Biography
Bronwen Olson is an emerging folk artist and singer-songwriter from Guelph, ON, Canada. Growing up in a musical home, Bronwen attributes much of her musical influence to her mother, a multi-instrumentalist and artist who gave her many opportunities throughout childhood to explore her creative side. She still remembers the first song she wrote on the piano at age 8, and the feeling she had while writing it. This moment marked the beginning of many years of self-reflection through poetry and song.
After studying classical piano until adolescence, Bronwen followed in her mother’s footsteps, taking up the acoustic guitar and delving into the folk classics that surrounded her youth (Joni Mitchell, Nick Drake, Leonard Cohen, etc.). She began writing songs more earnestly as a teenager, beginning to perform her original music at local venues in her hometown.
Since then, Bronwen has taken a break from performing to refine her musical project. During her hiatus, she has continued to write music while pursuing other interests. She studied philosophy, trained and taught as a Waldorf teacher, and more recently began studies in psychotherapy. She has never identified solely as a musician or performer. First and foremost, she is human - multifaceted and curious, pursuing paths that nurture her creativity.
For Bronwen, songwriting is a pilgrimage—a search for meaning and personal transformation with the potential to include and transform others in the process. Bronwen’s songwriting is heartfelt and honest, combining messages of self-compassion and celebration of our shared humanity. Inspired by contemporary singer-songwriters like Anais Mitchell, Shawn Colvin, and Ane Brun, Bronwen has an equally unique voice to contribute to the world of folk music.
Ethos
Bronwen has the heart of a poet. To her, poetry comes first; the music is the vehicle. Described as a master of “inhabiting voice,” Bronwen weaves melody and lyrics in a way that gives meaning to each note. Her voice - original and resonant - brings it all to life.
A guiding force in Bronwen's songwriting is the idea that “what is most personal is most universal." This philosophy shapes her creative process, allowing her to connect deeply with listeners through her heartfelt compositions. On stage, Bronwen's candid presence—described as a captivating force—effortlessly connects with audiences.
She says, “All of my favourite musicians are real people first. As a performer, I want to strive to accept myself for where I am in a given moment. I know that to create songs which speak to people at a deep level, I need to be willing to step into my own humanity first - and keep stepping in.”