Kent Olsson is a Swedish songwriter and producer based in Västerås, Sweden, creating hook-driven pop with rock-edged energy and emotional storytelling. With a background as a percussionist, rhythm and dynamics are at the core of his writing and production. He also composes film music with neo-classical influences, blending cinematic atmosphere with modern songwriting. With decades of experience and a global collaboration mindset, Kent builds each release around the unique identity of the vocalist-tailoring melodies, lyrics, and production to highlight what makes a voice unmistakable. His music balances pop clarity with grit and urgency, driven by a strong desire to collaborate across borders and connect artists worldwide.
With “Just Tonight” out now, we took some time to hear from Kent Olsson. Read below to learn more about Kent Olsson, the story behind “Just Tonight,” and what’s to come.
Hi Kent Olsson! Let’s start with how did you get your artist name?
I chose to release music under my real name, Kent Olsson. It felt honest and straightforward. My work is centered on songwriting and collaboration, and using my real name makes that connection direct and personal.
What city are you from, and where are you based now?
I’m from Sweden and based in Västerås.
At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music? How did you get started?
Music has been a constant for most of my life. I started writing and creating early on, and over time it became more than a passion, it became the thing I kept coming back to. The more I worked with artists and tailored songs specifically for their voices, the clearer it became that this is what I’m meant to do.
How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?
I’d describe my sound as pop-forward, sometimes with rock elements-hook-driven, emotional, and energetic. I love clean, modern production, but I always want a human edge in the vocals and the overall feel, something that hits instantly and still feels real.
Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?
Nature helps me reset and stay creative. Getting outside, walking, running and clearing my head. I also stay inspired by listening widely across genres and studying great toplines and vocal performances.
Who are some of your main musical influences?
I’m influenced by writers and producers who can combine massive hooks with real emotion, pop that’s polished but still has grit. I also love artists who blend genres confidently and make it feel effortless. When it comes to my film music side, one of my true heroes is of course John Williams, his sense of theme, emotion, and cinematic storytelling is unmatched.
I also want to mention Tomas Coox, a truly gifted music educator and producer who often coaches me when I get stuck. Every conversation with him, every call, every chat, I learn something new. His knowledge feels endless, and that kind of guidance has been invaluable for my growth as a songwriter and producer.
What’s one of the proudest moments of your music career so far?
One of my proudest moments is hearing a track click for the first time with an artist, when the song suddenly becomes their song. With “Just Tonight,” the moment Josh reacted with “This is a hit” really stayed with me.
What would you say are the greatest lessons that you’ve learned so far?
Two big lessons: keep it simple and keep it honest. The strongest songs usually have a clear emotional core and a hook that feels effortless. And collaboration matters. Great music comes from listening to others, not just leading. When you really hear what an artist needs and what a song is trying to say, the final result becomes stronger.
Now onto “Just Tonight.” What inspired this song?
“Just Tonight” was inspired by that intense, late-night feeling where you don’t want to promise forever. You just want the moment to stay alive. It’s about choosing honesty over pressure: no grand claims, just real connection right now.
What was the inspiration behind the cover artwork for “Just Tonight?”
I wanted a modern look that captures the magic of a moment just before it happens. Two hands almost touching. It’s meant to reflect that fragile, electric feeling in the song, especially the line: “One more touch, we’ll be alright.” The artwork is about closeness, anticipation, and how one small moment can feel like everything.
How did the collaboration with Josh Paulino come about?
I work with artists internationally, and I’m always looking for voices with real character. Josh and I have collaborated before, and his gritty, raspy tone has honestly stayed with me. It comes back to my mind a lot when I’m writing. So, when I started building the idea for “Just Tonight,” it felt natural to shape the song specifically around his vocal identity and that raw edge he brings.
What was the creative process like when making “Just Tonight?”
The process usually starts with me at the piano or guitar, just playing around. Most often in my favorite key, D minor. The bass feels incredible in that key, and it immediately sets a mood for me. From there the melody begins to emerge, and once I have a topline that feels right, I start shaping the lyrics and structure.
With “Just Tonight,” I wrote the melody and lyrics with Josh’s tone in mind and built the production to support that raw edge, pop structure and clarity, but with rock energy underneath. I also had great help from my wife, Cath Blomkvist as a sounding board for lyric ideas and phrasing.
How long did it take to complete “Just Tonight?”
It took time, because the core idea for the song is something I had carried with me for a long time, thinking about how it could truly come to life. Once the direction became clear, it became a process of writing, shaping the production, refining details, and getting recordings done across different countries all the way to the final master. The collaboration aspect adds time but it also adds personality and depth.
What do you hope fans take away from “Just Tonight” and your music in general?
I hope people feel something real. With “Just Tonight,” I want listeners to recognize that sometimes a moment can be meaningful without needing a promise. More broadly, I want my music to feel immediate, honest, and memorable.
What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects, or do you have any upcoming shows that we should be on the lookout for?
Right now, I’m focused on new music and collaborations. I have another pop track in production called “Replay(me),” and I’m currently looking for the right artist to bring the vocal identity to life. More announcements are coming as soon as the next collaboration is confirmed.
Where can we follow you on social media?
Website:
https://bykent.se, https://kentolsson.com
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1WRqSjab6ACpYs4kvdrmFq
Before you go, let’s ask you something random. How old are you?
Ah – trick question! I don’t really count, but I was born in 1958.
Thank you for the great interview; wish you much continued success!
