Surrender

The new double single consists of two tracks, both of which hold deep personal significance for Olai. The song “Surrender” was originally written in 2016, the day after a tough breakup, while Olai also learned that his heart was literally too big and that he would need to take medication for the rest of his life. He describes, with some irony, the connection between these events: “There was a certain irony in it; that I found out I had too big of a heart on the same day I ended a long-term relationship. I was confused and sad, and writing ‘Surrender’ became a way for me to escape reality for a moment.”

“Surrender” started as a simple acoustic track, but over time it evolved. A second melody formed in his head during live performances, turning the song into a duet. To bring this to life, he sought out Filip Killander at KMR Studios, whose high register and emotional depth added the dimension Olai had always imagined. “Never Let A Good Thing Die” has a similar story of transformation. Originally written in 2017 about reconciliation in a romantic relationship, the song found its final form when Olai worked with folk musician Alice Thorsell. The end result became a beautiful duet with Saga Marie, whose singing and trumpet playing added warmth and emotional depth to the track.

For Olai, working on the double single was a reminder of music’s power to create connections between people. The collaboration with other musicians elevated the tracks in ways he couldn’t have achieved on his own: “The most fun part of the project has been that I wasn’t alone. I got help from several talented musicians, and it lifted both songs to heights I couldn’t reach on my own.” Working with Filip Killander and Saga Marie has not only resulted in strong musical collaborations but also helped Olai develop his own sound, where he has now found his place in folk rock.

The songs on “Surrender” reflect a balance between acoustic guitars, vocals, and trumpet. Olai’s music draws inspiration from artists like Simon & Garfunkel, Mumford & Sons, and First Aid Kit. He describes how these influences help him create music that feels genuine and present. “The songs convey feelings of warmth and uncertainty,” says Olai. “The warmth is mainly in the acoustic sound and melodies, while the uncertainty lies in the lyrics and the message in the songs.” These collaborations and influences have given the double single a unique and timeless expression.

When Olai describes his favorite moments in the two songs, it’s clear that there are many moments he is proud of. In “Surrender,” he highlights the end of the second chorus, where his and Filip Killander’s voices diverge into different harmonies and sing the key phrase “I’ll surrender to you!” This is followed by an electric guitar riff and an energetic harmonica solo that creates a powerful atmosphere. “That’s when it really swings!” Olai says with a smile.

In “Never Let A Good Thing Die,” it’s the final chorus that stands out for him. Here, the song gradually builds up and culminates in a crescendo where all the instruments and vocal harmonies come together. “The vocals, guitars, trumpet, piano, organ, bass, and drums all unite in a final crescendo.” It’s these kinds of moments that make his music special, where emotions and instruments merge to create something greater than the sum of its parts.

For Olai, recording the music video for “Never Let A Good Thing Die” was a particularly strong memory. Standing in the studio at KMR and then listening to the tracks one last time in the Atmos format from beginning to end was an incredible experience, and it became an emotional conclusion to a project that had been with him for so long. Now, he’s mainly looking forward to sharing these songs with his audience: “These are songs that have been with me for a very long time, and being able to share them with others now means a lot, and that’s what I’m most excited about.”

 

This article was written in collaboration with KMR Studios, where Olai recorded and produced his double single. If you’re interested in learning more about how KMR Studios can help you with your music projects, don’t hesitate to reach out. KMR Studios has extensive experience in music production and offers a range of services to help you take your music to the next level. Contact us for more information and guidance on how we can support you on your musical journey.