We instantly fell in love with Oriel Poole after hearing her collaboration with Thriftworks, “Someone”. Soft, but carrying a weight that makes her voice extremely comforting, “Someone” struck out curiosity in her as a solo act. Delving into her SoundCloud, the first track off her EP Sunday, “Brighter”, not only resonated in our ears, but also in our souls.
Having the pleasure of interviewing her, and quite clearly being overly prepared with questions, I received answers that were as thought-out as her lyrics. Put simply, Oriel’s beautiful voice completely compliments her as a person. She is a creator and lover in all aspects of her life, taking her creativity beyond the realms of music, sharing her love with all of us.
Music is Love is thrilled to take part in the release of “Foothills”, Oriel Poole’s second track off her EP Sunday, paired with an interview fully introducing the songstress.
– B E G I N –
You are currently in LA – where are you from?
Ha! Good question…I ask the same thing myself. Well origin-wise, my mother is from the Philippines, my father is from England.
I was born in London and quickly moved to Bristol, where I lived until the age of 8, then immigrated to the US. I spent my grade school and high school years growing up in CT. College years in Philly. Mid 20’s in NYC.
Today California is where I lay my head and my heart. I’ve spent the last two years in SF and recently moved to LA.
What is your musical background? Where & when did you begin performing?
I’ve been singing since as long as I can remember. Through grade school and high school I was in many choirs, select singing groups, and often performed solos.
I never pursued music beyond high school [ . . . ] But a series of events as lead me back to my roots, coming full-circle to my love for music, and realizing that this is something I had to do. I would rather try and fail, than to never try at all. It is the only way my heart will find content.
[T]wo years ago I made the full body commitment to embrace this path…and moved to California, a place offering great resonance to my heart. I landed in SF, started taking music production classes, and funded a Kickstarter. Once the Kickstarter was funded, the groundwork was laid, and I started moving on the production of the EP “Sunday”. It’s been a serious learning curve, but rewarding to say the least.
Where do you draw your inspiration from? What do you like to write about?
Inspiration comes in many ways, a lot is sourced from my ability to tap into self and into source, which is largely impacted by how I am treating myself and what’s around me. A lot of times I like to be alone when working on music, all my shields are down. There is certainly a beauty in collaboration too, as I tap into new ideas that only choose to reveal themselves in those particular scenarios.
I like to write about reflections of what I’m processing in the world around me. Other times I completely improvise the words just spill right out. No matter what the process, the drive, and ability to be consistently creative, comes from peace of mind.
Who are some of your musical influences?
Bjork, Depeche Mode, Kimbra, London Grammar, Mø, AlunaGeorge, Iamamiwhoami, Sia, Little Dragon, Eryka Badu . . .
You are quite the creator. Tell us a little about your other passion, design.
I like to say…design by day, music by night. I can honestly tell you that I am deeply in love with both my day hustle and my night hustle.
I studied interior architecture and design. I feel moved by the human impression, and inspired to create through many mediums, dealing with form, function, aesthetics, light, and sound. My goal is to create a full-sensory experience and that engages the raw emotion within us. Having the opportunity to do this, as a single unified expression, has always been a dream.
“Foothills” production was a collaboration between you and Max Savage.
Yes Max is my co-producer for this entire EP, “Sunday”. “Brighter” was the first release, which came out alongside my Kickstarter. “Foothills”, which you hear today, is the second release.
Do you see yourself producing your own music in the future?
I do produce my own music. I make concept, the beats, the initial arrangement, write the lyrics, and record the track independently from home. Then Max dives in and makes it better. He’s incredible and I am grateful to be working with him.
I started producing a year and a half ago, so I know it will take more time to hone-in my production skills, where as Max has been doing this for years. It would be silly for me not to collaborate with such a talented producer as he. At the same time I am activity developing my production skills and may do a 100% self-produced album further along my career.
Can you tell us what you are currently working on?
The EP is done. Right now I’m focused on releasing singles and playing out more. I would also love to shoot a music video for this next single. I’m currently looking for the right director, with a vision to aim high.
– E N D –
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Banner photo by Martin Backhauss
