Olson identifies himself as faithfully midwestern rather than by genre. His stories may seem simple and commonplace, but they can invoke the beauty that comes along with heartland living. Whether accompanied by singer/bassist/accordionist Atom Robinson, or playing on his own, Olson has a knack for sounding both familiar and refreshingly unique at the same time. His roots are divided by his desire to tell a good story with a drive that makes you want to dance along. His influences go back to his time in Iowa, with folk acts like Dave Moore and Greg Brown on one side, and great roots-rock like Bo Ramsey and High and Lonesome on the other. Somewhere in the middle, Olson made his niche. He recently relocated to St. Paul, and plays local and regional shows. In concert, Olson can pull you in as many different directions as he's traveled, and make you feel comfortably at home the whole while.