In this interview spotlight, I chat with O C O S I about the latest music, challenges, technology and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
Paul M: Myself and Simon are both from the U.K. Both of us have roots in the punk and hardcore scenes, which evolved into experimental and underground music, which is pretty much the influence on O C O S I.
Simon S: We are either side of Europe now. We were originally formed 1996-ish in London UK. Not sure how to describe as it mutates amongst themes. At the moment it’s held together with slow beats and bass with alien textures, but that could change.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?
Paul M: One of the divining moments was the album Jubilee, the soundtrack to Derek Jarman’s film of the same name. The record was a mix of punk, disco and ambient music, which introduced me to Brian Eno. Since then, a desire to make experimental music has been the driving force, often inspired by other art, music makers, films and their soundtracks.
Simon S: For me hidden sounds now, things that aren’t part of a music structure, sounds that are around you. In the early days, sharing of music amongst people you knew or met along the way, building up that knowledge in your head. You have to keep things interesting. O C O S I never really came with an agenda as such.
How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?
Paul M: 373AHELL came together very quickly, although most O C O S I music generally was made practically live. 373A, after a long hiatus from the project, is quite a mechanical and cold experience, which in some ways sums up the modern world. But it also feels quite alien at the same time. We never really discussed the O C O S I-sound, we just get on with it. So, in that way it’s a reflection.
Simon S: There’s quite a few years gap in between the releases. There’s a familiar feel but I think that was down to more us starting to work on music together again and feeding off the same ideas and influences we always had.
Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?
Paul M: There are challenges in everything life throws at you. An advancement in technology can help speed up things, but you just can’t beat the human element.
Simon S: Well we live several hundred miles apart so we can file share at the drop of button now. Before that would have mean waiting weeks for CDR’s / DAT’s etc to turn up.
What was the last song you listened to?
Paul M: The song which is in my head this very second is Walkabout, from John Barry’s soundtrack to the movie Walkabout.
Simon S: Carcass by Siouxsie & The Banshees
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
Paul M: I love them all
Simon S: All formats work for me. I like to buy records so I guess vinyl but I’m not fussed. Mp3 , LP , tape
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
Paul M: Bandcamp. As you have an element of control
Simon S: Bandcamp as it gives artists a certain degree of their own control and the freedom to release on their own timescales.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?
Paul M: Bandcamp, Soundcloud, Facebook, OHM Resistance, other forms of social bleedia
Simon S: At the moment any of the Social Media that OHM RESISTANCE hold , so their FB , Bandcamp etc
Anything else before we sign off?
Paul M: Live long and prosper
