Óli Jógvansson (in English often spelled Oli Jogvansson), born 1969) is a Faroese songwriter/composer. He is the co-owner of Baroli Music, which he and Bardur Haberg founded in 2006.
Jógvansson was born in Tórshavn. He and his partner have been successful in writing songs for singers from many different countries. They have composed/produced together with other songs for Disney Channel artists like Stefanie Scott, Dove Cameron, and Caroline Sunshine. In 2015 he won “The UK Songwriting Contest 2015” in the instrumental category for composing Forever Gone.
Who inspired you to make music?
I’ve always been into music for as long as I can remember. My oldest brother wrote some beautiful tunes when I was a kid, and that’s when I got hooked and my musical path was sealed.
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
In a lot of ways of course. But two main factors, seen from an artist’s point of view, are very evident. On the positive side, there is the chance of getting heard by a lot of people, even if you don’t have a direct way to connect to the big record companies. There are multiple sources getting your music out there in front of a larger audience. But as a DIY artist, you have to make sure music is well crafted in every aspect. Then you have a fair chance. The other not so positive aspect is the landscape of revenue. Streaming has clearly taken over and that’s the new reality we as artists have to adapt to. As a minimum, you have to control all music rights when it comes to streaming. Otherwise, the streaming share is too low. So far, the impact of the internet hasn’t served the artists as hoped for, but that would hopefully change in the near future.
Have you got a ritual of sorts when writing and thinking about your music?
No specific ritual other than sitting down at the piano and starting playing.
How would you describe your music?
Mostly as cinematic orchestral music with a well defined melodic structure. It tends to be emotional and romantic as well.
What’s next for you?
That would be finishing two newly recorded pieces, by The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra
What are your top two favorite songs of all time? Why those songs?
First is Final Countdown, back when I was a teenager. I was blown away by that fanfare immediately, and it defined my musical taste the following years, and kind of still does because I’m all into melodies. It’s still catchy. As I’ve always been in love with film music too, the same thing happened when I heard the theme from Schindler’s List for the first time. It has to be any composer’s dream to create a masterpiece like that.
What was the last series you watched on TV?
“Kastanje Manden”, a Danish Netflix series from 2021
What do you think the greatest invention has been?
The light bulb.
Do you have any lucky items, objects, or traditions?
No, I tend to believe you have to work for your luck. Hard work, and honing your skills tend to increase your chances of getting lucky.
If you could ask your future self one question, what would it be?
Are you happy you followed your dream? Yes, I am, and wouldn’t change it for anything.
