INTERVIEWS & PRESS
BCD / Sweden / Indie Music Blog: “We had the chance to have a chat with Oklahoma Ollie, also known as OKO. Read on and discover more about the blues, the instinct and feeling behind songwriting, according to this fine gentleman!”
-The Blues have been around for a long, long time. Yet it still sounds fresh and evocative to this day. Why do you think blues still has so much power over audiences all over the world?
OKO: Blues reaches deep- down inside & gives the feeling to think back about different things that happened way back in your life, to your parents or family or friends or whatever. Its nice to reminisce every once in a while and go back . blues is there, it’s inside in you whether you know it or not. Playing & singing the Blues makes you feel good. It’s not sad but nice to reminisce and think back to breathe in and let out. That’s the blues, and its universal.
-Do you feel more comfortable on a stage or within the walls of the recording studio?
OKO: I started playing bass when I was 19 have been performing live over 55 years. I continue to do live events large and small., and still enjoy the stage every show.
– If you could only pick one of your song’s to make a “first impression” on a new listener, which song would you pick and why?
OKO: “It Ain’t Me” from my new CD. Blues really gives you that true feeling and mostly in the blues, what has happened is the truth. Blues is really the truth and my new song “It Ain’t Me” speaks the truth. I hope you enjoy it.
– What does it take to be “innovative” in music?
OKO: Actually there are no rules…you do not have to follow any rules. The truth of the lyrics and hard work are keys. If you like the music, stay with it you have to be determined a lot. I’ve never given up and never will, keep with it, no matter what. Once you give up its all over.
– Any upcoming release and tour your way?
OKO: For 2014, we just released a new CD “OKO NOW & Then” which is a compilation of my new songs and some favorites from past sessions over last 15 years. I play around Los Angeles area at a number of clubs and events. Every year I play at the “Dusk ‘Till Dawn Blues Fesitval” in my home state of Oklahoma over Labor Day Weekend. We are looking at international touring in 2014-2015 with a focus on Scandinavia, Europe, South America, Japan and Asia.
– Anywhere online where curious fans can listen to your music and find out more about you?
OKO: We welcome interest from blues fans everywhere! Our new Internet site http://OKONow.com has everything you need including tour calendar, ringtones, CDs, event pictures and more.
BCD – Sweden January 2014 http://thebandcampdiaries.tumblr.com/post/74273888118/oklahoma-ollie-interview
MORE OKO PRESS
AMERICAN BLUES SCENE December 2012 http://www.americanbluesscene.com/2012/12/oklahoma-ollie-the-living-room/
Oklahoma Ollie / OKO 
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