The Vibrations of Ojerime
While the singer has consistently penned her life experiences in her work, 'B4 I Breakdown,' reveals a personal struggle that made her evaluate her mental health. In 2019, Ojerime experienced a life-altering breakdown that resulted in a hospital visit. Stemming from exhaustion and overburden, Ojerime processed this event through her music. Long studio visits and late nights resulted in an album that is full of tantalization and feeling. Album favorite, "Give It Up To Me", epitomizes Ojerime's sound while having the listener hanging on to every note. This psychoactive track is centered around the passing of a joint and the relationship with the recreational drug. With lyrics vibrating throughout the song and a chorus that evokes a strong response, The R&B artist has accomplished a project that mediates on a dark moment and the process that follows.
A pandemic succeeding her release of, 'B4 I Breakdown,' Ojerime starred at a year of isolation and quietness. Although this unprecedented time brought uncertainty and anxiety, Ojerime used this opportunity to reconnect with her community. Over a year into a global pandemic, with eased restrictions and a social revival, Ojerime debuted the single, "Jetset." This single was accompanied with a stylized music video depicting a blurry summer’s night. Along with the release of "Jetset," Ojerime performed A Colors Show of an unreleased song, "Often Enough." Each song highlights the essence of Ojerime's sound while signifying a new chapter in her Arc.
Check out the singer discuss her creative process, inspirations, and music video "Jetset" down below.
Growing up in South London, how did your experience there inform your craft today?
South East London is bursting with so many different cultures and thankfully I was given the opportunity from a young age to explore different pockets of it through church, youth clubs and freedom to explore the outdoors with friends. Growing up here influenced how I speak, the music I’m drawn to. It’s very much shaped me as a person, so I’m able to express that in my music as there’s so much colour around me.
Your mixtape 'B4 I Breakdown' has the listener enthralled from start to finish, what was the process like creating that mixtape?
It was very simple but a slow process. I’d just got out of hospital and began immediately travelling twice a week up to Kent to get my project mixed. Each week my backpack and I would leave London to take this gruelling train journey in shitty weather and go up hills and back roads to an old friend's house to get the mixtape finalised. I didn’t have much budget at the time and very little strength to make this mixtape any bigger (production wise) than it was, so slowly each week the tracks began taking shape and I came up with "Give It Up 2 Me," at the end of the mixing process and left my mix on it, as it didn’t sound the same when my engineer cleaned it up. So that track is pretty raw mix wise and ‘empty’ too, those were both mixed by me. I eventually got a team together and we put the project out and it was received very well. Tonnes of support on "Give It Up 2 Me," so many highs from a project that was created at a very low time. I’m very thankful for this pivotal time and won’t forget this era as it’s introduced loads of new growth.
"Jetset" is your new single, can you speak to the intentions behind that song and what it means to you?
It’s a track I made in lockdown speaking on a temporary getaway that explores having a good time in love with no distractions or interference from the outside world. I wanted it to sound like a warm summer’s night in 90s LA.
How has 90s R&B informed your music and sound?
90s R&B introduces itself from the way it’s written and the production. I’ve always wanted my music to have the timeless quality and essence that 90s R&B gives off. It’s always my go to at the start of a production session just to get everyone warmed up. I’d say my music introduces itself from the first note and will eventually create that nostalgic feeling to listeners in the near future.
What is a dream collaboration of yours?
I’d love to work with SWV, Brandy or Babyface.
Your ‘A Colors Show’ performance of your single "Often Enough" exuded radiance and exceptional sound, how was that experience and when can we expect that single to drop?
Thank you - My Colors experience was nothing short of amazing, they were very accommodating and the space was as good as it looks on Youtube. I’m currently working on music at the moment so I’ll announce when ‘often enough’ drops officially.
What continuous inspirations do you draw on for your music?
Real life experience, I’m big on emotion and trying to release it creatively.
Your fashion is always on point, what was the journey like coming into your style?
I just wear what I like, it’s mostly comfortable clothes like tracksuits or soft textures. I work with a selection of stylists who introduce me to new pieces and ways of styling myself.
How has your music informed your identity today?
Music is something I love and I’m naturally drawn to, it’s who I am. the freedom of music and its unwritten rules are a part of me. The business side to it puts me off as it goes against the fluidity of music. So I’m learning that there are other artistic strengths I have, that don’t solely lie in music, it’s a tough process but I’ve started it.
Your music elicits strong emotions and sends rippling goosebumps down one’s spine, especially the chorus of "Give It Up 2 Me," what do you want to convey to the listener?
I am the first listener of any music I create so I look to give myself that replay factor, the excitement of hearing the track start and the message to resonate. I always want the music to make sense, whether you understand my words or not, the journey must make sense.
When can we expect your next project?
I’m unsure, as I haven’t quite got to that part yet!
