INTERVIEW WITH AMY AND SETH OLSEN OF THE BAND COUNTER

Counter, left to right: Travis Whisnant (bass), Michael Fox (lead guitar), Amy Olsen (vocals), Seth Olsen (rhythm guitars), and Eli Roscoe (drums).

Late winter/early spring is the time of year that I get acquainted with new-to-me bands. I have the honor of interviewing Amy and Seth Olsen (referred to as A&S in the interview) of the band Counter. 

JR: Welcome to the blog! How did the band get started, who's all in it, and why the name "Counter?"

A&S: Hi, Jeff - thanks for having us. The initial band concept started a few years back (around early 2020/2021) when Seth started messing around with some initial song ideas/demos. Initially, Seth was working on more worship songs for my church band that I play with once in a while - but soon realized he was driven more to write heavier songs - for people who may never come to church.

As far as the name - Counter's name means "go against" which comes across lyrically in our music as we highlight upbeat/positive themes through down tuned heavy riffs, pounding drums and soaring catchy vocals hooks that lyrically go against the hate and derision in today’s world. We believe in going into the darkest places and bringing light and hope to others. 

JR: Would you like to tell us about your latest single? 

A&S: Our latest track is titled "The Darkness." This song was produced by Ricky Rodriguez and initial song structure was a collaboration we did with Colt Crevar - the guitarist of the band Forever May Fall (Charlotte metal core band) who works with many bands in the region. This song has done really well on streaming - one of our most popular - we are really proud of how it all came together in the final mix. The song’s message is that no matter how dark of a place you either end up in (or try to put yourself in on purpose) you can never hide from the Light, that the shadows still shine because the Light is near so you are never alone, and when you open yourself to that Light and accept it, you can begin to move out of that dark place and towards where (and who) you were meant to be.

JR: Looking at your web-page, you got your start during the middle of COVID. What were the challenges of trying to get established in that era, and how did you see God use that situation?

A&S: Covid was an interesting time: good in some ways to start a band who really had no original music. Venues were pretty much shut down - so we really had time to work on music and try to develop the sound and style along with finding the right members and work on a set list. We are focused on playing original music in our sets, so sometimes that is a challenge as many places are still more into cover type bands that will play the “hits” of a certain style and genre.

We still have challenges in setting up shows, but we have worked to partner with other bands to play shows with them which makes a difference. We really enjoying making new connections both with bands and venues. We think God is still using us in many ways including helping us create powerful music that people enjoy and in reaching out to new audiences and new bands - we are happy to offer hope and a helping hand to anyone.

JR: What would you say is the vision of the band?

A&S: We would say the vision or the mission is really the great commission and reaching out to others with love and mercy and showing them the Way. We are very much aligned with The Whosoever’s movement (same as Lacey Sturm, P.O.D. [Sonny Sandoval], Life & Death [Brian Head Welch] etc.) in reaching out to those in need - let them know they matter and that the Lord wants to meet them where they are and make their lives better.

JR: How can we pray for Counter? And are there any praise reports?

A&S: We are hoping to put together a large music fundraiser event this summer with bands on a similar mission to us. Be praying that it can all come together as we would like so that we can meet unexpected people in an unexpected place with an unexpected message of hope and mercy, especially those suffering under strongholds of addiction. Also pray that this show is something not where we may want to play and perform, but rather it is something the Lord wants that can be used to reach those looking for answers  but in the wrong places. Praise reports for us really are that the Lord has put the right people in our path to form the band (and all on the same mission) - the band initially was just us. Especially since we are based in a small town - not typically where a hard rock band may typically start from.

JR: What's on the agenda as far as touring and recording? How can we keep up with what's going on with the band?

A&S: As far as keeping up with us - really easy to follow us on Facebook or Instagram (where we are active) along with our website, www.counter.rocks For 2024 - we are playing around 1 show per month which can be found on our Bandsintown page and for recording we are going into the studio soon to work on our next single which is already fully developed. We are more into releasing singles (versus albums or EPs) and hope to put out a few this year but don’t have an exact timetable on that - plus we are self funded - not on any label - so takes some time to put funds together. Thanks again for having us - be sure to follow us on our Main Link Page, Instagram and Spotify!!

JR: Thank you for your time. Are there any other final thoughts you’d like to share?

A&S: One of the main things is we want people to know this is all real: Christ is real and He has real plans for their lives; that is is not about Churchianity or keep up with others expectations, but rather a true connection with a Savior who loves them and only wants the best for each person's lives. He is the one that can break chains of addiction - both things like drugs & alcohol - as well as things like social media comparitiveness where people are continually judging themselves to others and becoming more despondent and divisive, chained down by a vanity cycle loop that is all imaginary.