Hiya folks thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today, grab a brew and take a seat.
Hey! Thanks for having me.
What made you decide that music is a thing for you?
During the peak of the pandemic, I decided that my love for music had to be expressed through me. I felt like I had a lot to share!
Introduce us to you and your musical history.
Well, I go by Onbar, that’s my artist name. My government name is Troy, but I also go by the “Vietnamese Prince”.
The music industry is the hardest industry in the world to progress in, How do you feel you are doing?
I feel like I’m building my foundation in this industry. I am taking a lot of opportunities to get really grassroots with my music projects. Eventually, I know I will get to a point where I can make a living off music.
How have your songwriting skills developed over time?
I think over time, I realized the more I collaborate with others in writing, the more my art opens up. I also feel like I am more aware of certain phrasings and making lyrics make more sense in the context of the song.
I’m seeing a lot of debate about women not feeling safe at music gigs, any thoughts on what we need to do to help?
I definitely think we should look out for one another in that kind of environments. If you see someone uncomfortable, speak up and be there for them.
As you develop as an artist and develop using socials what ways do you get new ears on your music? Any tips?
Spotify’s algorithm is amazing. I found a lot of my new music from there.
Tell us Two truths and a lie about you.
I have 2 dogs
I can eat really fast
I speak French
What’s your thought on Spotify monopoly on the music industry?
I think it shows that there is an opportunity for independent folks to get creative and find ways on streamlining their music and not depend on Spotify as one metric of success.
Do you sign up for any conspiracy theories?
Nah, not really.
Did you buy anything you don’t need during the pandemic?
Pedals for my guitar. I now just run my guitar through my interface and pull up guitar effects on my Ableton.
What was the worst experience on stage?
My first time busking. I remember telling myself I would never do it again. But now, I thank my bad experience for showing me how I can learn by consistently showing up.
Tell us something about you that you think people would be surprised about.
I am really shy when it comes to the girls I like.
What makes you stand out as a band/artist?
I write my own music and I also produce it!
I hear you have new music, what can you tell us about it.
This new song has a feature from my friend in San Diego. It is the first time I am working with another artist on a track and I am so excited about it!
Talk me through the thought process of the new tune/s.
I usually think about a theme and associate a melody with said theme. The writing process comes naturally after figuring out those two main things.
What was the recording process like?
It was like hitting the gym. Working with the producer on this track, Patrick, he is really good at squeezing good vocals out of a vocalist.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes?
Being open to a new “sound”.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
Nothing! I love the way that it is.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
Be kind and keep creating!
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