ORI — PASS THE CROWN

I met Ori last month but within the first minutes of speaking with her, I knew she was someone special. She embodies the artist and those in her orbit will want to tap into their higher self and explore their own authenticity. She played ten seconds of her debut single, “Homeless Guy” and it all made sense: Ori’s inner-world manifested into song, a place thousands will want to be transported to. It’s catchy but more importantly, it’s a tune that makes you want to dance and let go. It’s a song to be played at clubs in faraway lands, a song to head nod to while you road trip the country, a song to skateboard to down busy New York City streets. It’s a passion project of hard work and talent. Ori debuted her single, “Homeless Guy,” today with more releases to be rolled out this year. It’s a pleasure to have interviewed her and we are excited for you to follow her musical journey.

Pass The Crown: When did your relationship with music begin?

Ori: Music has always been there, but my relationship to music has gradually grown from my human experience. I've always loved making people laugh, even as a baby. It’s been important to me to be silly and was (is) my way of relating to people- it wasn't necessarily about being in the spotlight... My favorite and now *deepest* form of self-expression is music. I have been able to retain that silliness -- my energy, creativity, and lightheartedness in that. I don’t take myself too seriously and neither should anyone else (take me seriously). The process is less daunting this way, the stakes are low which makes way for unabashed experimentation. I like fusing different genres/styles (revolutionary, I know) and being overtly sexual with like the stereotypical POP “oh’s” and moans — I like poking fun at the male gaze which still kinda dominates the music industry, but I also just enjoy catching people off guard. I like when my music is unexpected like a slap in the face — similar to comedy shows like Eric Andre. There’s something very intriguing about throwing people off with explicit lyrics or abrasive instruments in pop music. It’s empowering.

When did drums come in?

Drums came in high school. I’ve always admired drums and enjoy hitting things really hard, so it felt natural to pick it up. I’ve played different instruments growing up but it’s been hard to stay focused on getting exceptionally good at one thing. I blame the ADHD but also I have this strong general interest in how all the instruments work together and want to play them all at the same time. I also didn’t love learning other pieces. I always felt the need to create my own thing and if it’s a cover of a song I love, I try to switch the genre and the singing style. So yeah, jack of all trades master of none. Thank god it got easier to make music. I don’t know where I would be now if I still had a blackberry. I use the voice memos app almost daily for ideas when I’m out and about, which is when the best ideas come. Shout out to the Garageband app for making it possible for me to simply make music wherever. That was the game changer for me.

Q: What did you listen to growing up?

I only recently realized how influential the music my parents played around the house was for me growing up. Took that shii for granted, obviously. My mom used to drive me to school every day listening to the SiriusXM alternative station. So I was listening to hella Soundgarden, Korn, Alice in Chains, etc. as an eleven year old. Love that 90s grunge rock. It prompted me to get the game “Rock Band” for Wii. That for real changed my life and exposed me to some incredible bands that I love today like the “Yeah Yeah Yeahs” and “Garbage” (female lead rock bands are EVERYTHING). I remember the feeling of playing the dinky four-pad “drum kit” that came with the game to a virtual audience in my basement. I never felt so euphoric. Since then my goal was to play in a band for a crowd. Also, my dad helped contribute to my love of 80s synth pop more in my high school/college years. He’s big into Depeche Mode — a group I take so much inspiration from now in the epicness of their sound and the addictive dance beats. 80s music has been making a noticeable comeback through TikTok. Good music neva dies!

Q: Who are some of your music influences?

I could go on forever, this is such a loaded question. Just peep my Spotify library it’s so eclectic. It’s insane. As I mentioned, 90s alternative rock is deeply engraved in my heart. These days however I am listening to so many new artists, I couldn’t even tell you the names. I just listen to listen and see what speaks to me. Whatever sounds good or captivating regardless of the category. THERE’S SO MUCH GOOD MUSIC FLOATING AROUND, I love finding it. Grimes was my top artist of the year on Spotify which speaks for itself. Her music hits different on many levels — the way she produces music is so cinematic and otherworldly. It transports me to another dimension. I love the ethereal like fairy elf vibes countering the darkness of it all. It’s just really fucking cool music. I like ‘Mindless Self Indulgence’ and ‘The Garden’ -- their discographies are huge and I’m obsessed with most of it. Their lyrics are funny and vague and ironic. I learned from them to be more playful with my words. Always looking up to artists who don’t take themselves too seriously.I also like it when the energy from a song is completely the opposite from the lyrics. There are so many huge dance anthems with sad words. I also dig the repetition I hear in those dance hits and techno. I love the song, “Why?” by Carly Simon right now -- that would be a bop if more people knew about it and “Gypsy Woman” which recently made a comeback. Our minds are programmed to love repetition.

Q: What inspired your debut single, “Homeless Guy”?

That’s a song I had the rough version of in my GarageBand app for over a year! I even remember fixing parts of it on an airplane because I thought I should finish it since it had potential. I did NOT finish it, but I showed it to a couple of friends who thought that it slapped. They’re like, “This is it” and I was like, “really, this one?” It’s always the case, isn’t it? The one you’re not sure about is everyone’s favorite. So then I did finish it.

It has all the elements and formatting of a solid pop song, but it’s super action-packed and has these abrasive synths. Makes it more exciting — in my mind it’s this fast fantasy where I’m riding a motorcycle, throwin’ punches, and being chased through the streets. It’s got this intensity to it juxtaposing the sensual vocals. I don’t know, it’s atypical which I think is cool. Fifty percent of all profits are going to “Care for the Homeless” organization in NYC.

Q: Where would you love to perform and what would that show look like?

I would want to prioritize the audience’s experience at my shows. I want everyone to have the best time: room to dance and sweat and jump around in a GA, intimate sort of setting. From my own experience, an intimate show with a stage that isn't miles away is faaaaar better than some sort of stadium or arena. For both the audience and performer I think. One of the best shows I’ve been to was at the Market Hotel in Brooklyn. The space isn’t big but the energy was fucking incredible. I want to see myself having a blast with the sick ass music community in the venues that I have grown to love so much in NY. I want to hug and kiss and sweat all over my supportive friends and do somersaults and have fun props on stage. A show should be entertaining and interactive! I want to be memorable (for the right reasons, of course haha).

Q: What’s Next?

More music hopefully! I want to collaborate with more people and put more stuff into the world. That gets me HOT!

Listen to “Homeless Guy” on all streaming platforms!