Ever since OLOFF graced this blog with his album, ‘Life’s Got You Riveted’, which was placed at #6 on New Lease Music’s Top Ten Albums of 2016 list, I’ve been so mesmerised how this Bristolian artist experiments with different genres without fear. So I’m absolutely pleased to have a chat with him about his album ‘Don’t Come In Here’. So sit back and have a read as this convo this an absolute belter. Enjoy!
NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How is 2021 treating you so far?
O: You’re welcome. 2021 has been kind of crazy, I’ve released 2 albums and gone through a breakup. I have a 3rd album and a book on the way. I’m keeping extremely busy, time is passing by quite slowly.
NLM You released your album, ‘Don’t Come In Here’ back in March. What is the public perception on the project so far?
O: I haven’t done enough to promote it so I don’t know. I’ve temporarily given up on promoting music because I don’t have the time or the money for it, so right now I’m focusing on building up a catalogue and not paying any attention to the numbers at all. Then when I have some leverage I will have loads of songs already released.
NLM: How would you describe the album’s sound to potential fans?
O: Electronic experimental hip-hop. Drugs.
NLM: What inspired you to produce the album?
O: I had a bad acid trip a couple of years ago and this album was kind of the culmination of my efforts to get over the things I saw on that trip. It was also about being stuck in a room during lockdown, the ups and downs of my relationship, and at times also the fun/humour of living such a life and experimenting with weird substances. In the end the theme is about trust I suppose, not really being able to ever fully trust people but having to do so for your own sanity.
NLM: What is/are your favourite single(s) from the album and why?
O: Parsons and Be Yourself. I think Parsons is the best sounding song I’ve made and I think Be Yourself is the most meaningful.
NLM: What message would you like the listeners to take away from your album?
O: Do whatever you can to be happy, stay true to yourself, be wary, get outside as much as you can.
NLM: If you had to feature one mainstream artist on the album, who would it be and why?
O: Good question. I think Kevin Gates would be interesting, because it would be such a different sound for him, but some of the themes are kind of similar (love, trust issues, substance abuse etc.) Maybe a verse on I Don’t Wanna Know.
NLM: Do you have other project(s) for 2021?
O: Yeah, shortly after this I released Oak Tree which I think is a masterpiece. I also have a project called Sameways coming out in the next few months. And a self-help book, which I think is going to be really good and will help a lot of people with their depression. I’m also regularly releasing singles and videos on my YouTube channel.O
NLM: How can potential fans find you?
O: @oloffmusic on Instagram, Oloff on spotify or YouTube.com/OloffMusic
NLM: Finally, any special shout outs to those involved in the production of ‘Don’t Come Back Here’?
O: Just me. So, hang in there Oloff! You big bald c**t.