Olson is the grand prize winner of the Pop category in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest. How he got there took a new mindset of music and creativity, something he had lost interest in growing up. The John Lennon Songwriting Contest was “founded in 1997 and made possible by Yoko Ono Lennon, [and] celebrates originality and craft across genres,” according to the website. “That little nudge from the John Lennon Songwriting Contest gave me the confidence that maybe I have something to offer in my music,” Olson said. Olson emphasized his deep appreciation for the John Lennon Songwriting Contest and the time they have given him to perfect his songwriting.