Today we’d like to introduce you to Ollie Kaiper-Leach.
Hi Ollie, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I trained first as a jazz pianist and classical tenor in Manchester, UK, and then in Musical Theatre in London. I was a composer at university and loved writing for theatre, and worked both as a performer and a musical director and arranger in theatre for a few years.
During the pandemic, I started writing a musical and realized I needed to work on my songwriting before I could take on something so big. I fell in love with songwriting and decided to tag a visit to Nashville at the end of a US Tour I was on with a British show called “The Choir of Man.”
I spent a month in the city and was bowled over by how welcomed I was. I was invited to play at the Pindrop Songwriter’s Series and met the amazing family that Stevie and Kiernan have created.
When I came home, I asked them if I could open a UK branch of Pindrop with my friend Nat [Natalie Gray], and they loved the idea. They came over to help us launch last November, and we’ve since built quite the community and gained a lot of organic traction.
Since that time, I released my first 5 singles, and am currently working on an album! I hope to be back in Nashville as soon as possible.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Ha! Definitely not. But that’s part of the process. Like a lot of artists, I’m struggling to find the balance between earning enough to live and subsidize the largely unpaid endeavor of releasing music and running Pindrop UK, whilst also leaving myself enough time and headspace to do so.
I also feel a lot of pressure with the rise of social media. It feels like nurturing socials is essential to growing as an artist, but it’s not something I’m able to take a lot of time for, nor something that comes naturally. And with that comes a lot of self-doubt about my success and progress, so cutting through that noise and staying sure of myself is a constant battle.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a piano-based solo artist, with a background in blues, funk, and theatre. I write songs with huge emotions and vivid storytelling, and am known for my skills on the keys. My goal is to put my stamp on the “Piano Man”.
I’m most proud of the work I’m doing with Pindrop UK. Championing other songwriters and creating a space where people can be vulnerable and creative is incredibly fulfilling and inspiring. I’ve written some of my proudest music for Pindrop nights.
Who else deserves credit for your story?
My close friend Camille Rae gave me a place to stay in Nashville and got me into my first writer’s rounds. She is one of my biggest supporters, both musically and personally.
Stevie Rae Stephens and Kiernan McMullan welcomed me into the Pindrop family and trusted me to bring it to the UK. They feel like my American family.
One of my best friends is also a UK artist, Natalie Gray, who coached me through my first releases, and who teamed up with me to bring Pindrop to the UK. She’s the best teammate I could ask for.
And finally, my best mate of nearly 10 years, Tom Guyer, is now a hugely talented producer and plays drums for me in my band. He’s been the sounding board for every single idea I’ve ever had.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/ollieklmusic?igshid=NGVhN2U2NjQ0Yg==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/olliekaiperleach
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa7WVCgJ3MenAO-vX461M-g
- SoundCloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/enoyTx6ggcDtTFoJ7
- Other: https://instagram.com/pindropuk?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
Image Credits
Allan McKay, Chris Griffiths, and Charley Lyne
