Q&A: Vienna's Rising Star OSKA Takes SXSW by Storm
DIVING INTO SXSW AND READY TO SHARE HER LATEST SINGLE “LIKE A SONG”, Vienna-based indie-pop darling OSKA is captivating audiences at SXSW 2024. With a sound that weaves together heartfelt lyricism and infectious melodies, OSKA is quickly becoming a global force.
We got a chance to chat with OSKA to talk her creative process, the inspiration behind her upcoming sophomore album, and the unique challenges and rewards of performing stripped-down sets at a vibrant festival like SXSW.
Having garnered praise from outlets like Under The Radar and Collide, OSKA has already toured with the likes of Tom Odell and shared the stage with established artists like HAEVN and Stu Larsen. Our interview offers a glimpse into the future of this captivating artist, revealing her artistic vision, her experiences at SXSW, and the exciting new music on the horizon.
LUNA: Welcome to Austin, OSKA! How's your experience been so far?
OSKA: It's incredible! It's so different from Europe. The music scene here is inspiring, and everyone's excited to be at SXSW.
LUNA: What are some of the biggest differences you've noticed between here and Europe?
OSKA: The people are very open and talkative, and the architecture is so different. Everything feels fast-paced and exciting.
LUNA: Austin is known as the "Live Music Capital of the World." What can we expect from your SXSW performances?
OSKA: I'll be doing stripped-down versions of my songs, focusing on the lyrics, melody, and vocals. It's different from the production on my albums, but it allows the music to be more accessible in a festival setting. Traveling with a full band internationally is expensive, but I think this format will be a cool experience.
LUNA: When you're writing music, do you consider how it will translate to a live setting?
OSKA: Absolutely. I've played live a lot, and while production allows for experimentation, I always keep live performance in mind. But things can change during rehearsals, and I'm open to adapting the music.
LUNA: Being at SXSW exposes you to new artists and sounds. Do you think this will influence your future music?
OSKA: Definitely. Being here broadens my horizons and gives me new inspiration. The city's energy and the variety of artists are all part of the experience. It's hard to say exactly how it will translate, but it will definitely have an impact.
LUNA: What are your plans for the upcoming months?
OSKA: I'm finishing my second album, which is very important to me. There were times when I almost gave up, but now I feel free and excited about this new music. I'll be playing shows, including support for Coldplay alongside Maggie Rogers and touring Europe in the fall.
