Having already established his presence on the scene with a wealth of immersive outings these last few years, Indianapolis-based artist O.D.D.I.T.Y is back once again to deliver his shimmering new album 'Love Is__'.
Featuring a flurry of impactful efforts from the last few months, 'Love Is__' makes for a beautifully rich and tender listen. Filled with broad and compelling textures, a sweeping atmosphere, and his own mesmerising voice at the helm, he is returning to the fold with one of his most captivating collections yet.
So with the new record available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Drums. The way they carry a song and set the tempo was something that I was drawn to. I always felt that percussion set the tone of a track and now it is what I typically design my flow and wordplay around. There’s something about the way drums and kicks hit your soul.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
As a 90s baby, I am at my roots, a Hip Hop and R&B lover. I think growing up, those were the two genres that most connected with my situation, environment, and surroundings. Hip Hop in particular, was a genre full of a wide range of emotions which is something that I was able to relate to. As I’ve gained experience through travel, living in different cities, and meeting new people I’ve been fortunate to have absorbed a wider range of genres which has helped my own music evolve.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The first CD I ever had was Dr. Dre’s “2001”. The production coupled with so many rap legends all on one album was one of the first memories I have that sparked my interest in making music. I think a close second album was Ludacris’ “Word of Mouf” which totally altered how I thought about delivery in rap. Ludacris had a unique way of delivering his verses.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
I think “This is America” by Childish Gambino was genius. When I first heard that song and watched the music video it warped my perception of what music had to be. It broke a lot of rules that I felt too many artists had confined themselves to. He was able to create a conscious song within a mainstream song. It almost felt like if the movie “Inception” was a song. I definitely wish I could have written that track!
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
As far as habits go, I used to only write on paper but now I’ve changed to only writing songs on my laptop. I have a ritual where I work line-by-line, almost like putting a puzzle together one piece at a time. Doing this on my laptop allows me the ability to erase, rearrange, and place lines or parts of lines wherever I want them without filling up a whole page like I did on paper. This method also makes brainstorming easier for me because I can put song themes or ideas above where I’m going to write verses or hooks for reference.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I love Jungle. Their whole catalogue is a vibe and the way they deliver their music videos is super innovative! I also respect Joyner Lucas a lot for his ability to create music that covers such a large spectrum of emotions. He can give you fun and hype or reflective and serious from one release to the next. I think that’s exactly what life is and he does a tremendous job of making music that is directly correlated to many situations in life. I also love anything by Jorja Smith. Her voice and style is so unique and draws you in.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Eminem. Without question. He’s a legend and someone who I would say was the single most influential person towards me choosing to become an artist who focused on lyrics. I’ve spent a lot of time studying his catalogue and trying to find ways to add elements of his style into my own. Being on stage before Em would be indescribable.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Having a continual outlet to voice my emotions, feelings, and thoughts is the biggest reason. Creating music is therapeutic in a way, but it also challenges my brain to observe life in a more detailed and thoughtful way. Secondary to that is the fact that something that initially started as a tiny idea in my head can culminate into a song, album, or music video that someone, in some part of the world can connect with. In my opinion, music is the ultimate connector of humans.
And what is the most frustrating part?
It has to be the highs and lows of the process of creating. Sometimes a song or album that you’ve spent a lot of time, effort, and money on just doesn’t resonate when you first release it. I’ve learned that it typically isn’t because no one likes the music, but more so because I just haven’t marketed it to the right demographic yet. The marketing and promoting of music as an independent artist is one of the most frustrating parts. It’s time consuming, costs money, but is extremely necessary for reaching new potential fans.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
To make music for myself first and foremost and the rest will take care of itself. Making it to appease what you feel others may want to hear will take the passion out of the music. Straying away from the root of why you started making music will eventually make it a job just like anything else and the music will lose its joy. That advice has held true as the music that I’ve made for myself has always connected more than the music I made to “fit in”. Someone, somewhere will always relate.
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O.D.D.I.T.Y's new album 'Love Is__' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.