Sometimes, one little reel or short-format video is all it takes to give you a head start into stardom. However, it takes dedication, planning, and follow-through, to continuously ride the wave and use your platform the most effective way. This is just one of the many intricate things we learnt about the up-and-coming DJ and producer OKAYVAL. The Florida-based artist has taken House music by storm with her newest track ‘Techno Sh’. Her sound portrays infectious, dark grooves and heavy basslines. Moreover, her social media presence resonates with her audience, launching her career to new heights.
We had a chance to speak with OKAYVAL and discuss her artist career, latest track, and what else she has going on for the rest of the year.
How has the power of social media impacted your music career thus far?
It has changed everything for me. It brought so many opportunities when it comes to labels and the back-end of the music industry. As well as allowing me to build a community. Now my fans know me through social media and they’re able to discover more of me and my music. It has changed my life completely.
How has social media changed the panorama for edm artists across the world?
Artists are getting discovered more, yet it has its pros and cons. I know a lot of artists say: “Well, now I have to share videos and stories on social media about my music”. They would rather spend that time in focusing on their music and producing instead. But I think it’s a good opportunity for new artists and current artists to put themselves out there. I understand how tedious it can be worrying about going viral and being consistent. But I also see the opportunities to grow and build a bigger fanbase, and bring new eyes into your brand.
What’s an important element in marketing artists can focus on outside of social media?
I would say mostly building relationships. Getting yourself out there and meet people in the industry, other artists, play pop-up shows. I’m seeing a lot more pop-up out there, they’re super hot right now and I want to start playing them as well. They feel super close and personal. If you’re not a big social media person, I feel that you can start creating those bonds with different artists, gather their support, and play a lot locally. That will help you will be building a fan base. Like, hey I saw OKAYVAL at this random show and really liked her.
And we saw you’re staying busy right now, with pop-up shows, your own headlining shows, and opening up for Louis the Child recently?
Yes I did, I was with AM Radio (that’s Steve Cardigan) for a pop-up, they usually do plenty of them in LA. This time, they brought it to Austin, TX and it was crazy. There was a line outside at 10am to see us play and the crowd was amazing. It was the first time I ever did something like that. So, that’s why I think pop-up shows are the next big thing.
How have your Colombian roots influence your music?
Actually, I haven’t got the chance to do more Spanish vocals or like Latin-House as OKAYVAL, which I want to do soon. Growing up, my mom used to listen to House and Techno all the time, but it was like David Guetta, Tiesto. That’s why I like the harder, darker side of House. As of right now I haven’t included any of those roots yet but I will be soon.
Your mom is a former raver, do you go out to raves together?
We haven’t partied together like that yet. But I am really excited because I have an upcoming show in NY and she will be seeing me perform live for the first time. I’ve been wanting to take her to shows for a while. But I think it’ll be super special when I get to take her to big events like Ultra or Tomorrowland when I play there.
You also won the Insomniac’s Discovery Project for Project Glow, can you walk us through that experience?
So honestly, I didn’t remember submitting the mix. Like, I knew i had done it but i had totally forgot about it because I was so busy and focused on other things. I was sitting on my couch and got a call from an LA number but I didn’t answer thinking it was a spam call. Then, they left me a voicemail from Insomniac and I called them immediately. I couldn’t believe it, Nostalgix was the special judge and i really look up to her career and her success. I ended up playing in Denver the night before then went straight to DC to play at Project Glow.
Moreover, I was super nervous since it was my first time playing on a big stage, but Insomniac treated me so well and they were super accommodating. I ended up releasing a song with them shortly after, so that was a pretty cool experience.
Your newest track ‘Techno Sh’ has blown up and it reached #1 on the Beatport Electronica, how are you feeling right now?
I wasn’t expecting it to blow so hard. Yes, I knew it was a special song and there was a lot of hype behind it. But I have other viral videos with past songs and I thought those songs would do great back then. This time around, the audience response felt so genuine and powerful. I went into it with no expectations, but now it’s going super well, and people message me telling me how much they love the track.
What’s the story behind ‘Techno Sh’?
It used to sound so different when I first started it. It used to be called ‘Slap”. I worked with a very talented vocalist who writes as well. And when he came up with the ‘Techno Sh’ vocals I knew that was the way to go. I feel the lyrics are the big drivers of the song.
How will you carry the momentum of this track into this coming year?
I’m working on tons of new music, I want to keep releasing more tracks consistently. I did switch from more melodic into darker tech-house now, so i have finally found my sound. I want to release more songs and play more gigs to continue to build that relationship with the fans. That’s our six month plan at least, but I’m super excited.
You have plenty of shows coming up, how are you preparing yourself?
I just sit down and listen to a lot of music. Yes I play my music but i also love playing tracks from up and coming artists. I also like to keep up the energy, since i feed up the crowd’s energy. I like to put myself on the dancefloor and envision how the crowd will react to my set list.
Go support OKAYVAL on her social media and her upcoming shows, as well as her newest single ‘Techno Sh’.
The post [Interview] OKAYVAL Discusses Going Viral, Social Media, And ‘Techno Sh’ appeared first on EDMTunes.
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