The Story So Far

How do you change the world? Touching one heart at a time. When I started recording music on GarageBand in late high school, I got so excited about the idea of releasing an album on iTunes. So I did. It was more about the rush of saying I’d released an album. I didn’t think the highlight would be hearing about one person who heard the music during a tough time, resonating with them in the valley. That amateur recording touched one life when it counted.

Since those high school days on GarageBand, I’ve moved on to more professional projects. Yet the heart is with that ultimate desire to make a difference for just one person. My official debut album, Red (2017), was recorded during my days in medical school. I was privileged to work alongside some world class musicians including George McArdle (Little River Band) before the final mix taking shape in the hands of Ernie Rose. Noah James Hittner said of the album, “[Oksanen] has created a project worthy of music fans everywhere, particularly those inclined to lean more toward sound with substance, intention, and heart.” The album was even featured in music blog The Ark of Music’s top 10 albums of 2017.

My second project, Aeon (2021), came out of a time where my life was turned upside down. My family struggled through my parents’ divorce and my newborn daughter was hospitalised, requiring assistance breathing and feeding for the first weeks of her life. Still in the midst of the pain there were moments of joy and unwavering faith. One day would bring heartache while another breathed hope. It was a dichotomy of pain and joy. And from this season came Aeon.

In a rapid progression of season, my creativity went towards my wife. Songs that painted the best of my marriage started flowing with ease. As the songs flowed, I had the incredible revelation that the best of my marriage is a reflection of Christ and an invitation to be more like Him. In the album Diamond (2021), perhaps one person would see beyond face value to see the heart of God who sees and loves.

Let’s change the world, one life at a time.