Exclusive Interview with OLABOSS
9 June 2024
Upcoming 100: What inspired you to start creating music, and how did you develop your unique sound?
OLABOSS: Every musician I hear, every listener I meet.
I listen to someone and I’ll think “I can’t come close to making music like that, but I’m gonna try…”
I listen to someone else and I’ll think “Let’s help out; the listener, the musicians, the song deserve another try…”
I think of songs as old friends; we can always find something interesting to converse about.
I think of ideas for a song or a groove, and I’m watching and listening to the music happen, almost as a voyeur, not a participant.
I remember every sub-par performance I ever gave, and decide to ‘pay it forward’, as an act of recompense.
I remember every day that I was physically unable to sing or play, and I sing a song to celebrate being able to make music, in anticipation of the day when I won’t be able to.
I never run out of inspiration; these are just a few.
Upcoming 100: Can you describe your songwriting process? How do you come up with lyrics and melodies?
OLABOSS: This is something that seems to vary greatly from one individual to the next. Personally, I usually start with the music and only get to the lyrics once I have a fairly complete song structure in place. At the outset, there may be some idea about what the song is going to be about, and maybe even a working title, but the substance of the lyrics I would leave or the end.
There are rare cases where a particular phrase or even verse may pop into my head and I will use that as a basis to get the music in place, but I generally find that to be far more difficult.
Upcoming 100: Which artists have influenced your music the most, and why?
OLABOSS: Too many, that I don't really probably have as defined of a sound or style as I would if my influences weren't so broad, and varied. My top 5 on a given day are 2pac, Fridayy, Wizkid, Meek Mill and Moneybagg and there is very little common ground between any of those sounds. I guess my production probably has the most in common with early Ween, but I try to incorporate a lot of my funk, americana, rock, pop and punk influence into everything, but also lots of country, jazz, hiphop, Afrobeat, industrial, classical and electronic music sprinkled throughout. It's a mishmash at best, but I think that's what music is supposed to be. You feed all these different styles of music into your brain, into your subconscious, and hopefully what comes sounds like none of it and all of it at the same time.
Upcoming 100: How do you balance your creative vision with the expectations of your record label or management team?
OLABOSS: Another way to balance your creative vision with commercial success is to define your niche and carve out your own space in the music industry. You don't have to follow the trends or copy the mainstream, but you do have to find a unique angle or approach that sets you apart from the crowd. You can use your niche to attract and retain loyal fans, who will appreciate your originality and authenticity. You can also use your niche to collaborate with other artist who share your vision and values, and expand your network and reach.
Upcoming 100: Tell us about your favorite song you've created so far and the story behind it.
OLABOSS: My favorite Song to perform lately has been Together Forever. I just find it fun to improvise through it. No big story to it. Is All About Love.
My favorite Song i listen to changes every hour. The one I listen to the most is Boss Up by Me, because of the truth inherent in the lyrics.
Upcoming 100: How do you handle criticism and negative feedback about your work?
OLABOSS: I try to be non responding to my feedback, however, sometimes it helps in knowing our worth,and sometimes our flaws too. So, I accept both.
Upcoming 100: What role does live performance play in your career, and how do you prepare for a show?
OLABOSS: I want to see an honest, live performance. If it's perfect, then it's likely pre-recorded. Be practiced, be professional, and be competent, but in a real performance by an artist stretching themselves (see next item), mistakes will be made. And it's okay.
Take chances - a "safe" performance lacks heart. It's not rock and roll.
Engage the audience. Whether with eye contact, banter, whatever. Let them know you know they are there and watching, and that you care.
Enjoyment. If the artist isn't enjoying themselves, it comes across to the audience, especially if they're already fans.
Pace the performance accordingly. I prefer a longer show, but many different show lengths work if it's paced properly.
Be grateful for the people who paid to see you perform. They are the food on your table.
Upcoming 100: How do you stay connected with your fans, and what's the most memorable fan interaction you've had?
OLABOSS: I communicate with my fans through various channels, such as social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and sometimes through interviews or public appearances. It's important for me to engage with my fans and show appreciation for their support.
Upcoming 100: How do you handle the pressures of the music industry, and what advice would you give to aspiring artists?
OLABOSS: For me, music and mental health have always been connected, on an emotional and practical level. It is extremely easy to fall into comparing yourself physically, emotionally and creatively to others in the music industry. We are conditioned to do so, especially as social media is the new norm, but in reality, life is very different. Music and creativity can help us express ourselves and support our wellbeing. Being able to explore music in the way that I choose to, and hopefully use it to help others too, is truly rewarding. Here are some things I’ve learned on my journey so far.
Upcoming 100: What are your future goals and aspirations as a music artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
OLABOSS: I just want to get better at everything I'm doing and try to make other people enjoy listening to my music as much as I enjoy making it.
Learn more about ♫ Exclusive Interview with OLABOSS ♫
https://www.upcoming100.com/interview-detail/687/Exclusive-Interview-with-OLA-BOSS/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZ3nf2NPc_BgQGSPTbYkcdYzEATVo39xG12I3MVxCn3N68uPEVNGXyhIh8_aem_AUfcs1Km_ilAFG3jZTUySZuhAAWKxDDiJq7JAqQryPU31i9f8CDjD5sg1M1AAkMZirL8Iibl1QLxQxdMUSY89c-M
OLABOSS: Every musician I hear, every listener I meet.
I listen to someone and I’ll think “I can’t come close to making music like that, but I’m gonna try…”
I listen to someone else and I’ll think “Let’s help out; the listener, the musicians, the song deserve another try…”
I think of songs as old friends; we can always find something interesting to converse about.
I think of ideas for a song or a groove, and I’m watching and listening to the music happen, almost as a voyeur, not a participant.
I remember every sub-par performance I ever gave, and decide to ‘pay it forward’, as an act of recompense.
I remember every day that I was physically unable to sing or play, and I sing a song to celebrate being able to make music, in anticipation of the day when I won’t be able to.
I never run out of inspiration; these are just a few.
Upcoming 100: Can you describe your songwriting process? How do you come up with lyrics and melodies?
OLABOSS: This is something that seems to vary greatly from one individual to the next. Personally, I usually start with the music and only get to the lyrics once I have a fairly complete song structure in place. At the outset, there may be some idea about what the song is going to be about, and maybe even a working title, but the substance of the lyrics I would leave or the end.
There are rare cases where a particular phrase or even verse may pop into my head and I will use that as a basis to get the music in place, but I generally find that to be far more difficult.
Upcoming 100: Which artists have influenced your music the most, and why?
OLABOSS: Too many, that I don't really probably have as defined of a sound or style as I would if my influences weren't so broad, and varied. My top 5 on a given day are 2pac, Fridayy, Wizkid, Meek Mill and Moneybagg and there is very little common ground between any of those sounds. I guess my production probably has the most in common with early Ween, but I try to incorporate a lot of my funk, americana, rock, pop and punk influence into everything, but also lots of country, jazz, hiphop, Afrobeat, industrial, classical and electronic music sprinkled throughout. It's a mishmash at best, but I think that's what music is supposed to be. You feed all these different styles of music into your brain, into your subconscious, and hopefully what comes sounds like none of it and all of it at the same time.
Upcoming 100: How do you balance your creative vision with the expectations of your record label or management team?
OLABOSS: Another way to balance your creative vision with commercial success is to define your niche and carve out your own space in the music industry. You don't have to follow the trends or copy the mainstream, but you do have to find a unique angle or approach that sets you apart from the crowd. You can use your niche to attract and retain loyal fans, who will appreciate your originality and authenticity. You can also use your niche to collaborate with other artist who share your vision and values, and expand your network and reach.
Upcoming 100: Tell us about your favorite song you've created so far and the story behind it.
OLABOSS: My favorite Song to perform lately has been Together Forever. I just find it fun to improvise through it. No big story to it. Is All About Love.
My favorite Song i listen to changes every hour. The one I listen to the most is Boss Up by Me, because of the truth inherent in the lyrics.
Upcoming 100: How do you handle criticism and negative feedback about your work?
OLABOSS: I try to be non responding to my feedback, however, sometimes it helps in knowing our worth,and sometimes our flaws too. So, I accept both.
Upcoming 100: What role does live performance play in your career, and how do you prepare for a show?
OLABOSS: I want to see an honest, live performance. If it's perfect, then it's likely pre-recorded. Be practiced, be professional, and be competent, but in a real performance by an artist stretching themselves (see next item), mistakes will be made. And it's okay.
Take chances - a "safe" performance lacks heart. It's not rock and roll.
Engage the audience. Whether with eye contact, banter, whatever. Let them know you know they are there and watching, and that you care.
Enjoyment. If the artist isn't enjoying themselves, it comes across to the audience, especially if they're already fans.
Pace the performance accordingly. I prefer a longer show, but many different show lengths work if it's paced properly.
Be grateful for the people who paid to see you perform. They are the food on your table.
Upcoming 100: How do you stay connected with your fans, and what's the most memorable fan interaction you've had?
OLABOSS: I communicate with my fans through various channels, such as social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and sometimes through interviews or public appearances. It's important for me to engage with my fans and show appreciation for their support.
Upcoming 100: How do you handle the pressures of the music industry, and what advice would you give to aspiring artists?
OLABOSS: For me, music and mental health have always been connected, on an emotional and practical level. It is extremely easy to fall into comparing yourself physically, emotionally and creatively to others in the music industry. We are conditioned to do so, especially as social media is the new norm, but in reality, life is very different. Music and creativity can help us express ourselves and support our wellbeing. Being able to explore music in the way that I choose to, and hopefully use it to help others too, is truly rewarding. Here are some things I’ve learned on my journey so far.
Upcoming 100: What are your future goals and aspirations as a music artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
OLABOSS: I just want to get better at everything I'm doing and try to make other people enjoy listening to my music as much as I enjoy making it.
Learn more about ♫ Exclusive Interview with OLABOSS ♫
https://www.upcoming100.com/interview-detail/687/Exclusive-Interview-with-OLA-BOSS/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZ3nf2NPc_BgQGSPTbYkcdYzEATVo39xG12I3MVxCn3N68uPEVNGXyhIh8_aem_AUfcs1Km_ilAFG3jZTUySZuhAAWKxDDiJq7JAqQryPU31i9f8CDjD5sg1M1AAkMZirL8Iibl1QLxQxdMUSY89c-M
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