Exron Exclusive Interview: Ookay

As seasons change, so does the triple threat DJ/producer/vocalist Ookay in his style and releases. Staying true to making music that makes him happy, Ookay doesn’t limit himself to just one genre leaving fans guessing what’s coming next. Though the one thing that is consistent is his intention to be authentic in all the music he makes for his fans.

This DIY approach to Ookay’s music resulted in a beautiful collaboration with Flux Pavilion and Elohim on their latest track “Be Ok”. Exron Music got the opportunity chat with Ookay on his inspiration for this track, his growth in his music career over the years, an evolution in art direction and the scoop on an upcoming album called COASTER. Check out the full interview below.

Exron Music: On the surface, “Be Ok” sounds just like a happy bop but after a few listens and seeing clips of it live it feels like the track holds a lot more weight. “Be Ok” is not only fun, but lifts your spirits, brings the good vibes and triggers a bit of an emotional release almost like relief. Was this your intention and can you tell us what the creative process was like collaborating with Elohim and Flux Pavilion?

Ookay: The song comes from an honest place in the heart. The instrumental was finished for a while before the lyrics came into play but the lyrics and message really tie the whole piece together. Flux and I really sat and discussed doing something out of our comfort zone and that uncomfort really sparked an amazing idea. I really let Elohim speak her mind on the song and do what she does best. It was an incredible experience all around on how the song came about. Truly authentic and organic.

Exron Music: Your releases thus far in 2021 have followed a similar upbeat vibe in comparison your 2020 drops including your Extended Play EP and collabs with dub artists like Cesqeaux, LAXX, Nitti Gritti, and Hydraulix. What’s the reason? Do you plan to steer away from the harder stuff moving forward or is this just what your mood is at the moment?

Ookay: I think seasons are necessary and I like to give back to those who have been fans throughout all the changes in my music. I don’t plan on stepping away from any genre because I give myself time to make everything that I want. Although that may confuse some fans in what I put out next, I think it’s kind of fun. Expect more collabs, expect more melodic music, expect more.

Exron Music: Recently you tweeted, “I just got this book “how to stay relevant as an artist”, now I just have to learn how to read”. All jokes aside, is this a real concern you face?

Ookay: Yeah…I never learned how to read. But hey, BIG THINGS COMING 2021, Including literacy.

Exron Music: Your 2016 track, “Thief” was a smash hit played in venues and festivals across the map. How has this song impacted your music career overall?  Do you sometimes feel pressure as an artist to find the same connection with fans on every song you produce?

Ookay: Thief is a pretty special tune ain’t it? I think the pressure comes from wanting to create something cohesive BUT new in the sense of how the music rolls out. I don’t sense an overwhelming pressure but I do hope that whatever I do create, resonates with the listener whether new or old.

Exron Music: You have been in the scene even before EDM became more mainstream and trendy. How has your music and artistry evolved over the years? What would you say your style is now?

Ookay: I think I’m being true in my DIY approach to music. As far as my “live” music goes with the singing and dancing, I could categorize it under the dance/pop genre but I try not to limit the range of music I bring to the stage either. I’d say it’s homestyle. 

Exron Music: I like this pop art/groovy cover art for your last four track releases (Be Ok, Not Again, Weekends, and Deep With Me). Are you taking your brand in a new art direction this year?

Ookay: Absolutely! I’ve created a style guide that I designed myself with colors, shapes, fonts, and curated references for my upcoming album and the singles associated with it. I really like to be in control of what the listener gets to see. I’m proud of how it has turned out so far.

Exron Music: We see you’ve still been doing cool things like throwing the first pitch at the Padres game. So sick! How was it? Did you practice beforehand?

Ookay: IT WAS SICK! And I’m very grateful for the opportunity the Padres organization and my hometown of San Diego have given me. It was super wholesome and I did a pretty good first pitch! I did some practice with my team that same week while on tour (I flew in from a show to the game). My arm was sore from hours of catch but I’m so happy everything turned out perfect. And the Padres won that game! So all around, it was an amazing experience. To bet on Padres’ games, sites such as 슬롯 카지노 are up and running.

Unbelievable to think that I was able to have the opportunity to throw out the first pitch at the Padres game yesterday. Thank you Erik Greupner and the entire @padres organization for making yesterday so special. pic.twitter.com/HNTNFyShfV

— OOKAY (@Ookay) July 10, 2021

Exron Music: What does the rest of the year look like for you? Are you working on any cool upcoming projects or collabs? Please give us a little sneak peek.

Ookay: Definitely look out for the album as well as a new project I’m working on called COASTER. It’s a different style from Ookay but very concentrated and planned out. I’ll be releasing some of that not too long before the end of this year. I have plenty of collabs, some heavier and clubby-er than others but nonetheless absolute bangers. I’ll be playing some of them out on tour with my DJ sets! Aaaaand dont forget about THE BINCHES…we didn’t go anywhere 😉

Exron Music: Lastly, if you could tell your fans one thing besides thank you, what would you say?  

Ookay: I’m blessed with some pretty patient supporters and I only wish to keep you guessing on what I put out next…I guess that’s the fun of it all. But if I had to say one thing, it would say “I hope what comes from my heart resonates in yours.” Love you all…binch.