Pete Olynciw is a New Orleans-based bassist, songwriter, arranger, and recording artist with an innate sense of curiosity and unquenchable thirst for learning and developing his craft. Best known for his work with Grammy-award winning artist Leyla McCalla, Olynciw brings his vibrant, collaborative spirit and versatile musicianship to projects spanning experimental jazz to calypso—performing at prestigious festivals, music halls, and dive bars across the United States, Europe, and beyond.  

Born and raised on Long Island, New York, Olynciw received classical bass training as a teen, performing in orchestras and other classical ensembles while also leading a ska and rockabilly band. While pursuing his degree in jazz performance at SUNY Purchase under the mentorship of Doug Weiss and Todd Coolman, he became active in numerous groups ranging from punk to Latin jazz, appearing on several recordings including acclaimed indie rocker Mitski’s Lush (2012). Between his college studies and creative projects, Olynciw returned to New York on weekends to hear modern jazz greats play at clubs like Smalls and the Village Vanguard.

Beginning in 2013, Olynciw began touring and recording with folk punk bands Wood Spider and Blackbird Raum, as well as indie group The Act of Estimating as Worthless. Relocating to New Orleans in 2014, he was soon onstage in Frenchmen Street nightclubs playing everything from honky-tonk to traditional jazz, swing, and Balkan music—and in 2016, became the bassist for celebrated local Bulgarian ensemble, Blato Zlato. Since making New Orleans his home, Olynciw has immersed himself in the city’s many musical traditions. Most recently, with the guidance of various teachers including Cuban percussionist Hector Gallardo, he has broadened his repertoire to include other Afro-Caribbean music styles, especially from Cuba, Haiti, and Trinidad & Tobago.

Currently, Olynciw is the regular bassist for Charlie and the Tropicales—a genre-bending, calypso-centered dance band, with whom he’s recorded three albums, most recently The Alcoa Sessions (2022). He also plays locally and tours internationally with Haitian American artist Leyla McCalla, with whom he appeared on NPR’s Tiny Desk series; recorded on the critically acclaimed 2022 record, Breaking the Thermometer; and performed in venues ranging from New Orleans backyard parties and bars to Lincoln Center.