That's 5 | Osquello

With an effortless ability to blend his deep-rooted influences of Jazz, Hip-Hop, Indie & beyond, and collaborations with Clairo and Brockhampton among many others under his belt, rapper, singer and producer, Osquello, is already a seasoned artist at just 20 years old.

His genre-challenging debut album ‘Osqstock’ released in the middle of the global lockdown. uniquely blending the rawness of hip hop with the delicacy of jazz and the authenticity of indie-pop. With more new music on the way in 2021, we caught up with the Leeds-born artist to discuss his influences and more  for the latest instalment of That’s 5.

Who are your all-time influences, and what do they reveal about you as an artist?

The people I’ve grown up with since I started this journey have always remained as an influence. Seeing people grow and making music no one expected them to, is what inspires me. We get too caught up idolising people when really, we see stars before they’ve blown up every day, they just don’t get into opportunities that others do. I’ve known artists who haven’t ever released music but have shown me some masterpieces, better than what I hear on the radio or general Spotify playlists.

But in terms of what’s influenced me in sound and a message, it’s really changed throughout the years. Artists like Nina Simone, Terrace Martin and Moonchild have inspired me a lot over the years, but at the same time I get into phases where I’m just banging M1llionz and Digga D, I’ve been raised to appreciate as much as you can and through that I’ve been able to stay open and find my own sound.

What’s most overrated right now?

Short song, “hits” and internet musicians. I don’t have anything directly against anyone and I love to see everyone shine but there’s a lot of “short attention span mentality” being encouraged these days, which I just think produces a lot of mindless content. That way it’s a lot harder to find real raw music when there’s so much generic, formula made shit. I get why people fuck with it but it’s getting to the point where people don’t connect much with the artist these days. Everything’s pushed and promoted to make sure you land in the best playlist or make the best viral Tik Tok video, shits kinda corny to me and I just think there’s so much authentic and honest music out there that isn’t getting the right recognition.

What’s most underrated right now?

The support of independent artists and businesses in general. A lot of people love to preach that they do this but it’s a lot of talk and not putting it into action. Even if you can’t always do that it’s good to find a way to give back to the communities that raised you somehow. I believe it’s really easy to get caught up on the egotistical side of things as a creative so it’s important to balance and spread knowledge and resources when you can, I don’t do this just for myself.

What are you the most excited about right now?

All this new music I’ve been making right now really. Been creating a nice community of musicians who do a little bit of everything for this jazz compilation album I’m working on. I’m even more excited to bring the music to another country, hopefully, Brazil or Colombia, where I can truly learn and experience music from a different standpoint.

What’s next for you?

Finding peace in another city far away from London is all I’m aiming for this year. Planning a house move out while making some music videos too everything’s on the go and I’m just keeping that momentum of good content and good people coming together. That way I can enjoy what I do for what it is, and not for the product it can be. Re-Learning that has helped me put a lot more effort and love into this music.

Osquello’s latest EP “Something Behind Me” is available to buy and stream now.