Having already established himself with a breadth of dynamic releases this past year, including his highly-praised debut EP 'Freequation' in January, French artist Oxy returns once again to deliver his stellar new single 'Like U Used To'.
Harnessing more of that progressive electronic aesthetic he has been crafting since he first emerged, 'Like U Used To' makes for a vibrant return to form for him. With its enigmatic textures and captivating grooves layered throughout, he continues to shine as one of the more exciting names on the rise right now.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The piano, clearly... I discovered this instrument through classical music first, and then jazz. Electronic music came right after, along with synthesisers and machines. But I’m still very much in love with this instrument and couldn’t imagine my life without it.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
That’s a tough question! Very eclectic stuff: classical music, jazz, Californian rock, French pop, funk, soul, and a lot of French singers too, you name it! Many of the artists I still listen to a lot today!
What was the first album you remember owning?
It was a jazz album, Oscar Peterson's "Bach Suite", a tribute to Johann Sebastian Bach. This is basically what got me seriously into music. I was in love of the connexion between two kinds of genres mix together. I listened to this album so much during my youth.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
It must be "Open Eye Signal" by Jon Hopkins. This piece is just a masterpiece of electronic music to me. It's all about horizontal progression, so smooth, so unique, so pure. And the sound design is really amazing, especially on the remastered version.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Well, I come from improvised music, so I always start with that. Often, I’ll record small ideas, sometimes bigger ones, coming from improvisation, and after a selection, I’ll dive into it. Ideas come to me at very random moments, so I always have something to record them with, like audio notes or something, and then I work on them in the studio.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I have two artists that inspire me the most and that I keep listening pretty much all the time: Floating Points and Keith Jarrett. They’re not from the same world/age/genre, but they connect to something bigger, I feel. But these days, I’m listening to David August a lot—an incredibly inspiring musician/producer—also Leod, Overmono, Nathan Fake, Barker, and Leon Vynehall.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I have no choice but to say Floating Points, but I’m going to start feeling like a real groupie, so I won’t say it!
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Every day is different, every day you explore, search, connect with people, and get inspired. In a way, it can also be exhausting, but I wouldn’t trade it for any other job at ALL.
And what is the most frustrating part?
You constantly question yourself; you doubt yourself. At least for me, it’s really an emotional rollercoaster. But you’re rewarded with doing something you’re proud of, and that’s an amazing feeling.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
It’s a French phrase that I’ll try to translate: “oser avant de doser”, which basically means “dare before measuring” (but I have to say, it sounds better in French!).
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Oxy's new single 'Like U Used To' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.