Born and raised in South-Central Trinidad, John Orpheus is a multi-cultural musician, author and performance artist. Between writing two children’s books and a forthcoming debut novel called BLACK CHEROKEE, he also found the time to write and produce a new EP: GET RIGHT! It combines John Orpheus‘ playfulness, fluency and affection for the past. The EP demonstrates an evolving set of tastes in funk, punk and pop that maintains the artist’s vibe of welcoming in the whole diaspora: from dancehall to hip hop to funk to Afrobeats.
The title of his new single, “90’s Fool,” is really three titles in one: pride, hilariousness and nostalgia. It’s like:
- “I came up in the 90s, you fool.”
- “I came up in the 90s acting a damn fool.”
- “I’m a fool for the 90s, where I came up.”
They all bring a different vibe and add up to how John feels about his adolescence and life in general. It’s a song about the 90s but don’t call it a throwback.
What can you share with readers about your new project?
90S FOOL is the second single from my upcoming EP GET RIGHT! It’s about creating a space where there is no old school or new school but where everything can happen and we can be all vibes at the same time: The Whole School.
How does this release compare with your other projects you had in the past?
The lushness of the Dr. Dre inspired synths, the shout outs to Dead Prez, Tupac and Laryn Hill are new but the bounce of the beat is my and the catchiness of the hook is pure J.O.
·What about this single makes you most proud? I love that it is reminiscent and it’s a throwback but it’s also current and completely me.
Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release? A lot of people hate on what’s new and reminisce about the good old days. They weren’t THAT good! I wanted to celebrate the past while staying rooted in now.
What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?
To be real – I think the music makes me. I make music so that I can understand myself. When I hear someone jamming to a new song that teaches me about myself and what is valuable about what I have to say. That keeps me mad for it!
If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why?
If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out. Wow. I’d do a punk rock EP with CURSED ARROWS. I’d play bass and it would be the album Sonic Youth and Chuck D never made! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7fuNk4YIpjpN2LznoW4JE6
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cursedarrows/?hl=en
What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands/artists?
I’ve been listening to Rick James Street Songs, Prince’s Controversy and Errol Starr’s Temple of Love.
Where is the best place to find you and stay connected? On IG @johnorpheus or in Kitchener on King and Queen Street looking drippy.
I really appreciate your time. Is there anything you’d like to share before we sign off? GET RIGHT!
