David Olney – ‘Situation’

David Olney has seen his compositions recorded by legendary artists such as Emmylou Harris, Linda Rondstadt, Del McCoury, and many others. He’s seen his music featured on ABCs ‘Nashville’, was called one of the best writers in America by Townes Van Zandt, himself incomparable.

‘Situation’, his latest single, is deeply personal, yet strange, idiosyncratic, and mysterious. It’s a riddle; an alarm – an alert to his country that something has gone wrong. Fans know what to expect from Olney – after twenty studio albums and six live sets, they’ve stuck with him through thick and thin. His album, ‘Don’t Try To Fight It’, released last year, is an album full of words of wisdom from a man who’s seen a lot, and will share it if we want to listen.



The music video for ‘Situation’ shows the singer-songwriter in the basement of a haunted power plant. He adjusts the settings of the machinery, while mysterious people in masks lurk behind him. Directed by Anana Kaye and Irakli Gabriel, it’s been filmed like an old movie, with everything in the video, from the low ceilings to the exposed ducts and the creeping sense of cold and isolation – underscores the destabilization and uncertainty that Olney sings so passionately about. His only link to the outside world is a solitary telephone. Are you going to answer his call?

Check out David Olney’s official website for further information about the man and his music.

David Olney -- "SITUATION" from "Don't Try To Fight It" (Red Parlor Records)

About the author

Lisa has been writing for over 20 years, starting as the entertainment editor on her university newspaper. Since then she's written for Popwrapped, Maximum Pop, Celebmix, and ListenOnRepeat.

Lisa loves all good music, with particular fondness for Jedward and David Bowie. She's interviewed Edward Grimes (Jedward), Kevin Godley, Trevor Horn, Paul Young, Peter Cox (Go West), Brendan B Brown (Wheatus), Bruce Foxton (The Jam), among many many more. Lisa is also available for freelance writing - please email lisa@essentiallypop.com

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