Today, we’d like to introduce you to OVEOUS.
Hi OVEOUS, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I’ve been drawn to music since I was about seven years old. Studied piano and guitar. When I was a teen, I started to record my first rap demos with my younger brother, Zinc Blue, aka Carlito. In my late 20s, I returned to music and spoken word after I lost my younger brother to mental health issues; he took his own life. His sacrifice was an awakening for me.
That’s when I decided to radically change my life and pursue music and poetry. I wanted to become my brother’s proxy in a way. Now, his spirit guides me, so I listen. I believe that is one of the things that makes my life experiences so powerful. It’s about being aware that there is an audience in front of me that deserves healing and to be uplifted while also honoring the souls that paved the way before me.
How I got to where I am at this moment is the result of many decisions and events in my life that put me on this path. There have been pivotal moments like working with QVLN, Osunlade, & Louie Vega, reciting spoken word at the Apollo and HBO Def Jam Poetry, and moving to Tulum at the height of the 2020 pandemic hours before the year turned to 2021. Every decision makes an impact. So, I got here by saying Yes and showing up to the stage at my very best.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There’s no such thing as a smooth road. Life isn’t designed this way. There is no light if there is no darkness. Both are to be equally respected in order to succeed. Without dropping names or getting into irrelevant details, I can tell you that the music industry is not the same as the music community. There was a time when a few very famous artists that everyone knows now were pretending to be my friends just to get to a sponsor that I had or steal ideas from me. I took this as a learning experience.
There was a time when I really wanted to be a rapper because I believed my message could help people in this space. But I was never welcomed there. It was the house music world that truly embraced me and kept calling me back. It felt like I had to walk out of the hip-hop room and walk into the House room where everyone was like, “Yo! You’re back! We’re so happy to see you!”. Throughout my career, there have been highs and lows. The thing to remember is that those moments will pass. So, being present and not getting caught up in the past or anticipating the future is key.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
So, these days, I specialize in creating Hyper Soul. To me, Hyper Soul is many things. It’s a genre of music that I have started to cultivate. Its house music is infused with elements of soul, afro rhythms, jazz & vocals. It’s also a record label and an online store. And most importantly, it is an experience.
What sets me apart as an artist is that I’m a live DJ performer/vocalist who sings chants and poetic words of affirmation to the crowd. I always aim to make my live appearances memorable. I want people to feel as if they have been electrified with inspiration for life.
What am I most proud of? That I said yes to this life of becoming an artist.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I spent my summer in New York City with my cousins in Washington Heights. It was the 90s. No phones. All magic.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hypersoul.co/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oveous/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OVEOUS/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/OveousMaximus
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/oveous
Image Credits
David Sabat, Muita Muthee, Hyper Soul, and Sofia Starborn
