We get to know a bit more about the new single that Amsterdam based producer OIJ has just created. Taking his influences from various styles and genres, his work always has a story behind it – and ‘By Myself’ is no exception. Check out our exclusive chat below.
Good to meet you! How long have you been making music for?
What initially inspired you to start? I have been dabbling with music, playing piano, since I was 6 years old. In high school I took a little break, but when I went to university I started playing guitar and from then on have never stopped.
How do you feel your sound and influences have changed along the way since you started, and are they constantly evolving?
I believe it is very important to keep evolving. My music has changed with the times, starting as alternative electronic pop I have moved on to become more a mixture of pop, relaxing music with influences from dance, hip hop and R&B.
How would you sum up your musical style?
Currently, I’d call it chill-pop. Music you can listen to while relaxing that will let you enjoy the moment.
Whose music are you particularly feeling right now?
I’m a big fan of many different artists, but am a big fan of Post Malone’s sound.
We love ‘By Myself’ – what inspired this track? What do you want people to take from it?
‘By Myself’ has gone through a big journey. I initially wrote the beginning of it with Nambyar, but after that session I changed the instrumental to be far more 808-heavy and laidback. Then I finished the song off with Sunus, a production team in the Netherlands, where we added the laidback, tuned vocals. The song is all about taking the time to enjoy by yourself, instead of always having to be peer-pressured into doing things together. Of course, it’s fun to spend time with your friends, but it’s also okay to just want to sit back, relax and zone out for a bit.
Are you happy with how it turned out?
I am very pleased with the result. I think my last releases have really shown an improvement in production and songwriting and I look forward to continuing on this path.
Do you have a tune or release in your back catalogue that you are most proud of?
Currently I am the most proud of my latest releases. I believe they have really stepped up and reflect the phase I am in now. Growing. If I really have to look further back then I would say I am very happy with what ‘Blinded’ has done for me, as it had given me many opportunities. Also, ‘Back To The Start’ and ‘Believe’ have opened up a lot of doors.
What do you want to achieve this year and why?
I hope to keep evolving and growing on my musical journey. There should be another EP coming out this year and more singles.
Follow OIJ Via:
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