OZ |Soho Singer-Songwriter - We Talk ‘Money’ From Her Upcoming EP
Singer-songwriter and all-round alt-pop fireball Oz today shares her debut single ‘Money’ via Truth Records. Money’ is a statement-of-intent, an uncompromising synthesis of Garbage’s dark-hued rock/electronica crossover with the bass-heavy zest of contemporary alt-pop. Like Oz herself, ‘Money’ is headstrong, provocative, fierce and never anything less than honest.
The single is accompanied by a new video, which was directed by Natalie Sakstrup. It compiles a range of elegant monochrome visuals which illustrate Oz’s words and demonstrates the all-pervading power of money.
‘Money’ is the first taste of Oz’s debut EP which will be released later this year via Truth Records. The EP will further develop the themes that she is innately drawn to: defiance, identity and self-discovery.
Oz has been a songwriter since her early teens, after her father’s passion for music inspired her immersion in the worlds of bold musicians like The Clash, Dolly Parton, No Doubt and Kate Bush. Her fascination with life’s rough edges is inspired by her youth spent in her family’s pizzeria in a pre-gentrified Soho. It was one of London’s best-kept secrets: a centrally-located hideaway favoured by actors and musicians along with drag queens, sex workers, go-go dancers and old-school gangsters. People with stories to tell.
Her own story also quickly took shape. Some of Oz’s early demos attracted attention, which resulted in her working with producers and writing songs from just 15-years-old. Oz penned a deal with a music publisher writing for other artists, before a session with Biff Stannard instigated her new direction. Coincidentally, the producer (Ellie Goulding, Kylie, Spice Girls) was already Oz’s near neighbour, living just a street away in Brighton.
WHAT IS MONEY ABOUT ?
Money’ was inspired by a friend in Croydon, who Oz saw lose her identity in an attempt to appease the posh parents of a new boyfriend. Oz’s sonorous and expressive vocal pulls no punches as she sings, “Now you’ve got money it matters, now you’ve got money it flatters where you came from.
Money’ is a song that discusses the dangers of the ‘keeping up with the Jones’’ mentality, explains Oz. We change so much of ourselves to conform to the western ideals of beauty or success. It sounds so clichéd but what really matters is who you are. Of course people change and grow, that’s what we’re meant to do as human beings. But when you aren’t being true to yourself you’re in dangerous territory. In my experience, it normally leaves you sad and vacant.
Money can be such an uncomfortable subject and especially now in this climate it feels even more contentious. I wanted the visual to make people feel, think and even shiver. I like the idea of keeping a bit of mystery to a project, especially in a world where your physical appearance is under a constant microscope, so I chose not to be in the video at all. I wanted it to stand alone as a piece of art without having my appearance scrutinised.”
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE NAME OZ ?
The part of me that’s Oz is my weirder, more left side,” she explains. Oz has always been the nutter. She’s my protection but she’s also my freedom — freedom to laugh with my mates in the street at 3am with Red Stripe, wear leather, do crazy 70s makeup, do whatever I like. Oz is the part of me who’s never afraid to be exactly who she wants to be.
You’ve been writing songs since you were 15 for other artists initially. Can you tell us what some of that early music was about, who it was for and how has your songwriting changed since then?
I think I’ve always written beyond my years. I took a lot of inspiration from what was going on around me in the world, poetry, books and films so often the songs became my interpretation of those things. I’ve written all kinds of songs for all different types of artists. There’s something really freeing about not just writing one genre. I don’t know if my writing has changed all that much. I think songwriting is a little bit like a muscle. If you don’t work at it, it doesn’t get better. So I can only hope that my writing has just improved over the years. There’s definitely some terrible awful songs in my catalogue though for sure haha.
In terms of style and your social media both project a powerful image. What makes you feel strong?
I think being a woman makes me feel strong. My friends. My team. My family. Anything, anyone that feeds my soul. Strength comes from within but also from the people you choose to surround yourself with. They should build you up.
You have an impressive collection of tattoos. What’s your favourite tat and the story behind them?
I think my favourite one would probably be my “Bite Me” stick n poke tattoo. It would probably be classed as my worst one haha. I asked my boyfriend to tattoo it for me when we first started dating because Bart Simpson wanted the same tattoo but Marge wouldn’t let him, so I got it on his behalf hahah.
‘Money’ is a critique of a comparative and divisive mentality between social classes in a capitalist society, which has a consumerist culture. this affected a relationship of your friend’s. Has writing this song been a healing process in moving on from this relationship?
It absolutely was. I think my friend realised long before this song was written that she was losing Herself. However, when you speak the honest truth to someone you care about and it is coming from a genuine place of love and care and a little sly humor, they are forced to confront themselves and their behaviour. It doesn’t always work out for the best but in my case, I was just singing about what she already knew and just needed to know we’d all be there for her.
You grew up in Soho, which looks different now from when you were growing up. How did this time in London influence your music?
It is amazing how different it is now to how it was. I got to meet so many people from all walks of life. Growing up in a restaurant is a fascinating window into the world. I met everyone from famous singers and actors to gangsters and designers to sex workers to drag queens. Everyone was different and Soho was a place where people could be whoever they wanted to be with no shame. I think I learned very quickly that everyone has a story to tell and that there is no normal when it comes to humanity.
The aesthetic of the ‘Money’ music video and your Instagram seem to be nostalgic. what eras inspire your music and visuals the most?
I’ve always felt that I was born in the wrong era. There’s definitely something about that old Hollywood era that appeals to me. However, I love 70s fashion and music and the 90s and also 40s and 50s torch singers. I think there’s something to be learned in every era of history and with music, I think it’s important to know where we’ve been in order to know where to go especially as a young artist. I would always encourage people to listen to older music for inspiration
Due to COVID19, live performances are a no go right now. How do you imagine your live shows of the future and what do you want an Oz crowd to feel when you perform?
I think an Oz show would involve a lot of energy. I love being on stage and feeling at one with an audience. I feel most at home when I’m at a show or playing one, so I’d want people to feel comfortable, safe and free to be whoever they want to be at my shows.
On your Instagram, we saw that you were gifted a Dolly Parton Vinyl. What do you love about the vinyl format and can you remember the first record you bought?
There’s something so special to me about physically owning a piece of music or a body of work. Being able to call it your own. I have so many records that are new, second hand, handed down to me. There’s nothing quite like That little crackle at the start of your new favourite song. I’m not sure what the first record I bought was as there are so many. But I do remember being gifted The Boatmans Call my nick cave and the bad seeds for my birthday one year and it’s been a really special record to me since then.
You have curated a Spotify playlist that goes from the likes of The Streets to Lana Del Ray to Fall out Boy. Do you think a broad range of influences is important for making your own music?
I do. I think it’s so important to embrace all genres of music. Taking influences from all walks of life just broadens the horizons when it comes to writing and producing records. I listen to so much different music and for me it’s all about hearing other people’s perspectives. You could hear the same story told 100 different ways and it always sounds new.
If you could record a track with anyone dead or alive- who would they be?
I think Chris Cornell would be the person I would choose. He was never in a band I didn’t like. There’s something magical about the way he uses his voice and writes melodies. I saw Soundgarden play twice and both times I was brought to tears. He is sorely missed
Your producer coincidentally lives a street over from you. Does this make collaborating creatively easier?
It does. I got so used to traveling to make music and I didn’t realise how exhausted I was getting. Being able to stroll over to the studio in the morning just takes that extra fluster away so your mind is clear. I always feel you should support your local scene and your scene should support you so working with nearby talent is super important to me.
What do you want your fans to take away from your music?
Honesty, identity and pride in yourself are important messages I think. Whether that be being honest with yourself about who you are or being honest in not knowing exactly who you just be proud that you’re on this planet living your most authentic life. I think when you aren’t being true to yourself it shows. Read, explore, watch movies. Open yourself up the best and worst parts of life. Oh, if you want to eat cake, eat the damn cake!
How do you define success?
To me, success is very simple. Having good people around me and being able to live comfortably doing the thing I love the most every day.
The next steps in the journey for Oz?
More music! I’m always writing always recording ready to keep putting a constant stream of music out. And hopefully getting out on the road and playing some live shows!