Hailing from Minneapolis, Minnesota, OKIE is an artist who creates music that speaks to what he feels and who he identifies as – which can include a wide range of emotions.
OKIE: The human experience which we’re all apart of is taken for granted by a number of people. I try to acknowledge the beauty that comes from the temporary state of all things. Whether its what kind of ice cream I like this month, what I’m listening to or even what I’m creating.
Taking over a year to create his signature helmet, he was inspired by the technology and techniques used by Daft Punk.
OKIE: The helmet itself stems from a logo I created where all the letters of OKiE were consolidated into one symbol and then rotated. Tons or trial and error. Lots of learning and lots of dust. I designed a removable front plate so I could sing live or play an instrument without me having to take the helmet off. But It also happened to be crucial for putting it on and taking it off!
Continuously influenced by Brazilian Zouk, music is how OKIE connects with others and expresses himself.
OKIE: Zouk has not only influenced me as a person but also how I make music. I want the music I create to be danceable. I want people to be able to feel the music in their body. I want it to incite movement. But it can’t be just any tempo, 70-90 BPM is the sweet spot. Usually with a Moombahton or Reggaetón style beat underneath. In essence I want to make music my friends and I can dance Zouk to. Having that kind of frame work has helped sharpen my sound. Which I’m really grateful for. It makes something unique. Something like slow Indie Reggaetón pop.
In my studio one of my favorite pieces of equipment is a Roland JV 1080 Super. Which I believe is the most recorded synth in the history of recorded music? One would think it would be incredibly overplayed. But it’s old enough where a lot of the sounds are coming back into style. When placed in modern tracks it sounds fresh. I even recognize it now in some of my favorite artist music. Like Mura Masa. Who has been a big influence on me. I like to push it to the limits when programming it’s midi. This can make for some great sound design. Other than the JV I’m mostly in the box! Rockin’ Ableton Live and an NT2000 Mic.
His first release of the year, IDK featuring Emily Snyder found it’s way to our desks and it’s been on our release radar since our first listen. Be sure to check it out, available on all streaming platforms, and add it to your playlists!
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