Detroit-based indie folk singer-songwriter Christian Ohly is a storyteller who finds opportunity in using the framework of the song to share a distinct and personal story. Everyone has loved and felt loss, and Ohly’s stories articulate what it’s like to be human.  Songs about being hopeful, troubling, confusing, romantic paint Ohly’s vision to the fullest of color.

Miracle, the debut LP released today, finds Ohly sharing his own personal stories, observations, and insights on love, loss, nostalgia and heartbreak. From intimate guitar strums to orchestral spectacles, Miracle reflects on the challenges and triumphs of life. With each song, Miracle showcases an artist who is finding their footing within a new world of maturity while still reminiscing about what has brought them here today.

The strength of Ohly’s voice is anchored by lush production from Michigan producer John Katona, who worked closely with Ohly to create a cohesive, yet exploratory record that weaves together folk, indie rock, country, jazz, and even punk. 

Ohly says on Miracle, “These songs were written over the last 4 years and recorded in 2021 and 2022 at my long time friend/producer’s studio in Shelby Township, MI. I hope folks find time to make it through the whole record and dive into the lush production, intentional lyrics, and experiences I’ve encountered in my 20’s.”

There’s so much rich history in Detroit that it would be impossible to be influenced by. What have you picked up from growing up within the city, musically?

Growing up I listened to the big Motown artists through my mom’s taste, but honestly primarily just the hits. The last few years I’ve gotten a bit more exposure to the jazz scene which has been really interesting to see and hear. My backing band is mostly jazz musicians. There are also some great venues in Detroit where I’ve been able to see my favorite bands for the last 10 or so years, and I’ve left so many shows feeling inspired. 

What were some of the albums growing up that defined your passion for music?

My brothers showed me The Avett Brothers, Damien Rice, The Head and the Heart, and Sufjan Stevens when I was in middle school/high school through YouTube videos, mix cd’s, and Itunes libraries. The Head and the Heart was my first concert in 2013, and I went home and had my brother teach me a few of their songs on guitar, and I really gained momentum with music after that. My dad would play and sing James Taylor, Simon & Garfunkel, Cat Stevens, and other early 70’s folk singer-songwriters for me when I was a kid, so that had a big impact on me as well. To get back to your main question, a few albums that defined my passion for music: I and Love and You (Avett), 9 (Damien Rice), The Only Reason I Feel Secure (Pedro the Lion), and Transatlanticism (Death Cab). 

What was the defining moment when you knew you wanted to be a musician?

Hmm, I don’t know if I really want to be a musician, but I’d like to make music that I love and enjoy playing/singing, and play it for other folks sustainably if that ever becomes possible. After I went to that first concert I kept wanting to go to more, and getting to create the feeling that concert gave me for someone else is something I really enjoy. 

You have a distinctive voice in terms of your songwriting, channeling distinct backstories around your subject. Could you explain how you go about your process?

Thanks for saying that! A big influence here was Ben Gibbard from Death Cab and Matthew Milia from Detroit-based Frontier Ruckus. They share great snapshots of the memories/stories they are telling in their songs, and I try to do the same. John Katona, my producer, once told me “don’t say how you feel, show how you feel.” and that really stuck with me. Sometimes songs come out of me after loss or heartbreak, and it’s easy to describe scenes from those occurrences. Other times I have to really work for a song, and I try to dive into the setting I was in when I was feeling something, which I think is where the detail you’re referring to really comes through.  

How much of yourself is within your work? Do you tap into your past experiences?

I’d say all of it! I haven’t really written a song from someone else’s perspective, but I’d like to. This record in particular is extremely personal, so personal that I’m quite nervous to give other people the chance to tap into my head at this level, but I tell myself at the end of the day it’s something I love, so it’s worth the discomfort. Also, being uncomfortable usually results in growth, so I try to remember that as well. I talk a lot about places in the midwest, like a golf course across from the neighborhood I grew up in, to Michigan’s upper peninsula. Traveling, childhood memories with my older siblings, and anything that feels nostalgic to me are some other areas I dive into.

You had the opportunity to share the stage with acts such as Bad Bad Hats and The Brook and the Bluff. You even performed at SXSW. What is next?

I’m working on booking out of town shows this fall. I’m really looking forward to playing a few shows night after night. I hope to play someone off shows as well into early 2024. After that, I’ll definitely need to recharge and spend some time offline, figuring out how I want to approach songwriting for another record. I’d like to do a bit more production and video work for other artists I believe in as well.

Photo Courtesy: Alexis Backus

Bio Courtesy: Jordan Williamson