Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh Olsen
Hi Josh, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
It’s been a wild ride fueled by passion, family, and a whole lot of perseverance. I grew up in a house where music was always playing, thanks to my mom, who’s an amazing singer-songwriter herself. From an early age, I was surrounded by her rhythms and melodies, which totally sparked my interest in music. My twin brother and I started performing with her at local gigs and in our church band, just soaking up the vibe of sharing music with others.
As we got older, that brotherly bond turned into a music partnership, and we formed our own band. Our dad studied sound engineering and helped us recorded our first album in a home studio he built with every penny he had at the time, and hit the road, touring around Texas and sharing our music with whoever would listen. Things really picked up when we started performing at a mega church in Austin, where we would play for 3 services every Sunday with crowds of over 2,000 people. It was so much fun and a great training ground for the both of us.
One of the biggest moments came when we competed in Season 2 of X-Factor USA in 2012. Stepping onto that stage in front of celebrity judges and 10,000 fans was unforgettable. It really shaped my dreams for music. But after the show, my brother decided to keep music as more of a hobby, while I felt this strong urge to take my passion further.
So, I packed my bags and moved to Los Angeles, diving headfirst into the music scene. I worked with a bunch of producers, trying to refine my sound as a solo artist and pouring my experiences and emotions into my songwriting and piano. My first single, “Breathing In,” dropped in 2018, along with my first official music video.
Fast forward to 2020, I released my first solo EP, “The Beginning of The End,” featuring tracks like “Bad Things” and “Sex With a Stranger,” both of which had pretty awesome music videos. During the COVID-19 pandemic, my music slowed down and my investor at the time pulled out. It was a really difficult time for me, but I found TikTok and used it to connect with fans, sharing my music and covers.
I’ve been lucky enough to perform at some great venues in LA, like the Hotel Cafe, House of Blues, and Peppermint Club. I still pour my heart into every show, sharing my passion for music. I just finished my next single, Drunk Fight, released Feb 14, 2025.
TikTok and more specifically TikTok Live has reignited my music career. I perform 2 hour nightly live shows Mon-Fri to my fans. I has opened a door to connect with my fans in a way I never would have been able to otherwise. It is now my full time income. It’s given me the freedom and flexibility to control my music in a way I never thought possible.
So, that’s my story—a journey of growth, resilience, and a commitment to my music. As I keep navigating this ever-changing music world, I’m reminded of how beautiful it is to chase your dreams. I continue to be inspired by family, relationships, and the desire to connect with others through my music.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been without its challenges. Like many artists, I’ve faced struggles with money, building connections, and navigating the music industry. But on top of that, growing up in a religious family created a unique set of obstacles for me. Music became my refuge—my way to express feelings that I often struggled to articulate. It was my escape from a world where I felt lonely and ashamed of a secret I held deep inside—I was gay, and I feared that my family would be extremely upset and strongly against it .
When I decided to move to Los Angeles, it was a monumental leap for me. Leaving Texas meant leaving behind everything I had ever known, and that wasn’t easy. But it was an essential step in my personal and artistic growth. A year after I arrived in LA, I found the courage to come out to my family. That conversation was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but it initiated a journey of growth and understanding for all of us.
Although the road hasn’t been smooth, every challenge has shaped who I am as an artist and as a person. It pushed me to embrace my identity and use my music to connect with others who might be facing similar struggles. I truly believe that sharing my story, both the highs and the lows, allows me to create music that resonates on a deeper level, and ultimately connect more authentically with my audience.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a musician and singer-songwriter, and my work revolves around creating music that resonates deeply with the experiences of love, self-discovery, and overcoming adversity. Specializing in a blend of pop and soulful melodies, I aim to craft songs that not only capture my personal journey but also connect with a broader audience.
What I’m most proud of is my evolution from a shy, bullied kid in a conservative environment to a confident artist who embraces authenticity. Coming out and pursuing my dream of music, despite the challenges I faced, has been transformative. I’ve learned to channel my struggles into my art, using my platform to uplift others, especially young LGBTQ+ individuals who may feel isolated or misunderstood.
What sets me apart is my genuine commitment to vulnerability in my music. I don’t just want to entertain; I aspire to create a safe space for listeners to reflect on their own struggles and triumphs. My experiences have shaped not only who I am as a person but also as an artist, allowing me to speak from the heart and share the message that it’s okay to embrace your truth and chase your dreams, no matter the odds.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I truly believe that success is rarely a solo journey, and I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have a network of amazing mentors and supporters who have played pivotal roles in my growth as an artist. My friends and my partner have become like family to me, providing unwavering encouragement and an abundance of love that fuels my passion for music. They celebrate my victories and lift me up during challenging times, reminding me that I’m never alone in this journey.
Michael Dion was the very first producer I collaborated with after my move to Los Angeles, and his influence has been instrumental in shaping my artistic journey. He co-wrote and vocal produced my song “Breathing In,” and throughout that process, he helped me refine my sound and build confidence in my abilities as a songwriter. Not only is Michael a skilled producer, but he is also an exceptionally talented singer and songwriter in his own right, which made our collaboration even more enriching. His guidance and support played a crucial role in helping me embrace my voice as an artist.
One of the most profound influences on my musical journey has been Bart Schoudel, a three-time Grammy-nominated engineer and producer. Collaborating with him on my EP “The Beginning of The End” was nothing short of transformative. Bart’s exceptional expertise and visionary approach allowed me to dive deep into my artistry, challenging me to embrace my true self and explore new sonic landscapes. His encouragement pushed me to take creative risks I might not have otherwise considered, fundamentally shaping my artistry and boosting my confidence. Working alongside someone as talented as Bart opened my eyes to what is possible when you fully invest in your craft and believe in your voice.
I also owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Michael Tremper, my investor at the time. His belief in my potential and support made many opportunities possible, allowing me to focus fully on my creative pursuits without the weight of financial burdens. His faith in my vision has been invaluable, and I’m endlessly grateful for the chance he took on me.
And, of course, I can’t forget to mention the thousands of incredible fans who support my music and join me on TikTok every night. Their enthusiasm and connection fuel my passion and creativity. Knowing that I have such a vibrant community cheering me on makes every performance and song feel meaningful. They inspire me to keep pushing my boundaries, and I’m endlessly grateful for their support.
Together, all these incredible individuals have not only supported my career but have also contributed to my personal growth, reminding me of the power of community and the importance of uplifting one another.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://josholsenonline.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/josholsenmusic
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/josholsenmusic89
- Twitter: https://x.com/josholsenmusic
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/josholsenmusic
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/josholsenmusic
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@josholsenmusic
Image Credits
Sergio Necoechea, Michaela Sprague, Seema Hamdard
