Michael Olsen: Blending the Real and the Fantastical with Sonnox Plug-ins
Michael Olsen is a unique figure in contemporary music production, combining an engineer’s precision, a classical musician’s ear, and a producer’s creative flair.
From playing cello in his local youth orchestra to making waves in the Toronto indie-rock scene, including a stint with Arcade Fire, Olsen has carved an unconventional path in the music world. His journey has led him to work on a diverse range of projects, from film and TV composition to collaborating with high-profile artists like Drake and Grammy-winning producer Noah ‘40’ Shebib.
Olsen’s distinctive approach to production is rooted in his passion for blending the believable with the fantastical, often using advanced audio techniques and tools like Sonnox plug-ins to push the boundaries of sound. We spoke with Olsen about his current projects, his creative process, and how Sonnox plug-ins help him achieve his signature sound.
Current Projects: Scoring, Composing, and Experimenting
Olsen is currently working on a variety of projects, including scoring an independent horror film about a killer vacuum cleaner called "Clean," set to debut later this year. He’s also starting work on the animated TV series, Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That, alongside his frequent writing partner Ben Fox. In addition, Olsen is busy composing a solo electric cello record, writing a new album for his band Our Founders, and mixing several other records.
Using Sonnox Plug-ins for Creative Sound Design
Olsen relies on Sonnox plug-ins to add a unique sonic character to his work. “I use the Oxford Limiter for a variety of things, from taming a bus mix with a touch of the Enhancer to applying extreme limiting and enhancing weird noises,” he explains. “Radically reducing dynamics on reverbs and effect sends can create some delightfully strange sounds.”
One example of Olsen’s creative use of the Limiter can be heard in a teaser for the show Sleepless, where he also employed the Inflator for additional impact. “The Inflator has some serious punch—it adds an amazing fullness to the sound,” he says.
Olsen is also a fan of the SuprEsser, especially for its ability to de-ess groups of vocalists simultaneously. “It’s excellent at taming bright plucked acoustic instruments too,” he notes. “The ability to attenuate specific high-end frequencies while leaving the rest alone is incredibly useful.”
Recently, Olsen has been exploring the Envolution plug-in, which he finds “super cool” for its versatility. “I’m still discovering new things about it every time I use it,” he says. “I recently used it to stretch out a snare drum sound, and it worked out really well.”
The Appeal of Sonnox Plug-ins: Usability and Advanced Features
For Olsen, the appeal of Sonnox plug-ins lies in their balance of usability and advanced functionality. “They’re easy to use but retain the kind of advanced features that professional engineers need,” he says. “They’ve also challenged me to learn new things, like the different curve types on the Oxford EQ.”
Olsen particularly appreciates the EQ’s flexibility, often using the Type 3 proportional-Q curve on string instruments, including his own cello tones. For master bus EQ, he typically opts for the Type 4 curve, while the Type 2 curve is his choice for cutting problem frequencies in acoustic guitars and drums. “The GML option is awesome too—I love that hardware,” he adds.
Collaborating with Drake and Noah ‘40’ Shebib on Views
Olsen’s work with Drake on the album Views was a highlight of his career. “I spent about five days in 40’s studio in Toronto, laying down parts and arrangements,” he recalls. “40 then reshaped them into what eventually made it onto the album. It was a high-pressure environment with tight deadlines, but it was also incredibly fun and collaborative. The studio was dope, and everyone was professional yet relaxed.”
Advice for Aspiring Film and TV Composers
For those looking to break into film and TV composition, Olsen emphasizes the importance of collaboration and emotional flexibility. “Remember, you’re always part of a bigger project—it’s not just about you,” he advises. “Serving the picture is key, so you need to be willing to let go of your ideas and start over if necessary. The magic happens when the music and picture work together perfectly, and it’s incredibly rewarding.”
Olsen’s ability to blend technical precision with creative freedom has set him apart in the world of music production. Whether he’s scoring a quirky indie film, crafting a lush orchestral arrangement, or adding his signature cello to a Drake track, his use of Sonnox plug-ins ensures that his sound is both innovative and impeccably polished. As Olsen continues to explore new sonic landscapes, his work remains a testament to the power of combining the real with the fantastical.