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind, The Brothers Karamazov, and Letters to a Young Poet.

There’s an influencer on LinkedIn and Twitter named Justin Welsh who has some great quotes that have given me sustained motivation.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.compatistudio.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/compatistudio
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/CompatiStudio
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjXHueQiJnuWCoWLeJacaKg