Ollee Owens had basically left music in the past. After having three daughters when she was fairly young, and one with exceptional needs, she dedicated herself to them.
However, about a decade ago, Owens found music calling her again. Now, her career as a blues musician is roaring ahead, full-steam.
This March she was named Emerging Blues Artist of the Year by the Canadian Blues Music Awards. And she’s in the midst of recording her fourth record with legendary producer and musician Colin Linden.
“It’s been amazing,” she says. ““Never did I think I would be doing what I am doing today. Every day is a gift.”
Music has always been a huge part of her life, Owens says.
“I’ve been singing ever since I can remember. I grew up in a small town in Manitoba and I became the wedding singer, the funeral singer, the singer at the fairs. Whenever someone needed someone to sing, I was there,” she laughs.
She discovered Delta blues when she was 12. She instantly connected with the genre.
‘My family life was a bit challenging when I was growing up,” she says. “Thematically, what they were singing about, the emotive nature, the expression, it’s so raw and real, and it acknowledges that life is hard.”
“It gave me voice for some of the experiences I had that I didn’t really know how to articulate,” she adds.
In 2015, a friend of hers encouraged her to come out and jam at the Blues Can in Calgary.
Her girls were getting a bit older and doing well. She decided to check it out.
“The moment I got up there, there was this beautiful energy between what I was doing and the people listening. It just sparked something in me.”
She started writing songs again. “One thing led to another, and here we are today,” she says.
Winning the Canadian Blues Music Awards’ Emerging Artist of the Year was unexpected.
“I was just there to cheer people on!” Owens says. “I jumped in my seat when they called my name.”
The award means a lot, she says.
“Just to be acknowledged for the last decade of work that I’ve put in to building my career … it’s hard for me to put into words,” Owens says. “It encouraged me to keep moving forward and keep creating.”
Working with Colin Linden has been very special, she says.
“Part of the reason I was excited to work with him is because who he is, his sound. He’s just so deeply rooted in blues world and in roots and Americana music. I just knew that he would be able to bring together what I was hearing in my head.”
“And what I loved about it is that he does it very thoughtfully and intentionally. I really appreciated that.”
The album will likely be released next spring. Keep an eye out for a single release in the fall as well.
Owens is performing this summer in Millarville, Calgary, Camrose, and High River, with more shows to be announced. All details and dates can be found on her website.
“Shivers and Butterflies” by Ollee Owen:
