Q: Hey, can you tell us a bit about where you come from, and what made you want to start a career in music?
A: I’m from New York. I grew up in Brooklyn and The Bronx to be more specific. Both boroughs influenced my decision to be a musician. I was always very proud of being born in The Bronx growing up. Just knowing that Hip Hop and I had the same birth place drove me towards the path of music. However, Brooklyn is where I met a lot of the peers that inspired and motivated me.
Q: Did you have any formal training, or are you self-taught?
A: A bit of both. I took guitar lessons as kid, which was the first instrument I learned. Later, I would teach myself how to play piano and sing.
Q: Who were your first and strongest musical influences, and why the name ‘Hello O’shay’?
A: My first influence would have to be my father. He would always share his raps with me on train rides to The Bronx from Brooklyn. I was inspired and started writing raps of my own. Outside of that, I would have to say Ryan Leslie, D’Angelo, Lauryn Hill and Andre 3000.
Q: You have just released your new single, ‘No Pressure’. Is there a story behind it?
A: Yes, indeed! The song is inspired by a love triangle I ended up in some time ago. I was talking to someone and she still had feelings for her ex. Ultimately, it didn’t work out and she needed time to sort through her feelings.
Q: Can we expect a new EP or even an album from you in the near future?
A: I’m more focused on dropping a bunch singles right now, but definitely working on a collection of songs to deliver to the people when the time is right.
Q: What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
A: To put in plainly – my music is soulful, insightful and melodic. I love harmonies, colorful cords, and intricate rhythms. These are elements you can find in all my music.
Q: Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it, or are you expecting something more?
A: Yes, I do feel that way and the more work I put in the more fulfilling it will be. I am expecting more and I’m gonna keep putting the work in.
Q: Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song?
A: Starting a song usually happens one or two ways for me. Either I start with the lyrics and then I create music around it or I get inspired by a beat I made, start mumbling a melody then I plug lyrics in. As I’m recording my vocals I’m also mixing. The whole process can take anywhere from 2 days to a week to finish a song.
Q: What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
A: Figuring out the best ways to communicate to people how they can show me consistent support that will be most impactful and beneficial to my career long-term without compromising my values and staying true to myself. The people and their support is what allows me to continue doing what I do, but also keep growing.
Q: On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?
A: Back in July I performed at Sony Hall for Flight Night 2022. 1500 people two nights in a row! It was amazing! So many fans showed love and purchased merch from me, too. Shout out to Kota The Friend and fltbys. That’s family.
