Bluesy Betsy Olson

Tools

By Katie Ussin

Story Published: May 18, 2009 at 6:02 PM MST

Story Updated: May 18, 2009 at 6:02 PM MST

BILLINGS - Her sound is blues with a little bit of twang and her guitar riffs are raw and rockin', and her roots are in Billings, but for the past nine years Betsy Olson has been making a go of it in the Seattle, Washington music scene.

"I played a lot of open mics out there and kind of got into it and got over my stage fright," said Olson. "I used to be terrified of signing by myself!"

With stage fright conquered she is making quite a name for herself in Seattle. She was featured in April's Sound Magazine; the article praised Olson's "Natural Blues". Olson is alswo the opening act for Subpop recording artist Sera Cahoone's latest tour, which brought her through Billings earlier this month.

"It was nice to look out in the audience and see a bunch of familiar faces," said Olson.

Olson graduated from Senior High in 1996, and Rocky Mountain College in '01. She credits her involvement with school choirs, local bands, and lessons from area music teachers for helping shape her love of music.

"The best piano teacher ever, Gean Rohrer, who is till in town," she said. Olson is currently working on her first solo album, "You know, maybe I'll get signed to a record label, if not, I'm still going to keep going and keep doing it on my own."

Cahoone said to make it in the music industry you have to have drive, and tough skin. She said she got her big break as a solo artist by getting her demo played by local radio stations.

"My best advice is just to keep playing and slowly try to build a following," said Cahoone, who was the drummer for Band of Horses.

Record deal or not, Olson just loves to jam, and this bluesy Billings gal has just one goal when she takes the stage, "Just hope that we may rock your socks off," she laughed, "Rock your socks right off!"

You can hear more of Olson's and Cahoone's music on their Myspace pages. For links to their music sites, click here.

You have indicated this comment should be removed.

Close

The comment has been submitted for review. Thank you .

Fan from Paris said on Thursday, Jun 4 at 4:40 AM

Wow, I just listened to this from Paris, France. I think perhaps you can play here sometime? (let me no). Votre musique est fantastique! Tres, tres Bleu. Rock on Betsy Bleu!

Betsy Fan:) said on Saturday, May 23 at 8:39 PM

Great story. Go Bets!!

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

KULR-8 News, Sports, Weather and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

Your Weather Authority

Icon
Current Temp 23.0 °F
Overcast
Wind : Northeast at
12.7 mph
Humidity : 72 %
Pressure : 30.21 in
More Weather

Party America Sky Cam

More Weather

On Demand

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Links We Like