As the season of sunshine, beach waves, and traveling comes around the corner, one must be prepared for the inevitable drink of choice to elevate the summer season. The Knockturnal had the chance to sit down with the fantastic singer-songwriter and beloved musician Omar Apollo, to talk about his latest collaboration with Buchanan’s Scotch Whiskey, as well as dive into his artistic integrity, successes, touring, and fan experiences.
Omar Apollo Wearing Kids of Immigrants Casa Piña Collection During Buchanan’s Pineapple Summer Kickoff Party in Miami – Photo Courtesy: Loamis Rodríguez
Buchanan’s Pineapple carries a refreshing twist on summer drinks. The new advertising campaign, directed by Mexican-American director, David Camarena, exhibits the themes of the collaboration, radiating glazed fun in the sun, beachy vibes with friends, making hit music, and enjoying the invigorating taste of Buchanan’s Pineapple. The perfect blend of summer refreshments.
Check out our full interview with Omar here:
The Knockturnal: As you’ve grown your audience over the last few years, and being that you have honored your Mexican-American heritage throughout the years and your career, how do you navigate the balance between staying true to your cultural roots as a musician while also appealing to a broader audience as an artist?
Omar Apollo: “Luckily inherently, with putting out Spanish music and me first touring, all my fans were Latino at first. I was mixing the languages. It was kind of this place where first-generation Latino kids could come and see themselves in some way, especially with my choppy Spanish. Other than that, it’s been a pretty fun journey.”
The Knockturnal: You’ve recently achieved No. 1 on Billboard’s Emerging Artists Chart. Has this achievement influenced your perspective and approach to creating music, and do you feel greater confidence as an artist for future projects?
OA: When it comes to awards and things like that, I try not to let that be my validation. I think what validates for me is trying my hardest and my best and trying to honor that integrity. I mean, there’s no pressure; There’s pressure on myself. I could stop whenever; I could go back to Indiana and start working. I love it too much; I know too much now. I know too many resources to be able to do and make the art I wanna make.
The Knockturnal: As you continue to reach even more success: such as music going viral, being #1, various nominations… How do you navigate the balance between staying true to yourself as a musician in terms of artistic integrity, with the pressures of achieving milestones in such a hectic music industry?
OA: What I’ve realized is that authenticity, for me, is far more important than catering to what people expect. I sleep better at night knowing I kept my integrity. It’s hard when you work with people in businesses and corporations and other variables that affect the outcome and output of what you do. It’s just communication, being honest, and then finishing the music you love, and handing it off when it’s ready is really the most important part. Luckily, they trust me now, and I’m at a point where I’m being trusted.
The Knockturnal: You recently opened for SZA for the SOS tour. This summer, you’re also very booked and busy! You will be performing at City Gates in Denver, and two shows in San Diego later in August, in terms of live shows and concerts… What have you enjoyed most about performing on stage and connecting and engaging with your audiences and fans?
OA: The best thing about performing live… When I was in Miami doing the Buchanan’s event, to kick off the summer with the Buchanan Pineapple drink, I hadn’t played live for maybe two months. Just seeing people’s faces, their reactions… because I have been working overseas. I had been jetlagged, I was tired. As soon as I saw everyone’s faces and the excitement, I remember there was an exchange of energy happening; you know, I love doing this. When I was on tour with SZA, the rooms and the energy, the crowd, and all that, it’s definitely my favorite part, reactions. Seeing their faces and seeing people show up, and that’s a blessing that people even come to shows.
The Knockturnal: Speaking of engaging with audiences, you’ve gained a very strong online and social media presence and following, which can play a significant role in growing audiences for concerts and live shows, and fans of your music in general; How does it feel to see the impact your music has on people and witness their response firsthand?
OA: When people cry when I’m singing, it does something to me. I think the fact that I’m affecting (you) that deeply, especially since these are songs that I have probably cried at some point before I wrote them (the songs), experiencing the emotions, or the emotions I experience as a human being on this planet. All those things go into the writing and the music, and seeing someone else crying in front of me while I’m singing a song that means so much to me… I don’t know what it means to them, but it means that I’m making them cry. Instantly I’ll connect. I did see a few people cry. That’s beautiful that you can allow these emotions to surface out and heal in some way.
The Knockturnal: Speaking of summer, as you were recently in Miami celebrating the kick-off of summer and your collaboration with Buchanan’s Pineapple alongside fans, what are some of your go-to summer cocktails you’d recommend?
OA: Bucha Calata – It’s a coconut drink. It’s a very good drink.
The Knockturnal: As summer approaches, which artists or albums do you anticipate will be on heavy rotation on your summer playlist this year?
OA: A lot, I listened to four Kate Bush albums today, so I went through and picked my favorites. I’ll probably listen to that for the next two months. Fleetwood Mac.
The Knockturnal: do you have a favorite Fleetwood Mac song?
OA: ‘Never Going Back Again’ is my absolute most favorite. Rihannon’s a really good one too.
Omar and Buchanan’s Pineapple recently celebrated the summer kick-off in Miami with an exclusive party. The event featured curated whiskey cocktails, exclusive merchandise, live performances, and a lively atmosphere. Omar’s captivating stage presence and performances of his popular hits had guests on their feet.
Attendees also tried piña cocktails like the frozen Bucha Colada (Omar’s favorite) and El Ocaso. Guests enjoyed dishes like ceviche, al pastor tacos, mini empanadas, and more made by Colombian Chef Catherine Villin. DJ Palina La Diva ended the night with a live set.
It was an unforgettable night of music, refreshing drinks, and vibrant energy.
Check out more photos from the event here: