Toronto indie band Oba first crossed paths in high school, but it wasn’t until after graduation that they began jamming together seriously. During their college years, they all lived together, playing shows, writing songs, and, honestly, just hanging out. There was probably more hanging out than anything else, but that’s what built the foundation of the band’s bond.
It was a bond forged through playing to empty rooms at odd hours, writing songs that now make us cringe, and meeting some of the most interesting, unstable, and artistic people along the way. Today, under the name Oba, they are a family who creates music that they genuinely enjoy listening to and hope that people who need a couple songs to daydream to, can find comfort in our songs. The band name is a nod to their beloved Obaajan (grandma in Japanese), who always made sushi and other snacks for long road trips to gigs across Canada.
Their latest single, “Could Have,” is a layered and dreamy piece of swirling indie rock. A collaborative and organic track, the band formed together naturally to tackle the feeling of “what could have been?” with poignant songwriting. It captures the feeling of reflecting on the past, knowing things could have unfolded differently, and feeling haunted by the lingering ghost of what might have been.
What can you share with readers about your new project?
We’ve been working on writing songs as Oba for some time now after moving on from our previous project under a different name. We aimed to explore more interesting instrumental layers with synths and electronic elements, which we feel opens up exciting new avenues for creativity.
How does this release compare with your other projects you had in the past?
This is our first release with Oba after seven years of writing and demoing songs. During that time, our writing style has evolved into a fully collaborative process from start to finish. Previously, one band member would bring a mostly formed song to the group, but now, through years of creating and recording, we’ve developed the ability to build off each other from the very beginning. We believe this shift has led to songs that emerge from a more unique and unified space, a truer representation of all of our minds.
What about this single makes you most proud?
Sonically, this release marks a notable departure from our previous work, and we’re all incredibly proud of the new direction and the growth it reflects in our musicality.
Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?
A key goal for this release—and for the rest of the songs in this collection—is to create an atmospheric quality that transports listeners to a specific mental space. We want the production to amplify the impact of the lyrics and vocal performance to immerse the listener fully in the experience.
What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?
The thought that we can create something that offers someone a moment of peace, a chance for self-reflection, or simply space to feel whatever emotions our music brings is a powerful motivator. Knowing we can connect with people without ever meeting or speaking to them drives us forward. But above all, what keeps us going is our bond as close friends—just spending time together, hanging out and creating music, is what truly makes it worthwhile. For us, it’s about the process, not the outcome.
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.
It depends who you ask in the band. We all listen to pretty different stuff so I think the answer could range from ambient instrumental jazz to turbo pop.
What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands/artists?
Again, it depends on who you ask. But we recently started a band playlist, which has been a lot of fun. If you want a deep dive into our musical tastes, check it out: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2PZrdp7XGxraKmCsxkiEjM?si=6bfcd04dee5d4d5d
Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?
Probably Instagram, though you can find us here across the board: https://linktr.ee/obaa.san.music
I really appreciate your time. Is there anything you’d like to share before we sign off?
If you made it this far down the article, thanks for taking the time to read and listen <3
