Meet Marti Olsen | Singer-Songwriter & Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marti Olsen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marti, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Since I was as little as six years old, I loved to sing. My family would host dinner parties and as soon as everyone was done eating I’d start performing some popular song at the time just because I wanted to share that part of myself.

This was probably because I grew up between Sedona and Austin, TX, with parents who always supported and encouraged my creativity. I was homeschooled up until high school too, so I had to find ways to keep myself busy. I remember when I was younger I told my mom I was bored and she said to go to my room and figure out something to do until I wasn’t bored anymore. I turned to music, art, dance–anything I could think of. I haven’t been bored since.

As I got older, I began songwriting, producing music, and performing more. Even when my inspiration was blocked I knew it was what I wanted to pursue deep down because nothing felt as rewarding. Now that I’ve made a little at-home studio in Sedona, there’s no reason why I can’t keep creating and releasing my songs. I just want to see where it takes me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started songwriting, producing music, and recording (in studios) when I was 12 or 13. It was mostly just for fun so I would put them up on Soundcloud and other streaming platforms. Now at 20, I produce, record, engineer, mix and master my music completely on my own.

I love having the freedom to create whatever I want, whenever I want, especially as a full-time student at NAU. I also don’t have to worry about the meter running while in a recording studio and I can find the sound that suits me best as a singer. My genre is a blend of pop and alternative, so I find ways to implement my darker, smokier vocals in a way that’s suitable.

Right now I’m starting to get more reception than I have before for my newest song “Laced in Gold.” It’s got a dreamy vibe with a little hint of R&B in there too. I’m a huge romantic, but I can’t stand cheesy, predictable love songs. This was my attempt to talk about lust, passion, and vulnerability in a way that felt more mature and honestly a little angsty.

I just released my first ever music video for the song too which has been so exciting! I’m a big do-it-yourselfer with my art at the moment, so I rented a video camera, asked my parents (Kimberly Follestad and Dean Jutilla) to film it, and shot it at different spots around town. I couldn’t ask for a prettier background than Sedona. I directed, produced, and edited it, which took a lot of time and focus, but I’m stoked to share it and bring “Laced in Gold” to life visually.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There would be lots of hiking and eating here in Sedona. We’d need to hit all the famous trails like Bell Rock, Cathedral, Coffee Pot, Airport Mesa, and Soldier’s Pass.

If we wanted to pass on all the walking but still see the beauty then I’d take us on a Pink Jeep tour. They’re such a blast and off-roading was one of my favorite things to do growing up here.

As far as food, I’d definitely bring them to the Local Juicery for a yummy smoothie or juice between hikes, and Tamaliza for their authentic tamales. If we’re feeling a dinner with a view, then I’d take them to the Hudson or make a reservation for Mariposa.

You’d definitely catch us walking around the arts and shopping village, Tlaquepaque, and uptown if we wanted to shop around.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
While my whole family has shown endless support for my music, my mom deserves her own shoutout. I have so much respect for her and the sacrifices she’s made for her daughters. She’s my best friend in every aspect of my life, but she is also one of the most talented and intuitive people I know.

Growing up I’d witness her in her creative zones, whether it was painting, playing piano, photographing, designing our home, styling an outfit–the list goes on. She’s found a way to be good at practically everything she does, and it just comes naturally to her.

Since she’s got such an impeccable eye, she gives me her brutally honest opinion. Sure, it can be tough to hear sometimes, but it always pushes me to be better, try harder, and think in ways I normally wouldn’t. Her opinion means everything to me when it comes to my music, and I couldn’t be more thankful for the time, energy, and support she’s put into my art.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martiolsen/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MartiOlsen

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theMartiOlsen

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYx9ZOqtzNeWg8w75-W4h3w

Other: https://tinyurl.com/streamlacedingold

Image Credits
Kimberly Follestad, Alena Jutilla