Artist Spotlight: Interview with ORieL
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ORieL was born on the island of Dominica. He grew up surrounded by music; he was part of a drum band and was an active member of his school and church choir. He experienced different forms of music when he migrated to Pittsburgh, PA and formed the sound system Vybz Machine with friends in 2005. ORieL quickly became a popular club DJ. He then went on to explore his other talents, becoming a top Studio Engineer, one of the best Graphic Designers in the region and is now a solo artist that describes his music as ‘’Reggae/Fusion,’’ which is mostly Reggae fused with elements of Jazz, RnB, Rock, Blues and Hip Hop. ORieL honed his talent of music production and has worked with many local and international recording artists including Richie Stephens, Bugle, Raine Syville, RDX, Voicemail, Anthony Cruze, Konshens, Wayne Wonder, Chris Martin, and more. As a rising artist, ORieL has opened for Ziggy Marley, Shaggy, Luciano, Fortunate Youth and New Kingston; his unique sound has captivated fans across the Caribbean and beyond. He is well on his way to top! |
When did you get your first big break?
My first break as a recording artist came in 2012 with the release of the Confidence E.P and the subsequent support it got. I had been producing music for a few years before that and DJing for even longer, so music had always been a part of my life, but recording my own stuff had a special significance for me.
Who were your influences growing up?
Some of my biggest influences growing up were the people that got me into music. From my friend's father, Sparky, who taught me music and how to play the clarinet to my best friend's mother, Miss Jane, who provided us with the equipment to start a marching band and further our musical interests. These people really made a big impact on my musical life by providing the support necessary to pursue music. Growing up my mother would play Christian, Country, and R&B music. She would sing before we went to church. My uncle would play Soca and Reggae music every Sunday from his sound set. I would get rap cassettes from my school friends because we weren't really allowed much secular music at home as we were very religious family. All people influenced me as an artist.
How did you discover your unique “Reggae/Fusion” sound?
The sound comes from a combination of the music that I listen to and how I work. I feel incredibly blessed to be able to produce music the way I hear it and to be able to do it in my own way. There are no wrongs or rights in music, in my opinion; it all comes down to what moves you, literally. I listen to and appreciate a wide variety of music so that really helps.
My first break as a recording artist came in 2012 with the release of the Confidence E.P and the subsequent support it got. I had been producing music for a few years before that and DJing for even longer, so music had always been a part of my life, but recording my own stuff had a special significance for me.
Who were your influences growing up?
Some of my biggest influences growing up were the people that got me into music. From my friend's father, Sparky, who taught me music and how to play the clarinet to my best friend's mother, Miss Jane, who provided us with the equipment to start a marching band and further our musical interests. These people really made a big impact on my musical life by providing the support necessary to pursue music. Growing up my mother would play Christian, Country, and R&B music. She would sing before we went to church. My uncle would play Soca and Reggae music every Sunday from his sound set. I would get rap cassettes from my school friends because we weren't really allowed much secular music at home as we were very religious family. All people influenced me as an artist.
How did you discover your unique “Reggae/Fusion” sound?
The sound comes from a combination of the music that I listen to and how I work. I feel incredibly blessed to be able to produce music the way I hear it and to be able to do it in my own way. There are no wrongs or rights in music, in my opinion; it all comes down to what moves you, literally. I listen to and appreciate a wide variety of music so that really helps.
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What inspired you to pursue music?
I am inspired by the feelings and moments that I experience that I think correlate to others that share similar experiences. The people in my life have a lot to do with the music I make because it’s a collaborative event. From my production partner Ludwig, to my guitarist Willacy Lloyd and my manager Linval Brown, we all write and vibe and share experiences and encourage each other. These people really inspire me to keep going.
Also music is my therapy. When I am quiet, I hear music in my head so I try to get that out into the physical world. When I first decided to pursue music I had my reservations. I felt so much fear from the thought of performing in front of a crowd that I was compelled to try to get over that feeling.
You were once a popular DJ, how did that experience help you with your music career?
Being a DJ expanded my musical taste, allowed me to experience the energy that music has, and the joy that music brings to people. It also helped me get over some of my anxiety with being in front of a crowd. I mostly played reggae music so that really introduced me to the artists and sounds that I hadn't been exposed to as a youth. It also made me more familiar with the structure and form of reggae. I fell in love with old school roots and I think it had a major influence on my sound.
I am inspired by the feelings and moments that I experience that I think correlate to others that share similar experiences. The people in my life have a lot to do with the music I make because it’s a collaborative event. From my production partner Ludwig, to my guitarist Willacy Lloyd and my manager Linval Brown, we all write and vibe and share experiences and encourage each other. These people really inspire me to keep going.
Also music is my therapy. When I am quiet, I hear music in my head so I try to get that out into the physical world. When I first decided to pursue music I had my reservations. I felt so much fear from the thought of performing in front of a crowd that I was compelled to try to get over that feeling.
You were once a popular DJ, how did that experience help you with your music career?
Being a DJ expanded my musical taste, allowed me to experience the energy that music has, and the joy that music brings to people. It also helped me get over some of my anxiety with being in front of a crowd. I mostly played reggae music so that really introduced me to the artists and sounds that I hadn't been exposed to as a youth. It also made me more familiar with the structure and form of reggae. I fell in love with old school roots and I think it had a major influence on my sound.
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How did the release of two EP’s "Love SoulJah" and "Confidence 2.0" on the same day come about? Well we had some music that we thought had different sounds and deserved to be highlighted independently, so instead of putting them together we separated them into two projects. The Confidence 2.0 was mostly about life and Love Souljah is about love and relationships. They both have a unique sound so separating them added to their listening experience. |
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You have collaborated with such artists as Richie Stephens, Bugle, RDX, Konshens, and others. Who are some people you would like to work with in the future?
I would love to work with Don Corleone, Damian Marley, Dre Island, Patrice, Lion Babe, Tarrus Riley, Beres Hammond, Buju Banton and so many others.
What charities are you involved with? Why is it important for you to give back?
In 2015, I did a series of acoustic performances to collect school supplies for children in my country (Dominica). This year I will be volunteering with the ISSA Trust Foundation on a medical trip in Jamaica. I believe that giving back is a way to repay the universe for the people that invested in me. It is important for me to continue to invest my time especially in children, our future.
I would love to work with Don Corleone, Damian Marley, Dre Island, Patrice, Lion Babe, Tarrus Riley, Beres Hammond, Buju Banton and so many others.
What charities are you involved with? Why is it important for you to give back?
In 2015, I did a series of acoustic performances to collect school supplies for children in my country (Dominica). This year I will be volunteering with the ISSA Trust Foundation on a medical trip in Jamaica. I believe that giving back is a way to repay the universe for the people that invested in me. It is important for me to continue to invest my time especially in children, our future.
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Muhammed Ali says that "Service to others is the rent we pay for our room here on earth" and it could not be said any better than that. ~ORieL |
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years I will be making more music. Hopefully producing for more artists and writing for others. Music is life so I intend to continue to pursue this for the remainder of my time on this planet.
Check out www.AfarMusicGroup.com to listen to my work
In five years I will be making more music. Hopefully producing for more artists and writing for others. Music is life so I intend to continue to pursue this for the remainder of my time on this planet.
Check out www.AfarMusicGroup.com to listen to my work
