Old Pocklingtonian 2020/2021 | Page 7

“ By moving into a solo set up , I found more freedom of expression and daring to try things .”
IN THE SPOTLIGHT album totally home grown and self-realised between the two of us .
We were both excited by what we had created and had no idea of the impact that it would have for us as independent musicians . The album “ Atlas ” and lead single “ Running In The Night ” changed my fortunes within a matter of weeks . To this day the record has accumulated more than 90 million streams on Spotify , enjoyed multiple sync placements with Netflix and VR gaming from Oculus as well as being among the top 10 most streamed and downloaded records on Bandcamp and helping to elevate an entire genre of 80s inspired electronica called “ synth wave ”, drawing fans across all age groups .
I pushed for us to take it live . After all , this is the reward in my eyes . Our two debut shows in San Francisco and Los Angeles both sold out much to our astonishment . For a couple of nobodies , with no management , no label , no agent , this was a real achievement both professionally and personally . We signed shortly after to United Talent Agency worldwide that lead to two North America and UK tours in 2018 and 2019 . It was one of the most wonderful and humbling experiences of my life so far .
Why did you decide to go solo ? During 2018 , I found myself amassing a body of work with a view at least initially , to pitch out to other artists or the electronic project that I had found success with FM-84 .
However , my partner in the latter had a different outlook towards music and had other commitments personally that I respected but ultimately as a full-time songwriter I wanted to push ahead and capitalise on the momentum I had achieved . I wanted to introduce more real musicianship and instrumentation into my music and marry it with the synthesisers , rather than being lead by computers and sequencing .
By moving into a solo set up , I found more freedom of expression and daring to try things . I was fortunate enough to have already established a captive audience prepared to go on that journey with me and , notwithstanding some inevitable growing pains , the transition paid off .
What was the impact of the pandemic on you as an artist ? The entertainment industry has been hit particularly hard during the pandemic , being candid near decimated . Thousands of jobs have been either lost or at stake across a variety of sectors . Fortunately , events have been allowed to go ahead again more recently so there seems to be some light at the end of the tunnel .
When we first went into lockdown , it was certainly an adjustment . 2019 ended on such a high . Off the back of a North American tour , I released my debut solo record with a sold-out show in London and dates pencilled well into 2020 . Everything was planned and positioned to continue on an upward swing . To then being contained took some getting used to .
I began broadcasting live streams from my home studio , just me and a piano once a week . I tried to make it look professional and well executed , setting up an interactive merch store , comments section , links to socials . I ’ d never streamed before , so the technology took a little bit of getting used to , however it was both cathartic for me as a musician and performer and entertaining for those tuning in .
As time progressed , it became increasingly clear that shows weren ’ t allowed to go ahead , however major artists were announcing exclusive one-time showings of full concerts . This inspired me to put together a bigger production with Moment House , an online content distributor that had the platform to support live stream interactive concerts , where people could buy a ticket based on their IP territory location and enter a chat room with other fans , whilst watching the concert on the main screen .
The team behind it were incredible , helmed by Queen ’ s concert video editor Steve Price , he directed and shot my show on 15 automated cameras in the same venue and on the same date I would have performed had it not been for the pandemic . The live stream provided a real focus and a way of making up to fans .
What are your plans for the future ? The past year has been all about the prep work going into 2022 and certainly my most prolific songwriting wise . I felt like I had a lot to write about – being isolated afforded a degree of introspection and I tried do something positive . I ’ ve written over 120 songs this year !
In the short term , I have recently partnered with Aglow Records , founded by Sony Music Executive
Colin Barlow and renowned producer James F Reynolds to put out my next record , as well as signing my back catalogue to Sweden based label Amuse Distribution ; in both instances this affords me creative autonomy whilst having the resources of the major labels . My focus is tailoring the new batch of songs for the next record . I ’ ve been working with some wonderful producers that I ’ ve been a huge fan of for some time , notably Chris Zane who helmed a lot of the Passion Pit , St Lucia , Fickle Friends records . So , my songs are in good hands , some of which I ’ ll be test-driving at my upcoming live shows in the UK this December .
What career advice would you give to younger OPs or Sixth Formers ? My view is that the greatest success stems from consistency , resilience and sacrificing what most people aren ’ t willing to do . Time , effort , resources , occasions … When you ’ re growing up , your entire world revolves around the dynamic of school , prep , friendships , gossip , social media ! Whatever your dream or your ambition , make what you love to do an obsession . Pick a lane and own it , where it ’ ll lead , no one can predict . Be uncompromising about your goals and surround yourself with people who are better than you , that can help you up your game , hone your skills , make introductions , teach you something and never be afraid to ask for help !
Any other tips or advice ? Be kind and gracious , obsessive about your interests . Take chances and don ’ t be afraid to laugh at yourself – life ’ s too short !
Thank you Ollie !
Ollie performs his biggest solo shows to date in the UK at The Classic Grand , Glasgow on 2 December 2021 and Lafayette , London ( SOLD OUT ) on 5 December 2021 .
Follow Ollie on social media : instagram . com / olliewride , twitter . com / olliewride , youtube . com / olliewride , facebook . com / olliewride
Website : www . olliewride . com
“ By moving into a solo set up , I found more freedom of expression and daring to try things .”
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