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Hi everyone! StreamLINE brings you another stellar edition of our in-depth interview series as we had the pleasure of speaking with the multi-faceted Producer and DJ, OZY. Continue reading below to learn more about OZY’s eclectic music tastes, his expansive background in music, career journey, latest record, thoughts on the industry and other interesting tidbits about him personally. Enjoy!

Hi OZY, please tell us a bit about your background, where you’re from etc. What were your early music influences?

My background is Puerto Rican but I was born and raised in South Florida. Growing up I was raised by my mom so most of my early musical tastes came from her. Listening to artists like Madonna, Michael Jackson, Marc Anthony, etc. My musical taste was a pretty wide easy one. Eventually I discovered hip hop and loved it. Ultimately, electronic music has my heart. Growing up listening to artists like David Guetta, Deadmau5, Afrojack, Tiësto, and more really fueled me with the desire to also become a DJ.

What was the defining moment or time in your life when you decided to pursue music on a professional level?

Around the age of 9/10 I already know my life was going to involve music, I just didn’t know to what extent. Finally by the time I reached high school, I knew that I wanted to become a DJ and produce my own tracks as well just like the greats I looked up to as a child.

How would you characterize your sound and what inspires your creativity? Is it sparked by actual life events/experiences or just a vibe that you get into? How has your sound evolved since you dropped the Vice EP in 2019?

Inspiration comes from all aspects of my life. Sometimes I used life events to create but a lot of the time it’s just a vibe/headspace that I get into. Creativity can come at all times in all forms. Sometimes I’m outside and hear a random noise that sparks an idea for me. Other times I just hear something in my head and go “Hmmmm, I think this would be a good melody or a really dope rhythm.”

My last release “Vice” will always be special to me, but since then I’ve learned a lot about sound and a lot of little secrets I’ve learned from being in the industry for a while. I’m super excited to keep showing off all the new music I have coming soon.

Congratulations on the new release “Dakini”! Please tell us how the concept of the song came about and what inspired the title? Does it have any specific meaning?

Dakini means personification of enlightenment and energy. With this track I feel like you can feel that while in the track itself. “Dakini” definitely takes the listener on a journey.

Do you feel that the internet, social media, and the dominance of streaming have benefited recording artists?

A lot of people say it’s hurt the industry but I think its great because there’s so many talented people in the world that music is just another form of art. It allows these people to show the world what they have. You never know what someone else will experience listening to your music. I think it’s helped artists also expand their music to places normally they would never even gone to other wise.

What is the best advice that you’ve been given; either personally or professionally?

Everything is the same. No matter what you do in life its all the same. Hard work, dedication, and persistence will always move you in the direction you want to be in life.

What activities do you enjoy outside of your music and entertainment industry-related endeavors?

Outside of music I always say I’m pretty boring. Hahaha. I just like spending time with friends and family. I love going to new restaurants, the museum, and traveling when I have the time to do so.

We love to ask artists what type of music they’re vibing to outside of their own. What are some songs or artists that top your personal playlists?

Right now I’ve been listening to a lot of John Summit, Art Bat, SIDEPIECE, Purple Disco Machine, Kevin de Vries, just to name a few. But I love listening to all types of music from Mac Demarco to Deftones. My musical spectrum is really wide.

From your producer’s perspective, name a song you enjoy but you feel could still benefit from some enhancements. What would you change and why?

I don’t ever listen to songs and think oh I’d change this or do this because I feel like for the most part everyone has a reason they did something. Right now I’m obsessed with the song “Maria, Maria” by TECH IT DEEP and would love to do a remix of one day.

What else is in store musically for you in 2023 and beyond? Any projects, music videos, features or solo live shows on the horizon? What’s your goal for the OZY brand?

A lot of stuff in the works for OZY. There’s a lot of things I’ve done with other artists such as French Montana, just to name one, that hopefully everyone will get to listen to at some point this year. For all shows and upcoming events just keep a close eye on any of my social media accounts where I’m constantly updating everyone with what’s going on in my life. As far as OZY I just want more people to enjoy the music and join me on this journey which isn’t stopping anytime soon.

Connect with OZY

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ozymusix/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ozymusix/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ozymusix/
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/OZYMUSIX

About Post Author

Kevin James

Kevin James has over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry in various facets. He has worked as a recording artist, songwriter, producer, on-air radio personality, background actor and film director. Kevin is a Member of the National Writer's Union.

kjames@firsticonagency.com