APPAREL INTERVIEW:
Osunlade,
DJ/Producer, St. Luis [USA]
Osunlade, the sonic architect, Yoruba Records founder, sound researcher and messenger of sonic spirituality doesn’t need any further introduction; that’s why we’re overjoyed and honoured to be able to have a chat with him. Let’s see what happens…
Osunlade Q&A
-Let’s start on a funny note: searching for Osunlade on the web, one of the first pages you might land on is the Wikipedia one, which says your real name is Christian Warren… Can you clear up this misunderstanding once and for all?
- Well this is an interesting note to start and actually one id like to clear up. Unfortunatelly due to sites like Wikipedia that are user based without ways to confirm information without going thru the motions of contacting each indiviual that has entered data, my page is incredibly incorrect, starting with my name. It is not Christian Warren! Osunlade is not a stage name but my birth name. How this came about and where this information derived is beyond me but I will say that it has been a thorn in my ass from day one as I’ve lost many gigs due to this failure. Example when checking into a hotel or flight and the promoter has that name attached to me as true I’m not able to perform or travel as the information is incorrect. So you can see how this is first one of the inconsistencies of technology and human error, nonetheless it is a funny thing, one that confirms the notion that we are creators are so innate to judge anything without merit or research.
Next Question?
-A simple one. How are you today, how’s your mood?
- It is my pleasure and honor, thank you. Im actually feeling quite blessed today.
-For a person like you, whose life is intrinsically linked to art, is inspiration something that comes naturally in your everyday routine or something you need to look for with some particular stratagem? How do you seek it and where do you normally find it?
- For me inspiration is in everything. I’ve tried to secure balance in all things in my life, from the moment I wake I am aware of the reality I’ve created and acknowledge the things in my bubble as well as those surrounding me that contributes. It’s a simple awareness of things, people, actions etc that moreso allow me to view the world and absorb what I feel needs to be expressed through music.
-The last two years (since the pandemic broke into our lives) have been different. For some has been problematic, for some painful and tough and for some others it represented a change and a moment of renewal. Where do you place yourself in the huge spectrum of emotions that this challenging period has presented us?
- This pandemic has been the best year of my life! I’m one that lives with no fear and understand the challenges of life. This had me spiralling initially wondering where I’d find monetary substance to survive without DJ gigs, however this quickly turned into the quest of diversification, which for me is always exciting. The need to stretch oneself beyond our abilities is the key in one’s evolution so the past few years found me expanding creatively as well as like most in our finding new ways like streaming to fill the gaps. It’s also been the first time I’ve spent in one place ever so it’s been nice to have time with family that I’d otherwise not been afforded. Also, I think for most of us DJ/producers it has shown us the importance of slowing down and understanding the now. Not chasing money and spending lifetimes on the road has been a beautiful weight lifted for many.
-We love your music and the way you approach it: with spirituality, balance, wisdom and really trying to reach the depths of the art. Where does this aptitude come from? Is it the experience brought by your long journey or something that has been always there within you?
- Honestly I think my music is an exact replication of my heart and soul. Meaning: when I create I’m 100% vulnerable in how I feel and that sets the initial mood. From there is usually where to start which is either drums or piano. Prior to this I’ll have some idea or title (I have a huge list) that I’ll choose from, that is usually based on something I’ve experienced or seen, like a book title or situation I’ve witnessed and we go. Most important it’s always about releasing some part of myself and that moment to move forward internally somehow. Like once a song is complete, that part of me is over and I now have the diary to revisit and reflect if needed.
-Now that people respect you for what you are, and for what you’ve been able to achieve throughout your long career, do you miss something from when you were a young kid who was just starting to discover the world of music? Tell us one thing you learned/understood (or that somebody taught you) in the early days that you still treasure.
- No, I’ve had a full complete journey this time around lol. Somehow I’ve been able to stay clear of imagery realities if you will. Music is why I exist, I’ve known this since age 7. Everything is secondary, so what I’ve achieved for me isn’t complete until I am no more. I told myself long ago, i’ll make music for myself first. These are my children, my diary or sorts. It’s the closest anyone can ever be to me so accolades etc. aren’t of any importance to me as they distract creativity in my opinion. I think a true artist does what he does because it’s all he has and is… At least that’s the case for me. I couldn’t image any other thing or reason for my time here now.
-Now that people respect you for what you are, and for what you’ve been able to achieve throughout your long career, do you miss something from when you were a young kid who was just starting to discover the world of music? Tell us one thing you learned/understood (or that somebody taught you) in the early days that you still treasure.
- No, I’ve had a full complete journey this time around lol. Somehow I’ve been able to stay clear of imagery realities if you will. Music is why I exist, I’ve known this since age 7. Everything is secondary, so what I’ve achieved for me isn’t complete until I am no more. I told myself long ago, i’ll make music for myself first. These are my children, my diary or sorts. It’s the closest anyone can ever be to me so accolades etc. aren’t of any importance to me as they distract creativity in my opinion. I think a true artist does what he does because it’s all he has and is… At least that’s the case for me. I couldn’t image any other thing or reason for my time here now.
