INTERVIEW: Oriel Poole — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

Oriel Poole

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I have been speaking with Oriel Poole…

PHOTO CREDIT: Galen Oakes Photography

about her new single, Brighter, and filming its incredible video. She tells me about moving from the U.K. to the U.S. and what she wants to accomplish going forward. I ask which rising artists are worth a shout and what advice she would give to artists emerging.

Poole reveals what she does away from music and her favourite memory from her career so far; how she got into music and kindled that passion; what it was like working with Julio (the L.G.B.T.Q. advocate) on her current video – she ends the interview with a great song.

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Hi, Oriel. How are you? How has your week been?

Good, thanks.

For those new to your music, can you introduce yourself, please?

Bold, sensual and otherworldly. Genre-wise, I produce Trip-Hop; combining the sounds of R&B, Electronic; Soul and Experimental.

Brighter is your latest music video. Is there a personal story behind it? How did it come together?

The song is about recognizing my magic inside, the inner-flame, ready to expand into the world. It's the voice inside my head saying, ‘let me out, already!’.

From a visual standpoint, the director, S-hekh Shem Hetep, saw the hypnotic side of my music and me and used that to create a video that was both whimsical and seductive; highlighting my essence as an artist.

The music video seems like it was fun to film! Was it a good shoot? Did you have a lot of creative control regarding concept and theme?

The director took the lead on the creative concept for the video. Of course, I had my say; I also brought in friends such as Ostara who led up the styling and set dressing to support the overall vision. One of the most challenging parts for me in the process was allowing - having a creative background in production design I enjoy being hands-on and driving the creative process forward. But, in the making of this music video, it was important for me to focus on being solely the artist.

Did you enjoy working with L.G.B.T.Q. advocate Julio on the shoot?

Yes. Julio is amazing. Such a talented force - he really helped me come into my skin and portray the sensual woman that I am on camera.

Brighter is from your E.P., Sunday. Are you looking ahead at more material – or will there be more material released from the current E.P.?

I have another music video coming soon (for Foothills). I’m taking classes and working on a single right now while I save in preparation for the writing of the second E.P. I’m also pitching to labels in an effort to receive additional resources and support of the second E.P.

How did you get into music? Which artists compelled you growing up?

Music has always been in my blood. It was a matter of waking up to the desire to pursue it. I have a rather eclectic taste in music. Some of my influences growing up include Pink Floyd, Kavinsky; Björk, Enya; Jamiroquai, Erykah Badu; Zero Seven and Talking Heads.

I believe you were born in Britain but moved to the U.S. Was there a reason behind the move?!

My parents wanted to move to America - not completely sure why -; possibly for a chance at a different life. I was eight-years-old. It was hard letting go of everything I knew and loved that age but the experience did shape my perspective and provided me with a broader vision of the world.

What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

Securing a label or investor - 100k to propel to the next level of my career so I can focus exclusively on the next E.P., continued education; new creative content (music videos!) and a national tour. I’m looking for a company or individual who sees my whole package and wants to help provide me with the resources to scale massively.

Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?

Performing at Red Rocks Amphitheatre with Lotus. That venue is legendary: an outdoor amphitheatre shaped by natural, red rock formations. It is an honour to have performed there.

Which albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?

Pink Floyd - Another Brick in the Wall

Talking Heads - Stop Making Sense

Both albums changed the way I experienced music.

If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

Based on my sound, I would be best-suited opening for Childish Gambino, Frank Ocean; Bonobo, Bob Moses; Rüfüs Du Sol, Tame Impala; Woodkid, Little Dragon; Anderson .Paak and STS9.

Rider? A candlelit dressing room and yerba mate, please.

Can we see you on tour soon? What dates are coming up?

None at the moment but I will keep you in the loop!

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

I am breaking through so I can only speak from the perspective of my present experience. Success is a combination of talent and drive. If you have something people are responding to and you are committed to finding the way - doing whatever it takes to turn this passion into a career - then this is the path for you.

IN THIS PHOTO: Jamie Lidell/PHOTO CREDIT: Lindsey Rome

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

More recently, I have been really feeling Jamie Lidell, Nonku Phiri and Nao.

IN THIS PHOTO: Nonku Phiri

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

Yes. I find time to go unwind and feed my soul. I go out and dance, connect with friends; be active in my body, be in my joy. I also practice meditation and Theta Healing every day.

Finally, and for being a good sport, you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Yes! Go check out Dear by Pete Philly