Q&A: From Van Life to Folk Stages, Olive Klug is Embracing the Uncertain Path
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
☆ BY SHEVON GREENE ☆
Photo by Alex Steed
WITH A SPRIGHTLY VOICE, UNFILTERED HONESTY — and a deep well of self-reflection, Olive Klug is quickly becoming one of folk music’s most vital and fresh voices. Their latest single, “Train of Thought,” is the perfect swirl of metaphor and emotion, blending stream-of-consciousness lyricism with Paul Simon-inspired chaos to explore the experience of neurodivergence and identity. It’s a departure from Klug’s usual literal storytelling and a reflection of the artistic evolution heard throughout their upcoming sophomore album Lost Dog, out April 25.
From reflecting on the petty messiness of post-breakup emotions to weaving therapy concepts into folk anthems, Lost Dog captures Klug’s journey through joy, confusion, growth, and the realities of being a late-twenties artist living out of a van. While they’re not trying to be anyone’s role model, Klug’s music invites their listeners to sit with uncertainty—and maybe even find some community in it.
Fresh off the release of “Train of Thought,” Klug is preparing to hit the road for an extensive tour including stops at Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Mariposa Folk Festival and Pickathon. Read their interview with Luna below.
Photo by Alex Steed
LUNA: “Train of Thought” explores neurodivergence and embracing internal chaos. How did writing this song help you process that experience?
KLUG: I wrote it pretty stream-of-consciousness. I didn’t set out to write about neurodivergence or embracing chaos, but after I looked back at the lyrics, that’s what I realized it was about. For a long time, I tried to correct myself—stay on a traditional path, fix the "issues" in my head. This song is about letting that chaotic train of thought just flow instead of policing it.
LUNA: You’ve mentioned being inspired by Paul Simon’s “wordy magical chaos.” What about his style resonated with you for this song?
KLUG: At Sisters Folk Festival in 2023, I was asked to lead a songwriting workshop. One of the themes I chose was writing in the style of a favorite artist. I’d never tried that myself, so I gave it a shot—Paul Simon came to mind because I’d been listening to Graceland a lot. I wrote “Train of Thought” in open D with a capo on the 10th fret, which is wild. People make fun of me for that, but I don’t care. I wrote it in about ten minutes while sitting by a river in Oregon. It was just meant to be an example for the class, but I couldn’t stop thinking about it, and the students loved it too. Funny enough, people thought I was imitating Joni Mitchell, but it was Paul Simon. That’s what I love about this kind of exercise—it brings something unexpected out.
LUNA: That’s such a great origin story, especially how it came from a creative prompt. The track leans more into abstract metaphors than your usual literal style. Did that feel natural?
KLUG: It did. I’m in a phase where I want to try new things. I have ADHD, and I get bored of my own style easily, which can actually be a great motivator. A lot of this album reflects that desire to shake things up—including learning banjo. I listen to this podcast, “Binchtopia,” and they always say, "shake up your life," which I think is my unintentional mantra.
LUNA: Your songwriting is often praised for its honesty. Was there a song on Lost Dog that felt especially cathartic or hard to write?
KLUG: A few of them, especially the ones about past relationships. There are two in particular — “Cold War” and “One Dimension.” “Cold War” was written right after a breakup and it’s about the petty Instagram battles that happen when you’re trying to win the breakup while staying no contact. It’s immature, but real. “One Dimension” came a year later and is about gaining perspective—letting go of that resentment and feeling the actual loss. Together, those songs show the shift from anger to reflection.
Another song, “Opposite Action,” is inspired by a DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy) concept. It’s about doing the opposite of what your emotions tell you—if you want to isolate, go out; if you want to stay in bed, get up. I was practicing that during a depressive episode. I was doing everything "right" but still felt awful. That song channels the frustration of trying so hard and still not feeling okay.
LUNA: It’s so powerful when therapy concepts make their way into music—it gives others something to relate to. The title Lost Dog feels symbolic. What does it mean to you?
KLUG: I’m 27, and a lot of this album is about what it feels like to be this age. In my early 20s, being a touring artist felt exciting. But now, I live in my van, I’ve rejected a lot of norms, and I look around and see my peers settling into stable jobs and relationships. I feel like I’m bumbling through adulthood differently. It’s joyful at times, but also lonely and hard. Lost Dog reflects that. There’s a lyric: “Lost dog gets less cute once he’s been around the block a couple times.” It’s about that shift from the novelty of freedom to the reality of it. But the album also celebrates the joy of being a free spirit.
Photo by Alex Steed
LUNA: I think a lot of people—even those with traditional jobs—can relate to that feeling of being a little lost. You’re about to head out on a long tour, including some big festivals. How do you prepare mentally and physically?
KLUG: Right now I’m at my parents’ house resting. I was planning to keep traveling, maybe spend some time on a farm, but I realized I needed a break. I’m sleeping a ton, trying to store up energy before the tour, because once I’m on the road, it’s nonstop.
LUNA: Any tour stops you’re especially excited for?
KLUG: New York feels like a second home—my bandmate and some of my best friends live there. It’s exciting and energetic, but I couldn’t live there full-time. I also love playing Minneapolis. The audiences are so engaged, which I love. And Salt Lake City is where the tour starts—I’m playing Kilby Court again, which is one of my favorite venues. I’ve performed there six times and it feels like home.
LUNA: What’s something you hope listeners take away from this album and your journey so far?
KLUG: This album is just where I’m at right now. I’m not trying to be a role model or give answers. If people relate, that’s amazing. If they just like how it sounds, that’s great too.
LUNA: Folk music has a long history of activism and storytelling. Are there any social or personal themes you’re hoping to amplify through your music moving forward?
KLUG: It’s not overtly political, but I want to be vocal about being queer and nonbinary. At every show, I raise money for local organizations through matchbook sales. We need community and solidarity more than ever. We need to stop the infighting and support one another. That’s what I hope to create through my music: a sense of togetherness, especially for those in marginalized communities.
LUNA: Thank you again for sharing so honestly. I’m so excited for Lost Dog and your upcoming tour.
KLUG: Thank you so much!
