Set to release her debut EP Dream Theory via Monstercat in the coming weeks, music producer Oblvyn is humbled by all the attention she has received. Her next single to feature on the EP is titled ‘Enter REM’ and has been unveiled today. The pop-punk rocker turned bass music enthusiast is from the small Canadian town of Edmonton. This forthcoming EP sees her crafting her own path in the bass music scene via a reputable label like Monstercat. Listening to Oblvyn’s sound one can feel empowered, alive and wanting to venture into new horizons.
We chatted with the awe-inspiring act Oblvyn and found out more about how she got started.
Looking back, what were some of your earliest entries into music appreciation? And music production?
My very first memory of wanting to do music was when I was about three years old. My mom was a caregiver at the time and sometimes I would tag along to the houses she worked at. As we were leaving, a girl that lived there was playing a grand piano, and it was my first time ever seeing someone play an instrument in real life. It was a total transcendental experience, I remember being so focused on the music that I lost all attachment to my surroundings, I couldn’t even hear my mom calling me until she grabbed my hand and dragged me out the door. After that, I begged my parents to get me a piano and they put me in piano lessons when I was five.
Years later, I had a similar experience seeing a live show and that was when I knew I wanted to become a musician and write/play music for people.
I got into music production in my last year of music school. I had been involved in several musical projects leading up and had also dabbled with recording for a few years. I also started getting into electronic music at the time and thought it would be fun to try out. I always had this impression that it would be very difficult to make, but a fun challenge at the time. As I got better at it I realized that this was the medium for me to accurately express my creativity and I went all in.
Give us a sense of the music scene where you are based.
Edmonton has a very diverse music scene. The majority of musicians here revolve around rock music. From playing in a band, I was involved in the pop-punk scene for a little while. I think depending on the music you play, you can find a small niche for it here. There’s also a pretty large group of young aspiring pop artists on the grind. As far as the electronic scene goes, it’s pretty underground but the community is very connected. From what I’ve experienced so far, it consists of mostly dubstep, drum and bass, and house music.
What key pieces of software/gear are you using to define your sound?
My main hardware synth is the Roland System-8, which you’ll see in most of my videos. I also use a Nord Stage 3, Prophet Rev 2, and I have a bunch of mics and guitars that I use as well. For software synths, I’m mostly using Serum and Omnisphere. I do a lot of post-processing with a variety of plug-ins, some including Fab Filter, Polyverse, Izotope.
What are some of your key musical influences?
I remember when I was first getting into electronic music, I was listening to a lot of Tycho, Zedd, Illenium, Haywyre. I still listen to them, but now I think I’m finding most of my inspiration from artists like Au5, Virtual Riot, Seven Lions, Said The Sky, Mr. Bill.
What kind of relationship do you have with the internet? How does this inform your artistic expression?
I’m on the internet pretty much all day. Mostly social media (posting about the things I’m doing, chatting with people, connecting with other artists, etc.). Platforms like Instagram, Tiktok, and Spotify are how I find new music, and I try to fill my brain up with as much good music content that I can for ideas and inspiration. Social media definitely helps me to become better as an artist/content creator by seeing how other people present their art, learning about new techniques, and getting feedback on the things I’m doing.
What would you like to achieve with your music? What does success look like to you?
I’d like to reach as many people as I can with my music, for those who need to hear it. I want to be able to inspire people to find their purpose in whatever way that is. I find more fulfilment from someone messaging me about how I inspired them to pick up an instrument again than anything else. I would consider it a success if I could make a living off just writing and releasing music, but I think it also would be cool to be in a position where I could get Nibbler a little doggy friend.
What has been a memorable highlight of your career so far?
I think I’m still in the beginning stages so there’s room for more cool things to happen, but I would say the most memorable highlight so far is getting my first EP signed to Monstercat. It was something I had dreamed about for years, and after writing the EP I knew that they were the only label I could see it being on. I thought I’d have to hold on to the EP for much longer before it would get noticed. I’m still in disbelief that we have begun releasing it.
If you could work with, or perform alongside any artist of your choice, who would it be?
This is a tough one because there are a few artist’s that I absolutely dig in many different aspects. One of them being Au5. I think it would be so amazing to perform alongside him, I’m never disappointed and always in awe of everything he puts out, and I think the energy would be out of this world.
If you weren’t a musician what would you be?
Probably a tattoo artist. I love drawing, especially things in the style of tattoos, and it’s something I’ve considered in the past if I wasn’t serious about music.
What can we expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or gigs in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?
My first ever EP, Dream Theory, is coming out soon on Monstercat. I am absolutely stoked for everyone to hear it :).
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