Pacific Lutheran University’s music program is famous for turning out classical, band and jazz musicians, but one former PLU student is making a name for himself in the country music industry.
Former PLU student and athlete Luke Olson will be performing at the State Fair.
Olson is the frontman in the band The Olson Bros, who have been touring the Pacific Northwest performing at fairs, restaurants and bars. This Tuesday, PLU students will be able to see the band in action at the state fair on the Mountain Mist Stage at 6 p.m.
Originally from Olympia, the group has been making headlines since 2013 when they won the Lake Fair Battle of the Bands and a national songwriting contest with their song “Sunrise.” Luke Olson and his brother Isaac wrote the song while attending PLU, and it earned them a trip to Nashville where they were introduced at The Grand Ol’ Opry.
This summer, the band racked up over 40 shows in their summer schedule including appearances at the Oregon Jamboree and shared the stage recent top his artists including Kelsea Ballerini and Michael Ray. “The Bros” also made their way onto the radio waves across Washington this summer.
Currently, the group is working with songwriter Brandon Kinney to create their newest album. Kunney has worked with Randy Houser (to create Going Out With My Boots On), Craig Campbell (on Out of My Head) and Cole Swindel.
“PLU really is where I developed my love for songwriting,” Olson said. “I took private recording/songwriting lessons with one of the best teachers I’ve ever had -Jeff Leisawitz- and basically started writing and recording songs almost every week while I attended PLU.”
Olson is very excited about where music will take him and his band and gives a lot of credit to PLU for helping him get to where he is now.
“We still have a long way to go but we are very excited about where being in this band could take us,” Olson said.
For now, the band is working on the finishing touches of their first album– they will finish recording in October. The group is also already booking their shows for next summer, looking to play at the Oregon Jamboree again and make their way back to Nashville.
“For now we will keep playing shows, writing and recording new songs, and enjoying playing music all over the beautiful northwest,” Olson said.
Check out The Olson Bros Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 6 p.m. at the Washington State Fair, or, check out their website to learn more about them and see their tour schedule.
