Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: I was born and raised in Australia. As a pastor’s kid, I spent a lot of time at church music practices—sometimes playing a keyboard (secretly plugged into a pot plant), or kicking a football around the sound desk. It’s still a mystery how I got away with that! But it meant I was surrounded by music from a young age. Singing and playing on stage, whether in small or large congregations, quickly became both normal and joyful for me. Later in life, I pursued a career in medicine and am now a practicing doctor—but music has remained a strong passion. I’m married with two young children, and they are some of my biggest supporters. My kids love dancing to every new track I create, and that’s incredibly encouraging.
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “Tim Oksanen”?
A: My focus isn’t so much on growing a fan base as it is on building community. I also want people to be more moved by what each song stands for than me as the artist. With an album coming later this year, I’m excited to invite others into a journey together—not just to enjoy the music, but to engage with the deeper message behind it. My hope is that people find encouragement, connection, and purpose through these songs.
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: Right now, I’d say Tenth Avenue North has been the most inspiring. They’ve never shied away from taboo topics, and they’ve been intentional about following up their songs with honest conversations that clarify their message. I really admire that. I hope to follow a similar path with my music—addressing real issues with clarity and compassion.
As for inspiration, it often comes from whatever I’m experiencing—whether it’s my faith, family life, medical work, or what’s happening in the world around me. We all have stories worth sharing when we do so in a way that encourages others.
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the song, “Real Thing.”?
A: Real Thing is about authenticity—in both faith and love. There are two main ideas I explore in the song. First, being authentic in faith means leaving behind things of fleeting value. That means letting go of all selfishness and pride for a life of humility and generosity, especially when no one’s watching.
The second idea is about being real with our struggles. Too often, especially in church circles, people feel the need to put on a perfect front. But we all carry hurts, and those need to be shared in safe community. I’ve been guilty of keeping my own struggles to myself. But true love—real love—means being willing to share our pain while holding space for the struggles of others in empathy and compassion. That’s what it means to be the real thing.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: Genuine.
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “Real Thing”?
A: The biggest challenge was simply coordinating everyone’s schedules! Everyone involved in this track has families, work commitments, and are active in their communities. But there’s something beautiful in that. Each person had the right priorities in place. Music had to take second place to what matters most. In doing so, they lived out what the song is about—they were the real thing.
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: The core message of my music is that there’s a greater purpose to our lives beyond just the present moment. In a world where we’re encouraged to live by “our own truth,” I believe there is an absolute truth—and that truth is Jesus, who said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” I’ve seen that truth at work, not just in miracles—many I cannot explain even as a doctor—but in the deep transformation in my life and the lives of those around me.
I can’t hide from that truth, and it will always be part of my music. My goal is simple: if even one person truly grasps that message through a song I’ve written, then every word and every note has been worth it.
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: Michael W. Smith. I haven’t seen many artists—Christian or otherwise—who’ve been able to move people through music across so many generations. He’s written for orchestras, composed lullabies, and stepped into the pop scene with ease. That kind of versatility is rare, and it’s had a beautiful, lasting impact.
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: Know your purpose. If you’re chasing music for fame, a career, or even just the joy of it—take a moment to re-evaluate. Those things can fade quickly. There has to be a deeper purpose that drives you. If helping just one person makes all the effort worth it, then you’re on the right path. Pursue that purpose, even if the record deals or tours never come. Be more committed to your mission than the spotlight. Be the change.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: Build community. Surround yourself with people to do life with, to write songs with, and to be a blessing to. Music without community is empty. It’s the community that makes the journey meaningful.
