Q&A: Abi Ocia: An Independent Artist With A Vision
BRINGING A SENSE OF STRENGTH TO HER MUSIC — Abi Ocia’s efforts cannot go unnoticed. With the release of her latest single “LTWYLM” on Oct. 29 and its subsequent music video, we get a keen look at the West London artist’s power: both in voice and control. Ocia’s debut single, “Running,” released in 2016, has racked up 7 million Spotify listens; following this success she released two singles and an EP in 2019 titled Where Are You?
Lingering in the world of synth and alt-pop, Ocia composes thoughtful music that shouldn’t be taken at face value. There is a lot hidden under the surface. Having been a history buff her whole life and studying the subject at Bristol University, Ocia enjoys sprinkling her songs with historical hints and mysteries — some more recognizable than others. Ocia’s debut EP included a stark reference to King Lear in her album art: an eye mask covers her eyes as she looks to the side. Others are less obvious and are left to the discretion of Ocia and her listeners.
Her music is influenced by worship music, Genesis, the ’80s, and Winston Soso, and among others, these influences and her fascination with the human condition inspire the artist to create her one-of-a-kind genre-bending work.
“LTWYLM,” which stands for “Love the way you love me,” is reminiscent of classic ’80s music, allowing for a hint of nostalgia. The ebb and flow of the song alongside the drums and bass make for an easy song to melt into. The song itself is about the fantasy of falling in love versus reality — more specifically, all the emotions that come alongside love and questioning how long it can last.
In the music video for “LTWYLM,” directed by Helena Coan Ocia glistens under a red glow across a dance floor, as clips are mixed in of Ocia with her lover. Expressive as ever, every emotion is plastered on her face.
Read below to learn more about Ocia’s latest release and what it’s like being a fiercely independent artist.
LUNA: First, congrats on the release of “LTWYLM”! How are you feeling about your latest release?
OCIA: Considering I caught COVID a few days after it came out, I am still thriving (laughs)!
LUNA: You’ve mentioned in the past that the words you’ve had for 2020 were “elevate” and “unveiling.” Can you delve a little more into why you chose those words and what they mean to you?
OCIA: For a bit of context, my church usually begins each year with a week of prayer and fasting. During that time, I focus on where I feel God is leading me for the year. Those were the two words I felt strongly at the start of 2020. “Elevate” was also a word a close friend shared with me after a tough 2019.
Now that we are nearing the end of 2021, I can certainly see a lot more of what these words mean and how they have played out. In order to “elevate,” there needs to be a level of surrender and trust placed into all that you are. I believe this is what God was prompting me to do — to step into all the beautiful things that have been placed inside me, and be unafraid in doing so. It’s all about unveiling more of the elements that make you, perfectly you.
LUNA: How has your love of history played a role in your latest release, “LTWYLM”?
OCIA: It was more a case of capturing a nostalgic feeling of looking at something old with a haunting sense of painful familiarity, both visually and sonically.
LUNA: Your music video for “LTWYLM” is visually mesmerizing — why was the color red such a dominant choice for both this video and your cover art?
OCIA: Red was the first thing I could picture while writing the song. I drew out a huge brainstorm in my notebook pertaining to all things red and used it as a focal point for visual content. The tone perfectly captures this sense of pain, lingering danger, loss, love — it feels menacing yet mournful; it’s so loaded.
LUNA: As a fully independent artist, you have a lot of freedom and control over your work. What's something you wish more independent artists knew about navigating the music industry?
OCIA: Build a team of people around you who truly believe not only in what you do, but who you are. When things get hard — which they will — being around these types of individuals will be a huge blessing in keeping you moving forward.
LUNA: You’ve mentioned leaving clues in your work for your listeners. Do you have a favorite clue you left in “LTWYLM”?
OCIA: There are a few, but I will leave that to the real MVPs to figure out.
LUNA: Lastly, what are your intentions for the rest of this year?
OCIA: To consume as much as physically possible of my mum’s amazing Christmas dinner, and to enjoy the moment.
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