We sit down with Justin Olson, aka PTNA, to talk about the leap from writing songs in private to sharing them on real stages and letting people see what the music is really made of. We also tour the Arizona live music map with venue picks and open mic nights across Sedona, Queen Creek, Tucson, Show Low, and Tempe.

Listen to Justin Olson "PTNA": http://Ptna.bandcamp.com

• first open mic memories and why Tempe Center for the Arts felt like turning pro
• performing as vulnerability and self-healing rather than “being confident”
• what listener feedback means when a song lands deeply
• balancing parks and recreation work with a serious music practice
• how Arizona nature and solitude feed the songwriting process
• Why the Arizona music scene feels open across styles
• Justin’s studio approach with guitar, synths, drum machines, and field recordings
• the real meaning behind the PTNA name and the desert patina story
• what’s next: EP vs album thinking, upcoming shows, and licensing goals

Check out "PTNA" (Justin Olson) on BandCamp: http://Ptna.bandcamp.com

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Hosts

• Walt Richardson: https://walterrichardson.com

• Glen Gardner: https://glengardner.net

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• Emma & James Mattison: https://emmaandjames.music

Regional Contributors

Featuring rotating representatives from across Arizona through our "What's Vibin' in the Desert" segment.

Interested in being interviewed or representing your region?

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