Today we’d like to introduce you to Larry Oliver II.
Hi Larry, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I got my start in Cleveland, Ohio, as a church musician. My father, Larry Oliver Sr., led a gospel group, and I would mimic their harmonies, while also learning to play the drums and piano. I was fortunate to have several incredible mentors who helped shape my sound—Rodney “Hubb” Hubbard (who toured with Jodeci), Erik Wright, Derek Wideman, Phill K. Jones, and my Aunt Gail, a dedicated music teacher.
As I grew in my craft, I began producing and performing with my brothers—Judah Early, James Dorsey, Andre Jones, and Joey Early—across Cleveland. That chapter led me to connect with Jayshawn Champion, a talented songwriter behind hits like “Same Girl” by Usher and R. Kelly, and “Ride Witcha” by Joe Thomas. He introduced me to Trevel Studios, owned by the legendary Gerald Levert. One of my first major placements came from a collaboration with Joe Little of The Rude Boys and Jayshawn—we created a track called “Love You More,” where I played all the instruments except for the drum programming. That song ended up being placed on Ginuwine.
Eventually, I relocated to Atlanta, where I continued building. I started playing keys for an artist named Scar, who was signed to Purple Ribbon. That opened the door to new relationships, including with manager Askia Fountain, who connected me with Jason Rome. From there, I began writing at Doppler Studios with Lamont Martin.
A major turning point came when I met Pastors James and Caron Jones of Rejoice In The Word Church. Pastor James, who was formerly the VP of A&R at both Uptown Records and Def Jam, became a mentor and eventually signed me to a production deal. That opportunity allowed me to fully dive into producing and vocal producing projects for artists like Bishop Eddie Long, Mary Mary, Tye Tribbett, Dorinda Clark-Cole, and Montell Jordan.
Today, I’m proudly managed by J Roberts Management, continuing to grow, create, and pour into the music I love and being a dad to my son, Ethan. Who is now starting to make his mark in the industry.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it wasn’t a smooth journey at all. I’ve endured two failed marriages, battled financial struggles, and even lived in my car for six months. Like so many others chasing a dream, I found myself working a 9-to-5 just to survive while still trying to hold on to what I loved—music.
I’m a church musician, songwriter, vocal arranger, and music producer. But for a long time, I wasn’t making money from what I was passionate about, and that’s one of the hardest things to go through. Even while living out of my car, I remained faithful to ministry at my church. It was the one place that brought me peace when everything else felt like it was falling apart. For a while, no one even knew what I was going through—until one day, my pastors noticed something wasn’t right. They stepped in, helped me transition out of my car, find a job, and start rebuilding.
Despite all of that, I never stopped creating. I remember working a full-time job during the day, then heading to the studio at night to work on an album—sometimes until the early hours of the morning. That’s the kind of sacrifice it takes. There were plenty of nights I lost sleep to chase this dream. Balancing family, work, and still trying to stay sharp musically was incredibly tough.
Eventually, I had to make a decision: either keep playing it safe, or take a leap of faith and pursue music full-time. I chose faith. Of course, there’s rejection—plenty of “no’s,” deals that didn’t work out—but I’ve learned to keep going no matter what. That’s the real story. Not just the music, but the resilience behind it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a full-time musician, producer, songwriter, and vocal arranger working across multiple genres. I play both organ and piano, serving in church ministry while also performing with artists and leading my own band, Nulo + The Kollective. I’m often called on to play for gospel artists and churches throughout the region, and I pride myself on being able to create musical atmospheres that resonate with different crowds and communities.
Whether I’m behind the keys, arranging vocals, or writing songs, my goal is always to bring out the heart of the music. I’ve built a reputation for being a strong musician, a detailed vocal arranger, and a passionate songwriter who understands how to connect emotionally through sound.
One of the achievements I’m especially proud of was being invited by gospel recording artist and saxophonist Angélla Christie to accompany her on grand piano at the Brooklyn Academy of Music for Solange Knowles’ “Glory to Glory (A Revival for Devotional Art)”. It was a powerful experience—and receiving a standing ovation in such a legendary space was both humbling and affirming.
I’m also incredibly proud of the songs I’ve produced for the many talented artists I’ve worked with, as well as the band I’ve built. Nulo + The Kollective is made up of musicians who not only share my passion for excellence but also help bring my creative vision to life. It’s a blessing to collaborate with people who truly love the craft.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
When it comes to finding a mentor, my advice is to connect with someone who’s ahead of you—someone who’s not afraid to be honest about where you are, but also willing to help guide you toward where you want to be. A good mentor will push you to grow, not just in your craft, but also in how you operate as a professional. For me, that person has been James Jones. He’s helped me level up my production skills and showed me how to think like a businessman, not just a creative.
As for networking, I always keep an open mind. Don’t limit yourself to only connecting with people in your field—sometimes, the breakthrough you need comes from someone in a completely different space. They might have the connection or insight that bridges the gap for you.
What’s worked best for me is having a mentor and staying open to new relationships. Often, the opportunities you’re looking for come through a combination of both.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nulosounds/
- LinkedIn: https://linktr.ee/nulosounds
