Angel Olsen to perform at Bishop Bar

Singer/songwriter Angel Olsen will perform at 9:30 p.m Wednesday at the Bishop Bar.

The Chicago-based singer said she hasn’t performed in Bloomington in a long time but is looking forward to returning to the Bloomington crowd. She said she has friends in the area, and her record label, Jagjaguwar, is based in Bloomington.

She said she likes the atmosphere in Bloomington.

“I just like the vibe,” she said.

Olsen said she will be accompanied by a band, so the show will be louder and more upbeat, rather than sit-down and acoustic. However, she said she’s open to making changes during her performances based on the atmosphere.

“I never know what’s going to happen,” she said. “I really don’t know what to expect.”

Olsen was born and raised in St. Louis and began singing and performing at 15. After starting as a solo artist, she worked with singer/songwriter Will Oldham, known more commonly by his stage name Bonnie “Prince” Billy. Olsen later put together another band, which is yet to be named, she said. This band will be joining her in Bloomington.

The Bloomington show is one of Olsen’s many performances this summer, she said.
She went on a two-month tour, played at several music festivals and took a break to record a new album before touring again.

Olsen said she will play at a few more festivals in the fall before embarking on a larger tour with folk-pop band the Pillars and Tongues.

In 2010, Olsen released her first solo album, “Strange Cacti.” Her second album, “Half Way Home,” was released in 2012. The Bloomington concert will feature a mix of songs from both albums.

She may perform songs from the new album, even though she is unsure as to when it will be released, Olsen said.

“It was really awesome,” Olsen said of recording her latest album. “I had a great time. I hope it will come out sooner or later.”

Olsen, who writes her all of her own music, describes her style of music as “a mix of different things.” She said sometimes her songs are quieter and “intimate,” others more “abrasive.”

Tickets can be purchased in advance online for $10, or at the door for $12.
For more concert information, visit www.thebishopbar.com.