Version 5, or [v5] is an electronic rock duo featuring brothers Andy and Spencer Olson. They got their start playing music after their Grandfather (a Midwest Rock & Country Hall of Famer) bought them their first guitars in 2003. After playing with numerous bands and lineup changes, they decided to strip it down to a two-piece in January of 2013.
Now the band are set to release their single Absolute Zero on February 17th, 2017.
Coming from Minneapolis, the pair have drawn influence from both the EDM and rock worlds, creating an infectious combination of high energy and intensity. Following the release of Absolute Zero, the duo will release a music video to coincide with the single in April. Check out Live Without You from the duo below.
We caught up with Andy as he talked about the upcoming release, gigs, proudest moment and more!
How pumped are you for the release of ‘Absolute Zero’?
I’m super excited- the stars seemed to align with this song, everything- in a way- fell together. I’m stoked to share this with everyone.
Can you tell us about the song?
This song started the phrase “Absolute Zero”, which Spencer came up with. When went into writing knowing wanted big beats in the verse and a stadium-rock chorus. Once Spencer was done with some rough sketches, I went in and finished the lyrics.
Will there be a EP/ Album announced soon?
We don’t have any solid dates yet, bet we’re definitely working towards a full length album. For now, we’re taking it song by song and solidifying who we are as writers and musicians.
How much does it mean to you when you hear people listen to your music?
It’s why I do it- I love the reward of coming up with something from nothing- people digging on our songs and/or shows make it addictive.
Have you guys got any gigs planned in the next few months?
Yes, we have a few local shows here in the cities- as well as hitting up Fargo. I’m in the process of booking more shows across the upper midwest. The best way to keep up is to visit our website: version5music.com.
If you could work with any band on a new song, who would it be and why?
For me it’d have to be Liam Howlett of The Prodigy. It’s insane how much energy he can fit into one song. I’d love to do it just for the learning experience. I’d be happy just to be a fly on the wall and see how the process works for people like him or Trent Reznor.
What has been your proudest moment to date?
We were playing a few shows during SXSW last year in Austin Texas. Since we’re broke ass musicians, we saved on expenses by camping about 40 minutes out of town- and because we’re from the land of the ice and snow, we’re not used to being around large insects or poisonous stuff or things of that nature. The last day we were there, we were packing up our tent when Spencer looked down and saw an 8 inch redheaded Texas centipede right at his feet (google it). We straight up freaked out, and were running around our campsite looking for anything to kill it with because we had no bug/insect killer. I found a can of WD-40 and started spraying it right in the face. The thing drank it like that one uncle drinks beer on the 4th of July. It was totally unscathed after a half a can. By that time we caught attention of other campers, who happened to be locals, and thought we were freaking morons. We finally ran it over with our trailer, and the thing was still squirming. We ending up leaving it there to rot in the sun and sent it back to the hell it came from. My proudest moment was killing that centipede. This is coming from a guy who sees wolves semi-regularly in northern Minnesota. I’d take them any day of the week.
What has been your funnest moment at a gig?
We played an outdoor gig on the 4th of July last summer, and while we were finishing our last song the fireworks started going off behind us. That was a super fun moment.
What were your first ever gigs you went to?
The Who was my first gig. They’re still a huge inspiration to me and one of my favorite bands.