Dave Olson is a Twin Cities-based singer-songwriter. He started writing and performing in Iowa City in the late 90s, influenced by local favorites like Greg Brown, Dave Moore, Bo Ramsey and the Backsliders, and High and Lonesome. Olson has recorded three albums: “#80,” “No October” and “The One-Timers.”

“#80” was recorded in Iowa in 2000 and its songs feature more country influences than later recordings.

“No October” was recorded in 2010 in a barn in rural Minnesota. Produced by Richard Medek, the album is atmospheric and features thoughtful arrangements and mature musicianship by a cast of amazing musicians. 

”The One Timer” was finally released in 2020 after sitting in stasis for nearly 20 years. Recorded (and named after) the band that helped Olson record and support “#80,” “The One-Timers” is a love letter to Iowa City and its residents, circa 2003. Raucous and fun, this is the album of a bar band that just loved playing together.

Press

Sporting an agreeable, mellifluous tenor that ranges from bell-toned to slightly reedy, Olson works mainly in bluesy modern folk and post-‘70s singer/songwriter balladry, but also can rock with conviction…” - Jim Musser

— Press Citizen

‘No October’ is roots music at its best, as Olson combines an undercurrent of blues throughout the project and layers country and folk over that in an amalgam that is wore-welded airtight. The writing is first-rate. Olson’s voice is smooth and evocative. The musicianship is exemplary and always serves the song. ‘No October’ is better than most things from major labels, such as they are these days.” - John Ziegler

— Duluth News Tribune

‘No October' is moody, clever (without being coy) and evocative. It’s everything contemporary folk music can be when put into the hands of a musician who is unafraid to strike an original note...I found Olson’s album to be refreshingly inventive.” - Tanner Kent

— Mankato Free Press

Olson shows his Iowa roots in his songwriting and music. He’s primarily an acoustic folks-country-blues guy with lyrical storytelling that reminds me of Greg Brown and Dave Moore. But his vocal style is closer to Joe Henry, or Glen Phillips from Toad the Wet Sprocket. Olson’s mix of effortlessly economical songwriting and polished performances makes No October a wonderfully compelling listen each time.” - Michael Roeder

— Little Village

On his new album, Dave takes the Americana-folk genre and puts a different, yet simple spin on songwriting... his is substance over style, leaving you pleased in ways that you can’t quite put your finger on but will love all the same.” - Youa Vang

— Gimme Noise

[No October] is a gorgeous, generously appointed set featuring stylish input from My Morning Jacket’s Carl Broemel, The Pines’ Benson Ramsey, They Honeydogs’ keyboardist Peter Sands and - on a shimmering duet arrangement of Tom Waits’ ‘Georgia Lee’ - the sublime Pieta Brown.” - Easy Ed

— No Depression