OWBY has yet to reveal his identity. But you can listen to his new track ‘Closer’, created with Swiss producer Otis Birdy. Inspired by ‘Breath’ by THE BLAZE the song blends influences from New Wave, Electronica, R&B and Modern Hip Hop. Here OWBY tells us why he’s excited about the release and what he’s planning next.
How did your musical project/band first start? Is there a story to tell about it?
OWBY is my very first musical project, but the desire to express and materialize emotions through music has been with me since my teenage years. Back then, I would sketch songs on my guitar or play around with different music programs, trying to capture the emotions I felt or observations I made about the world around us. One day, a close friend heard those sketches and encouraged me to take it seriously, which gave me the push to start OWBY. My meeting with Otis Birdy, who is now producing the project, also helped me conceptualize my world even better. At this day, I still carry that same emotional drive, hoping to connect with people through my music.
What was your first gig?
I haven’t performed live yet, but my team and I are developing a new and innovative concept that we’re really excited about. We’re working on creating an experience where the audience is fully immersed, both musically and visually, in a way that leaves a lasting impression. The goal is for these performances to be emotionally powerful and work on both large and small stages. While I haven’t taken the stage yet, I’m eager for the moment, knowing it will be a memorable experience for both me and the audience.
What three words best describe your musical style and why?
Eclectic – My musical universe is inspired by a wide variety of genres, from – for example – Depeche Mode to Daft Punk, which eventually merges to create a unique atmosphere. I aim to build an authentic soundscape, each piece with its own story and message that transcends genres.
Deep – For every track, I dive as deep as my creativity allows, exploring intricate layers of music, toplines, and lyrics. I don’t just want to create music that sounds good; I want each song to have a soul, a story that resonates beyond the surface.
Modern – I’m always on the lookout for artistic innovation, constantly experimenting with new sounds, technologies, and ideas. This pushes me to bring fresh, unexpected elements into my music, surprising the audience while staying true to my creative vision.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
My greatest musical influences are Depeche Mode, Daft Punk, Stromae, Kanye West, and Timbaland. Depeche Mode’s dark, atmospheric soundscapes and emotional depth have always inspired me to explore the more introspective side of music. Daft Punk’s ability to fuse electronic music with human emotion showed me how technology and soul can coexist in a powerful way. Stromae has a unique talent for storytelling and blending genres, which I admire because I aim to do the same in my music. Kanye West’s fearless creativity and willingness to push boundaries taught me to constantly innovate and take risks with my sound. Timbaland’s genius in production, particularly in his rhythmic and percussive elements, has deeply influenced the way I think about beat-making and textures in my own work.
Tell us about your new release.
‘Closer’ is an imagined sequel to The Blaze’s ‘BREATH’, which addresses the uncertainty of the future, but with time and through resilience and healing, we can find a new way to regain our full potential. With this song, I wanted to fuse different worlds, like the one inspired by The Blaze, gospel, to bring a warm soul and my own universe. Just writing and composing this song has been a rich adventure for me, and I hope that ‘Closer’ will bring the love and hope it contains to people.
What inspires your lyrics?
The beauty of The Blaze’s song ‘BREATH,’ from the very first notes, struck a chord with me and inspired the lyrics for this song. I imagined a melancholic sequel to it, where the music and words weave together to create a continuation of that emotional journey. Lyrically, the song reflects my observations of people who, at some point in their lives, may have lost their way but still carry immense potential to succeed. It’s a tribute to them—those who feel forgotten or disconnected, yet are capable of so much. I wanted to offer a sense of hope and a reminder that even in dark times, there’s always a path forward.
Do you have any upcoming tour dates?
There are no tour dates scheduled at the moment because we’re currently focused on finishing a forthcoming EP, which is set to be released next year.
This EP will be a key milestone for us before we take the stage with our new live performance concept. Once the EP is out, you can definitely expect some exciting live shows that will bring our music to life in a completely immersive way.
What are you/your band working on next?
Right now, we’re putting all our energy into finishing the upcoming EP, which will be released next year. It’s a project I’m really excited about because each track is a deep dive into different emotions and experiences that I’ve been exploring for a while. We’re also experimenting with new sounds and textures to push the boundaries of our musical style. This EP feels like a new chapter for me, both creatively and personally. I can’t wait to share it with everyone and hopefully connect with people on a deeper level through the music.
Thank you so much for having me—I’m really looking forward to the future, and I hope this EP and the live shows that follow will give people something unique and unforgettable to experience.
Listen to the track here:
