Inspired #346 - Ollie Dixon
Fusing genres of ambient-Indie folk,inspired by Bon Iver, Bear's Den and Daughter, indie-folk artist Ollie Dixon has just released his new track ‘Islands’. He took a moment to talk to us about the inspirations behind his music.
Who are your top three musical inspirations and why?
Bon Iver, Bear's Den and Novo Amor. All because of their wide range of instrumentation. Things like, using horns as a texture rather than a loud stand alone piece which is usually what they're used for. Incorporating layered vocals and interesting harmonies throughout a track and never writing bland, straight to the point lyrics. They write from a different perspective which makes you really think about the words they have written. There's so much I could go on about on how they have influenced me, however Bon Iver was the real game changer that switched up my musical path and brought me where i am today.
Is there a certain film that inspires you and why?
The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty (2013) - i've watched it so many times now .. if i ever feel a bit down about where i am in life or my career path i stick that film on and it makes me feel like i'm on the right track. The meaning behind the film (to me at least) is basically get out and live life, don't procrastinate or daydream any more. Life isn't about 9-5 jobs and what happens on social media.. its about experiencing things that people fantasize about going on a trip seeing new places, starting a business or career path, meeting like minded people. There's so much that life has to offer yet we don't see it or take the risk to enjoy it.
What city do you find the most inspiring and why?
I'm not really a city person, I prefer being by the coast, surfing, traveling around in the van.. it's where I feel most at home and where the majority of inspiration comes from to write new music. But if I had to choose a city.. I quite like Bristol is a real vibe.
Who is the most inspiring person to you and why?
There's a few people that I find really inspiring, musically speaking Justin Vernon of Bon Iver, the way he thinks about music and works with an array of different artists from writing to producing is something that inspires me the most. but there are other people like Marcus Aurelius, a stoic philosopher and others like Jordan Peterson, but in truth I find many people inspiring.. Anyone who gets me thinking and helps me in my career or pushes me to be a better person are people that inspire me, people who don't give up on their dreams and goals in life and help one another to get where they need to be.
What were your inspirations when writing your new track?
My main inspiration was the concept of everyone searching for something in life, it could be meaning or wanting more out of life, love, career. Whatever it is we all do it and sometimes with no direction at all, sometimes we think we've found what it is we have been looking for but turns out it wasn't.. then we start all over again even times when its literally in our grasp yet we don't realize it or we can't quite reach it, "in the search for something but its too far out"
How would you like to inspire people?
I'd like to show people that it can be done, and by it I mean creating a career in the music industry.. It takes a lot of hard work, sacrifices, money and a lot of mental and physical strength but it's all doable. Especially if you DIY it you learn so much about the business, marketing, networking, design, social media, recording/engineering sound and live sound.. you learn so much from taking risks and just learning as you go. I'd love to get to a point where I can help people with their music careers, or people think, If this guy can do it, I can do it.
