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Ola has not only a fantastic voice; he exudes an extraordinary charisma and passion, and also is strongly self-driven. Ola has in other words all the qualities needed to become an international star.
The success of his debut album "Given To Fly" shows how quick he has been to learn his lessons. The album was released on May 31st, and hit no. 1 on the Swedish album charts directly upon release. His first single "Rain" had the same success on the single chart, and was one of the most played songs on the Swedish radio for 6 months. Ola’s second single"Brothers" is a current favourite on many radio stations, released in a new and hotter version.
This is a personal success for Ola, who has co-written both lyrics and music. The song is about Ola’s two brothers who were adopted from El Salvador.
"I have always been doing music" is a usual comment from artists when they describe their past, but not Ola. He says "I have always been doing football. Football has been my dream and foremost goal since I was 5 years old. That is what I should do in life".
He tells that his musical breakthrough was much more a coincidence.
"I sang and acted in a high school play, which seemed to surprise everyone, I was marked a footballer by my friends!"
Everyone was deeply moved by Ola’s performance, which earned him a standing ovation. Two days later, the 2005 Pop Idol selection was due to take place in Malmö. Classmates of Ola told him to apply.
"Why not?" Ola thought, not knowing what was about to happen. His theory as to why he became one of the finalists in Pop Idol was that he was more relaxed about the whole TV show than the competition.
The same night as he ended his Idol journey, as number 8 in the final, Ola got a call from producer Jonas Saeed, who had told Ola that he wanted to work with him if he was voted out. When Ola heard Jonas voice in the telephone, he knew that the real challenge was about to start.
"I see the record deal as a real victory resulting from Pop Idol, but at the same time I know my journey has just begun. In one way I only compete against myself now. But then there is the real fierce competition with all the other artists out there. And it is tough."
Ola often mentions that the music just came to him, without his conscious involvement. But there were early signs. Ola’s grandfather always sang, often with Ola in his early youth. When a great song was played on radio, he sang with it. Later, Ola sang in a choir. After a producer heard him sing solo, Ola was chosen to sing the tunes on a children’s album, "Älskade Barnvisor", at the age of 8. He has also played the piano for six years. "With the piano, I learned to hear the music instead of just reading it. It was my mother’s idea with piano lessons, but in the end I got tired of it. Today I am grateful for my years at the piano." Ola has also sung in a music theatre in Malmö.
In short: music actually has been very important in Ola’s life, but since he always has focused 100 percent on football, he did not really give it any attention. Now he can see it was his destiny. That’s why he named the title track "Given To Fly".
From the years practicing sports, Ola has got his ability to focus, goal-driven and self-discipline. "I have only been partying one time this past half year. Singing is a 24/7 work, and partying is not good for my voice."
Musically, Ola is able to master different styles. The debut album contains a mix of pop, ballades, and Rn’B-influenced tracks. Ola is looking for air, groove and happiness in his music.
"I realized how I felt when I saw and listened to Michael Jackson when I was younger. If I can give the same optimism that I got then, I have succeeded."
Ola confesses that his greatest weakness to date has been his lack of routine; on stage and in studio. But he is a fast learner.
"I feel it’s not until now that I’ve dared to go for it, but also have control of the situation. I improve all the time and I am working hard to become my best."
Ola has co-written three of the songs on "Given To Fly", including the hit single "Brothers". He looks forward to develop his own song-writing more on his next album.
"To work out a great song is among the best things in the world", says Ola. "I have no problems spending day and night in a trashy studio, as long as we have a piano and guitar to create new ideas. The first two months, when I was not working in the studio, I was sleeping on a mattress at a friend’s house." The only thing that beats studio work is the moments on stage when everything is right. When it is all happening and the audience is singing along with him. When the energy flows both ways. "To be an artist and public person is one thing, to be a musician is another. I think both are equally important and entertaining"
The private Ola is otherwise a quite normal person. His life outside music is about dating, friends, family and sports in general.
It is quite interesting that his music career started out as just a side project, Ola’s life was centred on playing football and was signed to the Swedish first division team Vasalund/Essinge. After that he has been refocusing 100 percent on his music career. Does he ever thing he will return to the football field?
Ola smiles,
"I hope that music work so well that I will never have to go back."