Onism E Interview
Onism E is a culmination of life experiences wrapped up in a soulful package that is carving a unique space within the indie rock world. Eline Chavez talks to Tunebubble about the agony of live streaming, influences and big goals...
You've just released a new single 'Survivors', is this a song created during lockdown?
Yes and no. Ha. I started writing it a bit ago and then found it had a life here in 2020. I made some... lyric adjustments. Ha.
Listen to 'Survivors' here:
Have you found the past year to be an opportunity to write more music?
Yes!! I have had a lot of time to think and really process through things, so I have been very productive in my writing. A lot of time to myself has been good and bad. Lol.
Tell us about how Onism E began, how long have you been a band?
Let’s see. It started in late 2017 with just me and a guitarist. He decided to go in another direction, and I made a decision to run with the name even thought it was just me writing and playing everything. I liked the name and the anonymity it gave me to an extent, so I kept it. Then...
I put a band together for some shows we had scheduled in Austin, TX during SXSW right before the pandemic hit. Everything was canceled obviously but the guys stayed, and we have been working virtually to get songs done. They have been a ray of light during this crazy time.
Who has been the biggest influence on your music?
There are too many to just say one...We’ll start with my Mom. I know I got the writing/ singing bug from her and for that I am grateful. Actual artists…Chrissie Hynde from The Pretenders, Bruce Springsteen, Dave Grohl, Joan Jett, Bjork, Ben Harper, Nirvana, Patty Smith, Kate Bush, Tom Petty, Melissa Etheridge, Imogen Heap, U2, Patty Griffin, Radiohead. I could go on, but you asked for one. Ha.
What venue do you dream of playing?
I’d love to play Madison Square Garden. Big goal for sure...That would be epic. I’m putting it out in there into the ether.
Streaming has opened up a whole load of opportunities for independent artists to get their music out, but what's your view on the deal these platforms give artists?
They know we need them more than they need us to an extent, so it is what it is sadly. I wish they would do more to have our back with the split...Especially during these times when bands and artists can’t go out and tour, we need every cent we can get.
What's your top 10 all-time favorite songs?
Here we go again....hmm. Lol. Top ten does help but next week I’ll tell you 10+ others. Lol.
Ben Harper – Welcome To The Cruel World
Patty Griffin - Snake Charmer
Forgiveness, Rain, Tony
Foo Fighters - Times Like These
Lucy Daucus - Map On A Wall
Ben Howard - I Forget Where We Are
Phoebe Bridgers - I Know The End
Tom Petty - I Should Have Known It
Bruce Springsteen- Born to Run, One Minute You’re Here
Joan Jett - Bad Reputation
Sharon Van Etten – Your Love is Killing Me
U2 - Two Hearts Beat As One
Manchester Orchestra - The Silence
What's your favorite own song to play live?
Survivors. Right now anyway.
What advice would you give your younger self?!
Don’t listen to them, play it how you want.
Is social media a blessing or a curse for musicians?!
A little of both. Right now, a blessing because we’re able to reach fans while we can’t be on the road. Curse because, I hate taking pictures and going live. Ha. It’s not my favorite thing to do because it’s so cold and I’m already awkward enough without adding that pressure. Lol.
Is there anything else you want people to know about you, or your music?
I hope they know that I’m always coming from a real place. It’s shit that I feel and that I know we’re all feeling or have felt. I hope that they get that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel and that they’re not alone.
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