Today we’d like to introduce you to Oddem/Dede.
Oddem/Dede, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started off trying to pursue art. But when I got pregnant with my first son, I really had nothing to do and stumbled upon garageband and realized I was actually dope at making beats. So art and music at that point became my top career choices but unfortunately one had to be a hobby, so since I was going to school already to make a living off art, I had to put the music on the back burner. Fast forward to two years ago, I decided that I was at the age where I needed to figure out what I really wanted, and I needed to do it quickly. So I told myself I was going to spend a whole year working on a craft and see where it takes me. I spent 2019 just for art and was able to do three art shows with Phoenix Trapxart, sold a painting and was able to do a show downtown with a different company called chocolate and art. The whole time I’m working on music on the side, and within that year I realized producing wasn’t really for me. I was more interested in being the artist and I liked the writing part a lot better. So now at this point, I’m trying to be a full fledged artist cause now I think I’m dope, lol.
Beginning of 2020, I’m like okay I need a studio and cause if I’m really dope as I think I am, I can really make a buzz, plus now it’s time for me to really see if I should go ahead and do this. In my mind, it was like if the music thing doesn’t work out for me then I’ll be okay saying I tried it and it didn’t work versus me not trying at all. I rather be 20 something failing instead of in my mid-30s convincing myself this is gonna work, lol. So as I’m getting all this together, an old homie from years ago hits me up and we’re catching up and I didn’t know he did music. So I asked him about what studio he goes to and he told me he has a homie with a studio and invited me to come with him, I’m like okay bet! We got there and I met my now producer Lowkeyz and the rest was history. In just under a year, I was able to get a song on the radio in Yuma and I’ve got some high in opportunities behind the scenes. So I think it’s safe to say I should stick with the music, lol. Unfortunately, I do have to back burn it because I have a full-time job and I’m still a student in college.
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?
Not at all. My life is very up and down. To the point where I feel like it’s always something happening. I have to share most of my time with my family, school, work, and then music. I would say though, despite it all things always end up working out or I ended up getting rewarded for my hard work.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I do music and art and also I am in school working on my bachelor’s/ AA degree in fine art and design. I’m known for music. I’m in the (hip hop) for art, say (cartoonist). I am most proud of my consistency. What sets me apart is I kinda just do my own thing. I paint what I want and I make music that I want. I’m probably one of the few female rappers who doesn’t try to over sexualize their lyrics.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I’ve honestly just done my own research. I can’t say I’ve had a mentor but I have a bunch of knowledgeable homies who’ve been where I’m at that’s helped me look at some things differently. Networking has been a little difficult for me because of the pandemic, but social media has been one of my biggest help. I took a social media class and school and learned that the average person’s attention span is 30 secs before they choose to click off or stay. I try to capture my audience with really nice cover arts or make sure my beats are really nice. Same with my art in a way, I make sure that I use colors that pop. My advice to anyone is consistency is key. You might suck at something but practice makes perfect. Also, music-wise I suggest people stay independent for as long as they can and to always give your producers credit. Lastly, remember that you can be the best looking and tasting peach on the tree and there’s always gonna be a person who doesn’t like peaches so never take anything personal or to the heart.
Pricing:
- Paintings cost 50-100$
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Instagram.com/oddemleaf
- Twitter: Twitter.com/dedegotthyjuice
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbDzLHUQRH-M40vX2EHf2ZQ
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/3iZ9jFk9QeKLFDW8A
