Move over, make room, there’s a new force to reckoned with coming through. Meet the artist, my friend, known as OWO.
One of my favorite upcoming musicians, this multi – super, super – talented, artistic lady joins us in conversation at The Knockturnal. Come and learn with us about her thoughts on being a woman in the industry, fashion, what the experience is like as a contemporary creative, life in NYC, the art and life connection, how her familial culture influences her current, and Mariah Carey’s impact, alongside other influencers. In this piece, we were gifted the honor of jumping into the inner workings and minds of a brilliant artist. Stay alert for the exciting upcoming offerings, or efforts, from OWO.
The Knockturnal: I would love a detailed account of how your current personal life has directly influenced your new project?
OWO: Most of the songs that I write either come from my personal experiences or the experiences of others that I’ve witnessed. I’ve always been very observant and use the things that I observe to help with the creation of my songs.
The Knockturnal: When creating, what are the things you need, and what are the sources you draw energy, or inspiration, from?
OWO: When I create, I need silence. It’s kind of interesting because although I am making music which is essentially controlled noise, the silence helps me order my thoughts and decipher the melodies that naturally come to mind without any distractions.
The Knockturnal: I would love to hear about how growing up in Maryland, with a Nigerian background, has not only shaped you as a person but, therefore, directly influences your music.
OWO: Growing up with a Nigerian background in MD was an experience that shaped my musical palette because I grew up listening to a lot of my parents’ music, which includes the links of Fela, Sunny Ade, James Brown, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston and more artists from the 70s and 80s. I admire and use the musicianship of these artists as a benchmark when making my own music.
The Knockturnal: How has NYC impacted you, your career, and tastes and preferences?
OWO: NYC has taught me resilience and how to withstand anything while continuing to make art through it all. There’s a love/hate relationship I have with this town.
The Knockturnal: As a graduate of The New School, moving to NYC at the age of 18, do you feel like your time spent there has helped further your career as an artist, or shape and mold you in a particular manner? Are there specific individuals, or moments, you can reflect on?
OWO: I feel that my time spent in NYC has definitely helped me to develop my artistry especially since you have close proximity to so many forms of art. Museums, music shows, art exhibitions, etc. It’s literally your oyster and you make a lot happen here if you have the guts to withstand it all. There have been several full circle moments I’ve had in regards to my career while being in the city, from performing at venues that I used to attend, being featured in publications that I read and connecting with people that inspired me. I have so much more to accomplish but living in NYC has helped me scratch the surface deeper than I could have ever imagined.
The Knockturnal: Musically, who are your influences? What, or who made you sing for the very first time? When did you realize this career path was your destiny?
OWO: I was 7 and I remember vividly getting Mariah Carey’s Album “ Vision of love” along with 9 other CDs that we ordered from the magazine for $1 (anyone remember those deals in the 90s?!) I listened to that album from top to bottom and since Mariah was a soprano like me, I gained so much confidence in my singing voice. She was a songwriter as well and I was so inspired by that because at the time I just began keeping a journal where I wrote my poems, diary entries, and lyrics. As time went by that feeling that I felt when I first listened to that album never went away and I just continued to write which helped start me on the path towards my own musical journey.
The Knockturnal: Knowing that your Nigerian ancestry is very important to you, and essential to your being, how does it affect your musical creation process?
OWO: Growing up, I was surrounded by so many sounds and instruments in my Nigerian culture that I didn’t even realize had a musical effect on me until a few years ago. Especially the drums. I’m from the Yoruba tribe and in our culture, there is an instrument called the ‘talking drum’ where the drum acts as a communicator with different sounds mimicking traditional Yoruba folklore, songs, and hymns. I’ve used it previously on one of my tracks and continue to layer real drums throughout my music, most recently on my ‘Drums and Emotions’ EP.
The Knockturnal: How does style and fashion come into play, in regards to your image/stage presence? Who are your aesthetic influences?
OWO: Two of my favorite inspirations are Cher in the 70s and ‘The Mystery Lady’ from the movie Dancehall Queen. It’s one of my favorite movies and I grew up listening to a lot of 90s dancehall so I love the style and confidence of the women in that Era, women like Patra.
The Knockturnal: If I was to peek inside your purse on any given day, what would I find?
OWO: You’ll definitely find bobby pins, gum, earring backs, pens and OWO pins! I have to have my pins on me at all times because people ask for them a lot when they meet me.
The Knockturnal: Describe to me your latest project! When will it be released and what can we expect from it?
OWO: All I can say is that I’m looking forward to releasing this new material out into the world 😉
The Knockturnal: Do you have plans to tour or support the project with live gigs?
OWO: Yes! We are planning a tour.
The Knockturnal: Aside from music, tell me about your other hobbies and preferences. How do you spend your time, usually, when not working on your art?
I love love love watching documentaries! I’m really and truly a nerd at heart lol.
The Knockturnal: As an artist in complete control of their career, what are the most difficult aspects of navigating the industry, and, independently, managing your profession?
OWO: I would say one of the most difficult (yet rewarding) things is wearing so many different hats at once. Being a creative already takes a lot of dedicated work mentally so to add on everything else from the business, styling, to scheduling, and more can be draining at times but I use this opportunity to learn as much as I can which will be beneficial in the long run. Luckily, I now have a team of dedicated people who believe in my vision so I’ve been blessed in that way.
The Knockturnal: What have been some of the experiences you’ve gone through, thus far, within the industry, as a woman and person of color, that have challenged you?
OWO: I’ve been lucky enough to be mostly surrounded by people who respect me as an artist and respect my artistry. That’s not to say that I haven’t been in some ”me too” situations because I have but none that I would consider very severe. Even so, I’ve never let them hinder my mental space in terms of staying focused on achieving my goals and pushing forward because I know that I have fans who look to me for inspiration and I will never let them down.
~ by Mo Shé (www.instagram.com/moe2tha)
www.soundcloud.com/OWOofficial
