Inspiring the Next Generation to Follow Their Dreams – A Conversation with Oliver Cronin

“All I know is I’ll still be here, making music I love, trying to inspire the next generations to follow their dreams. If that means Grammys and stadium shows, then hell yeah!”

With this sense of passion and resolve, Oliver Cronin introduces us to the world that he has created through his music. Hailing from Byron Bay, Australia, Cronin is not just an artist; he’s a producer and songwriter who wears his heart on his sleeve, pouring raw emotion into every chord and lyric. In our interview, we delve deeper into his inspirations, aspirations, and the art of collaboration.

Photography and interview by Christopher Brown

Tell me about your time in LA. What did you learn most about yourself and recording new music?

I really learned the art of collaboration. One thing I think we struggle with here in Australia is that there isn’t enough emphasis on working together. It’s really incredible the art you can create when multiple people put their heads together. It’s very inspiring to see how people work out in LA.

Tell me the inspiration behind your new single “I Need You.”

Xxel and I set a goal for “I Need You,” and like all our music, it is to make people feel something. We wanted to find that perfect balance sonically and lyrically where people can dance and cry at the same time!

What inspired you to start releasing weekly extra songs on SoundCloud?

The fans. I make a lot of music on TikTok live, and have so much sitting in the vault that I felt I wasn’t giving the fans enough material.

“It’s really incredible the art you can create when multiple people put their heads together.”

Can you recall the first time you ever received a compliment about your voice?

I don’t think I can pinpoint an exact time. My mum used to always say I had a good voice, but I just thought she was being nice! Maybe she was right after all; I’m not sure…

Who are your biggest music inspirations?

I always find this question daunting because I have so many, and throughout my journey, they have changed a lot. Kendrick Lamar was my first big inspiration; he was the reason I wanted to make my own music. Recently, I’ve been super inspired by Post Malone, Chase Atlantic, Mike., A Boogie, and a bunch of others across all sides of music.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

For the first time in a long time, I actually don’t know, and I’m actually excited by that. Things have changed very quickly for me in the best way possible, and with the rate at which social media and music consumption are changing, it’s so hard to tell where things will stand in 5-10 years. All I know is I’ll still be here, making music I love, trying to inspire the next generations to follow their dreams. If that means Grammys and stadium shows, then hell yeah!