OLU is a rising R&B artist who is ready to take the music world by storm by showcasing his talent through his amazing vocals. OLU is Nigerian American and uses his experiences to help inspire his music. He is signed to East Chain, an independent label in Atlanta, GA. I recently got to sit down and talk with OLU himself, so enjoy the interview below and his new single ” Square One” featuring Michael Aristotle.
1. Thank You so much for meeting with me. What is your artist name that you go by, since that is not your birth name?
My birth name is Olumba Obu, but everyone knows me as OLU, which is also my stage name.
2. How long have you been doing music?
I have been writing songs all my life but I’ve been writing songs worth listening to for a few years now. I have have been seriously pursuing music for the past 2 years.
3.What inspired you to want to sing? Did you sing growing up or you discovered your talents as an adult?
I have been singing since I was about 3 or 4yrs old but I finally heard myself sing when I was in sixth grade. I joined Sweetwater Middle School choir with my best friend Corey at the time just to get close to the older girls. But I wound up actually enjoying chorus and got my first solo to Elvis Presley’s “Santa Baby” that same year of chorus. I stucked with singing ever since. Now in 2012, I met Deandre Hunter, my songwriting partner, and he wrote a record called Ocean and we put out a video on YouTube. It was my first video and the responses we received were unbelievable From the quality of the recording to the actual production of the video. It was a great feeling. Ever since then I knew I was capable of professionally doing music.
4. Who are your musical influences?
My biggest musical influence is Michael Jackson. His music is timeless. I never met Michael but I really felt like I knew him from his music. I feel my Soul influence comes from Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder and my R&B influences probably come from Boyz II Men and Usher.
5.What is the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome thus far in your music career?
One of the biggest obstacles was starting over. I was previously working with my former music team a couple years ago but we weren’t on the same page from a creative standpoint. So I decided it was in my best interest to explore other opportunities. It was tough for me because I was quite close with my team at the time and it hurts walking away. That’s when I realized that I have to make tough decisions in order to place myself in a better position for my future.
6.What has been your proudest moment thus far in your music career?
Releasing my first single Square One under East Chain and being able to help direct the music video for it.
7.Can you tell me about your latest single “Square One”.. what was the inspiration behind it?
Square One was written by Deandre Hunter(@dreinkwel) and I and was produced by Renan Calistro(@calistroshouse). Square One can be interpreted as a sad heartfelt record. It’s the point in time when a woman comes back in your life after you think you have moved on. She’s back in your life and all these feelings come rushing back to you and it’s overwhelming. You feel helpless and even vulnerable to the point you feel you need her in your life. Every time she’s around you, it feels like the first time you fell in love with her. You try to move on but you go back to square one, hence the title.” My brother Michael Aristotle(@michaelaristotle) smashed the feature on this record and injected Square One with a classic Atlanta hip-hop life. If you haven’t gotten a chance to check out the Square One video it is now out on my youtube channel OluObu which was shot by @huedproductions.
8. What kind of legacy are you trying to leave in the music industry?
I want to leave a legacy for my children as my grandfather and father did for me and that is to be a man of great morals, compassion, and love. Now I come from a Nigerian background where music was not seen as a prestigious or even acceptable career path. I aim to inspire those who have dealt with similar adversities and those who don’t really have people supporting their dreams. Inspiration is crucial because it’s the force that fueled every great person who has ever been successful. It is the substantial vitamin that I try to consume everyday and input into my music. Anyone can be inspired. At any age. At any time. The world needs more inspiration.
9. Do you have any upcoming projects you would like people to know about? ( Shows, Events, upcoming songs, website, etc.)
I will be releasing a new record entitled “Never Changing” later this June so please be looking out for that. I have a website in the works as well. Last but not least we are working on a compilation album for East Chain and we are very excited for that.
10.What is the best way for people to get in contact with you?
The best way to reach me is on Twitter and IG @therealolu and any inquiries can be sent toeastchainrecordings@gmail.com. My soundcloud is MusicByOlu.
Thank you for your time .