We virtually sat down with London-based Spanish singer-songwriter Odina to talk about her recently released new EP, Nothing Makes Sense – out now on all platforms via AntiFragile – and to pick her brain on what goes into creating music, especially the beautiful ambient sound flowing through the entire EP. Since we are no strangers to turning a bedroom project into reality, we were also curious to know more about her experience as a true self-made artist – looking at you, Forbes magazine and Kylie Jenner – who produces the track that’s being put out. Read on!
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Hello, Odina and thanks for taking the time for The Daily Listening. Could you give us a little backstory on how this project of yours started out?
Music has always been a very important part of my life, for me it’s like therapy. It helps me get through difficult times. I moved to London when I was 18, and after a little while of being there I felt like I was strong enough to share some of these very personal songs, so I self-released my first EP, Broken.
Has your move from Spain to England affected your artistry and song writing in any way? It is quite a big change of environment.
I think the weather is definitely something that influences my music. When it’s grey and cold outside I think that puts me in a different mood than when it’s sunny and hot. And that probably comes out through my songs when I write. Also I think when it’s sunny outside I personally don’t feel like writing so much, I want to go outside! So moving to the UK has probably helped me write more songs I reckon!
Your sound has a prominently ambient quality. Who/what inspired the music on your new EP the most?
I wasn’t really trying to go for a particular sound when making this EP, I think what inspired it was mainly moods, emotions… when I produce a song for me that’s the most important thing, making sure that particular emotion is conveyed properly. Everything else I don’t think is that important. I think this EP is also a reflection of some of my own insecurities growing up and being in my early 20s.
Lots of artists struggle with creative dryspells from time to time. Have you ever experienced it? How did you come through eventually?
It happens to me sometimes. It can be a struggle, sometimes I find it can help to force myself to write (even if something really bad comes out of it). My songs usually come from a very personal place so when I’m struggling to write, sometimes it means I need to try and reconnect with myself.
Besides the obvious money issues, what do you find the biggest obstacles of a self-made musician like you?
I think the biggest challenge is having to tell yourself to keep going, to keep doing what you do and keep creating your art, even when there are no obvious successes, or even when things don’t go exactly like you expected. Patience is key and it is sometimes easier to give up, but it is important not to.
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