The Melodic Angst of Hudson Valley Soundsmith Al Olender

She’s one of the most buzzed-about singer-songwriters to emerge from the Hudson Valley in years. A Baltimore native raised on the sounds of the country divas heard on her mom’s car radio, she’s a young woman who tackles weighty subjects like heartbreak, sexual identity and the death of a loved one on her acclaimed debut album, Easy Crier.

In her few short years in the Hudson Valley, Al Olender has made an outsized impact.  Under the tuneful mentorship of local musician/producer James Felice, Olender has emerged as a true original – both on record and in live performance.  She’s a singularly visionary storyteller and lyricist with an angelic voice that can sweetly deliver even her most angsty songs.

Al is also a true favorite of her adopted hometown of Kingston. Her local performances, including her annual “Alentine’s Day” shows, are a must-see.  And she will be bringing another of her annual traditions, her much-anticipated birthday show, to Tubby’s in Kingston on June 15.

In the interview below, Al speaks of her love of the small-town vibe of the Hudson Valley and the caldron of creators that make our music scene a true one-of-a-kind.

INSIDE+OUT: You’re a native of Baltimore.  How did growing up in the city best known for iconoclasts like John Waters, David Hasselhoff and TV’s The Wire influence you?  And how has the move to the Hudson Valley helped your career?

Al Olender: Baltimore means a lot to me. My parents are still there, although I split my time between visiting the city and the suburbs (where my mom lives now). I also think that makes me who I am. I was always going between places. It’s an iconic city. Once, my dad met Stephen King at a book signing he was doing at Walmart. And he was always behind John Waters, buying cigarettes at the 7-11. Mostly, I just have a really distinct accent, which can be a great party trick. Well, my career only started when I got to the Hudson Valley. I didn’t make music in Baltimore. I worked at the bagel shop and went to Ocean City in the summer, but I never knew what it would mean to be a singer. It’s the Hudson Valley and moving here that made me believe it was possible.

When did you first get interested in playing music, singing and, especially, writing songs?  Who were some of the early influences who helped shape your approach?

I’ve been singing since I could make noise. There’s a video of me when I was one and a half singing “Jingle Bells” pretty well. My early influences were whoever my mom was playing in the car. I spent a lot of time in the car as a kid. So, a lot of contemporary Country music: Faith Hill, the Chicks, Jo Dee Messina and Shania Twain. They were my Mount Rushmore. I wrote songs the way everyone best learns – by getting broken up with by some guy on AOL Instant Messenger and crying in my bedroom and cursing his name.

Your new single, “Runner Up,” puts a dirty but very pop sheen over your lyrical angst; it’s a more radio-friendly tune than some of the quiet confessional work of your debut disc, Easy Crier.  Was this a pre-meditated move or maybe an approach to wrap these hard sentiments in a sweeter candy coating for more commercial appeal?

Ha-ha, this question made me laugh! You said “radio-friendly” and “dirty” in the same sentence!  If I were a marketing genius, maybe my songs would be less dirty. Of course, I wanted a radio hit, but nope. I was only thinking of what the song needed and Nick Kinsey (who recorded it) had a vision and we ran with it. Attention radio stations: please play this song!

With your album Easy Crier and single, you’re in very good hands. James Felice of The Felice Brothers @felicebrothers is the producer. How has it been working with him and his crew at their studio, The Church, and also hitting the road as their opening act?

The Felice Brothers are legendary. I feel very comfortable being myself with them. So, it’s easy to record with someone like James because I trust him with my songs. Opening for them a few years ago was huge for me as it was my first solo tour. So, when they took me out, it really made me believe I could be a solo touring musician. You need people to take chances on you in this industry, and they’ve done just that.

You’ve performed some very memorable shows in our area, including the “Alentine’s Day” concert this past February at the Old Dutch Church and a summer show at the astounding Opus 40 sculpture park.  What is it about performing in the Hudson Valley that is so special?

The Hudson Valley is my home. And I haven’t lived in many places that feel like home. So, when I play shows here, it’s like I’m doing it for my community. I care so much about putting on a great show for the people who live here or travel to visit. It’s such a special place. There’s an attention to art here that no other place has. If you come here, you feel it right away. If you ever see me playing a show in the HV, just know I’m going all out.

You have just completed a heavy road work schedule, including a two-month European sojourn with the podcast “Welcome to Nightvale” and a U.S. tour opening for Shovels and Rope.  What are your favorite and possibly least favorite things about life on the road?

My favorite part of touring is meeting the audience members after the show, hands down. Shaking everyone’s hand and asking their name. I meet so many kind and thoughtful people that it makes a sometimes lonely job not so lonely for those moments. I laugh, cry and hear little snippets of their life. We feel like family. I was built to tour. I love hotel rooms. I love basically living in my Mazda. I love setting up and breaking down. I love driving nine straight hours to Nowhere, Ohio! I’m a tour dog, baby.

You’re very open about your bisexuality. How has being frank about this side of your life influenced your work?  Is it something that you think can make you a role model for younger people who are coming to terms with their sexuality?

I would have loved to have had open, queer role models in music when I was growing up and growing into my own. We have so many powerful queer artists out here nowadays, and I’m so lucky to be considered with them. But yeah, I love being a lil’ bi hottie shouting it from the rooftops. And if it inspires someone to be open about their own sexuality (I know I have a lot of younger sweeties who listen to my music now – yay), well, good. I’m here for them. And I have people I look up to now for the same reason.

Music is a very challenging business these days with the high cost of touring and paltry revenues paid by streaming services.  What do you think young artists need to know and what skills are most important to survive in this environment?  And is there an artist you look to as a role model for building a career over the long game?

Don’t do it for the money. The money may never come. You may never see the money. Believe in the art you’re making and resolve that our industry is unfair, suffering and brutal. But that doesn’t mean you won’t get lucky. That I won’t get lucky. It can’t be about the money. Don’t do it alone. Find a team. I’m not saying you need a manager or an agent – just someone who believes in you. This is not a job to do completely alone. You need someone who sees you. You believe in your dream. My role models in this industry are Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent of the band Shovels & Rope. And, of course, The Felice Brothers.

On June 15, you will be back in Kingston doing a birthday show at Tubby’s. Also, a show at Levon Helm Studios on July 5 supporting Deer Tick. What can we expect from these events?

New songs. Fun. Outfits to gag you. New covers. Cake. Crying. Laughing. Maybe people are kissing. Rock-n-Roll.

What are some of your favorite local venues where you can perform and see other musicians?

Tubby’s,BIG CAT, The Falcon, Levon’s, Colony, The Avalon Lounge, Rough Draft, Maverick Concerts, UPAC, Chaseholm Farm, Old Dutch Church  and long live BSP (RIP).

The Hudson Valley is home to many world-famous musicians and up-and-comers. Who are some of the new and veteran musicians here that you think people should check out?

Aubrey Haddard, Kendra McKinley, James Felice, Amber Rubarth, Joe Tippett, Nick Panken, William Lawrence and Mikaela Davis.

What three albums have most inspired you and why?

I’m going to leave these with you to listen to, and maybe you’ll know why I’m inspired. My three are High on Tulsa Heat by John Moreland, Javelin by Sufjan Stevens, and Maraqopo by Damien Jurado.

What are you working on now that you’re most excited about?

I’m so excited to finish writing my sophomore record and to have you all listen to it!

What is it about the Hudson Valley that makes it a unique place to live + work?

The small community. Small-town in a city. Knowing everywhere you go. Everyone has kissed everyone. Everyone has worked everywhere. Good luck having secrets here. The trails! The trees! The Norway Maples! The lilac bushes! The Hudson River! The people make it magic. The beauty through the eyes of locals.

What local businesses do you rely on to be successful in your career and just in enjoying life?

Rough Draft, Lovefield Vintage, Tubby’s, Camp Kingston, Darlings (Tillson but owned by Kingston sweetie Madi Taylor) BIG CAT, Brunette, Stockade Bar, The Salt Box, SNAPPERS!, Rewind, Chleo, Eliza, Mac Fitness (lol to my gym), Adams Fairacre, Sweet Maresa’s, textiles by Trip Club (Amanda Brooklyn), Everywhere Shop, etc etc etc.

What is missing in the area that you wish we had?

Dumplings and hand-pulled noodles.

What would be your dream assignment/gig?

Opening for Chappell Roan.

Who or what inspires you personally?

My best friends and drag queens.

Tell us something about yourself that people might be surprised to know.

I have my septum pierced.

What is your favorite non-musical activity?

Thrifting.

Al Olender’s Birthday Show
June 15th @ 8pm
Tubby’s in Kingston NY

Photos courtesy of Al Olender

Contributing writer Sal Cataldi is a musician, writer and former publicist living in Saugerties NY.

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