On the 5th day, of the 11th month in the year of 1987 a musical aficionado was born. Raised in the ambitious city of Toledo, Oh, Oli J was born as one of sixteen children.
Growing up, music surrounded him. Living only 45 minutes from Detroit, the Motown Sound was a family favorite. There wasn’t a day that went by where music was not present to influence Oli. Whether it be the soothing sound of Jazz while riding around with his father or dancing to the driving beats of BBD’s “Poison” and Boyz II Men’s “Motown Philly” Oli J’s genuine love for music is a result of its appreciation and exposure provided by his family.
As music fostered within him he began to show a special interest in the piano and expressed his interest by asking his father to enroll him into lessons at the tender age of 6. In these lessons Oli J developed an ear for melody, chords and harmony. In the midst of learning scales, 7th’s and chord progressions, he began to find that music was becoming an inescapable refuge. It was at one of his many recitals where he saw Musician Chris Byrd play piano for the first time. Finding out that Chris was from Toledo sparked a belief in Oli J, that if he loved music as much as he did, he could be just as good. The seed was planted.
In the 90’s a new decade began and a new era in R&B was created, New Jack Swing. This era was the classroom that groomed Oli, teaching him the importance of words and melody. He loved the maturity of Mint Condition and the cool and clever Babyface, but was extremely intrigued by the provocative “Mad Band” by the name of Jodeci. What attracted him most about Jodeci was their ability to create and entertain with the likes of Luke themed music, on the same album with love songs that were very comparable to a Babyface.
Lyrics became the treble clef to life. The very foundation to which has become his art of expression. Lyrics were always more than black print on paper, Oli J developed a deep appreciation, not only for the the power in words, but the how the way in which you say words could change someone’s mood or provoke them. While his brothers would be playing in their backyard, Oli spent hours listening to songs by artist such as Keith Sweat, studying their lyrics and learn every word and nuance to perfection. Oli J penned his first original song titled “Baby I Need Ya” when he was in the sixth grade. Excited he shared the song with his brother and a friend, but the song, even with a beautiful piano accompaniment, could not win over his first critics. Though met with harsh criticism early, that was not enough to keep Oli from writing.
Through high school Oli J continue to write, and also began sharing what lived in his notebook. He also began to notice people not only reacting, but also taking interest in what he had to say. His creativity was inspired by another pivotal album, “College Dropout” by Kanye West. He dared to be different at a time when music was only about materialistic things. This album for Oli was a sign, that he wasn’t alone in his “unorthodox” idea of music, as this album journeyed to the far, unknown and forgotten places in music. He was again met with that same feeling he had after hearing Chris Byrd.
In 2008, Oli J decided that he would pursue music full-time. Spending years learning the music business and sharpening his craft, in 2011 he made a choice solely of faith to move to Atlanta, Ga to compete with other top Songwriters and Producers.
In 2012, he was invited to a Writing Sessions America songwriter boot camp by Grammy Nominated A&R, Kevin Shine along with only a handful of other top songwriters around the world. “This experience opened my eyes to the music industry.” Oli recalls, adding “This is where I found out that there are so many great songwriters and songs in the world, and it made me love music and songwriting that much more.”
Later that year Oli J formed Oli J Music LLC. Oli J’s slogan is “Music Speaks Volumes.” “I want my music to proceed me.” “I want my music to speak words, and say things that I may not be able to say in plain language in a conversation.” “I want my music to provoke both thought and emotion.” Oli says. “Though I am of the “R&B” generation music has no boundaries, no velvet rope to separate it; and this is why I music, it allows me to go places people can only dream of going.”
Oli J is influenced by the likes of Chris Byrd, Michael Jackson, Jermaine Dupri, Quincy Jones, Sam Cooke, Johnta Austin and R. Kelly. His favorite songs are “Human Nature” (Michael Jackson) and “Diamonds and Pearls” (Prince).