Unsigned Spotlight: Version 5
Version 5 is the brainchild of Minneapolis brothers Andy & Spencer Olson. In 2018 they picked up drummer AJ Rowe, who adds extra flair and energy to the group. For Version 5, nothing compares to the floor shaking beats of electronic music and the raw energy of rock music
Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
Spencer Olson - Singer / Producer / Songwriter
Andy Olson - Guitarist / Songwriter
AJ Rowe - Drums
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Version 5? How long has the band been around?
Before Version 5, Spencer and Andy played in numerous cover bands around Minnesota, playing out every weekend as their primary jobs, when they decided they wanted to write their own material and do something a bit more fulfilling.
Version 5 started out as a songwriting duo in 2013 and really got rolling after we released our debut ep produced by Sahaj Ticotin (Ra, Starset) and Jeff Blue (Linkin Park, Hoobastank) in 2015.
In 2018, AJ Rowe joined the team, not only to give Version 5 more flair live, but also to give them the ability to write alongside a live drummer, which was the case with Close My Eyes.
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
The name came from the fact that when Andy and Spencer were songwriting in their basement, the 5th Version of a new song was when it really came to life and that you knew you were going to see it through to fruition. Many song ideas never get to that point.
Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?
Spencer and Andy write the songs - we usually start with a groove and let that inspire the lyrical content. We write about a variety of topics- Absolute Zero was about losing a loved one, Bury You was about people needing to mind their own damn business, and Close My Eyes was an unreliable narrator inspired by David Fincher films such as Fight Club. We don't typically have a topic set out ahead of time, we let the song take us where it needs to go.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
We love what Bring Me the Horizon is doing, and we have been Nine Inch Nails and The Prodigy fans forever. Anything that has unique soundscapes and catchy hooks.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
Andy & Spencer: Our grandfather played in bands in the 60's and bought us our first guitars - it made it seem more attainable knowing that someone you know did it before.
Aj: My dad tought me how to play Paradise City and I was hooked. I think you need to learn something you recognize early on to keep you going. Drums really need to accompany other instruments, so being in a band was the next natural step.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …
Andy & Spencer: Have a couple shots to lower your inhibitions but not so much you get sloppy.
AJ: I prefer to wing everything in a dangerously half-assed manner.
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
Opening for Stone Sour and From Ashes to New was a great experience- their fans were amazing and welcomed us in with open arms.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
Andy: The Prodigy - their shows are super insane and have super high energy. One of my favorite bands of all time.
Spencer: Nine Inch Nails. Trent Reznor has been the single biggest musical influence of my lifetime, and what got me into the production end of things.
AJ: Limp Bizkit. Because why the hell wouldn't you want to?
Is there anything else you would like to add?
We have an ep, more singles and music videos coming out yet this year. Please follow us on socials to keep up to speed!