At the start of this month, rising newcomer OZ released her latest offering with her new single Foot Down. With the release of her debut singles Money and Murder earlier this year, OZ is fast establishing herself as an emerging talent within the music scene. And as she builds towards the release of her debut EP Jupiter, scheduled to drop later this month; with her succession of pre-release singles, we’re getting a sense of her artistic style and what’s to come. On Foot Down, we get another captivating alt-pop track that is all about being the master of one’s own destiny, with the bold lyrics and impassioned melody leading to a powerful pop-rock chorus. In addition to the single; Oz also released a brand new music video for the song that’s a stunning modern-noir visual. For our full interview with OZ, where we discuss her latest single and journey in music, keep on reading below!
BM: What is one musical fact about yourself that people may not necessarily already know?
OZ: I can play the clarinet. It was actually the first instrument I learnt.
BM: You just released your third single, your brand new track Foot Down. With the track being all about being the master of ones own destiny, what is one thing you hope to manifest for 2021?
OZ: I hope that I can stay in a position where I can keep making and releasing music. To keep doing what I love every single day
BM: With each of your singles having their own distinct sound and energy; which track would you say is the closest to your overarching sound and artistic style, or the musical direction you aim to head in?
OZ: That’s a tough question because I love making different styles of music. So although I love to keep shaking it up, I would say Foot Down because I love making big stompy tracks with a cinematic twist.
BM: Beginning your musical journey this year, with the release of your debut single Money; how have you found navigating life as a new artist in these crazy and uncertain times?
OZ: I think it has its pros and cons. On the one hand people are home lots with not much else to do but find new music and movies to listen to which as a new artist has been great. On the other hand it’s impossible to tour a record which is kind of the best bit and the best way to make / communicate with fans. So I think just trying to take the small wins and appreciate every achievement no matter how little it may seem is how I’ve managed to navigate through this insane period of time so far.
BM: How have you managed to stay creative and inspired this year? Have you had any particular influences or inspirations – music or otherwise – over the past several months?
OZ: I’ve always been a big reader so I’ve been reading old favourites that have always managed to inspire me. One of my favourite books of all time is Perfume by Patrick Süskind. The vocabulary is incredible. I love to look back on where the world has been in music and film too so listening and watching classics always reignites the inspiration flame I think.
BM: You also recently announced the upcoming release of your debut EP Jupiter next month! What can you tell us about the project, and what we can expect?
OZ: Well there’s a bonus track which is my sisters favourite song on the whole record funnily haha. And Jupiter itself is a female anthem for all the ladies and Womxn out there.
BM: Following the release of Jupiter, where do you see yourself heading musically, over the remainder of 2020 and into 2021?
OZ: I’d love to do some kind of collaboration with someone or a band. I think that would be really fun. I’m writing new music all the time so there will definitely be some more music coming from me and of course I’m always writing with other artists helping to create new music with them. Hopefully further into 2021 the live scene will be back on track and I can tour
BM: What is the most important thing people should know about you as an artist?
OZ: I’m basically just a person trying to do what I love. I always try to make music that I’m proud of and give it everything I’ve got.
BM: When all the craziness of 2020 is over, what are you most looking forward to?
OZ: Going out to see live music. Lockdown has made me realise that outside of going to see shows and see friends play in their bands I really don’t have much of a social life haha. Living in Brighton the music scene is such a huge part of the place so it is sorely missed and we need to make sure if venues are able to reopen we support them.
Definitely an artist to watch, to keep up with OZ and her journey, find her on all her socials @ozmusicc
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