 
Published: October 18, 2008 9:55 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA
(Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight
Osaru
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Osaru
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Extremely soulful and equally talented Composer/Vocalist Osaru blends a combination of musical styles to bring his fans something memorable. Recently, Osaru completed a Q&A with our magazine regarding his music. It was a fun and enlightening spotlight that revealed the many sides of Osaru.
We are pleased to introduce this spotlight to our audience.
Isaac: Elaborate on who you are and your upbringing.
Osaru: I am a Songwriter, musician and vocalist. I also work as a Physician in a large tertiary Hospital in the Winston-Salem area in NC, USA. I have a Great family with 3 kids and a very supportive wife. I was
born in the United Kingdom. I have lived and worked in Nigeria, UK, and the USA. Osaru is the short form of my middle name-Osarumwense- which is a Nigerian name meaning 'God has been good to me'.
I grew up listening to and enjoying a wide variety of music which included Motown classics, British pop, Rock 'n' Roll, Reggae, Disco, Funk, Rap, New Jack Swing, High-Life, Afro beats, Rock Ballads, Smooth Jazz, etc. I played African percussion at age 8 and started playing the church organ and singing in the choir at 9. I toured with a covers band in my college years as a keyboardist. I presently play the keyboards, electric bass and the WX5 wind controller. All the vocals, drum programming, instrumentation on my debut CD were done by me and recorded in my home studio. I play mostly by ear. I have done some music theory from self studying and my interaction with other musicians.
Isaac: Was there any one musician that spoke to your heart so profoundly, you were inspired to do your own thing?
Osaru: Stevie Wonder.
Isaac: Which singer/group would you say you would most like to do a duet with?
Osaru: Alicia Keys.
Isaac: What singer/songwriter do you most connect with?
Osaru: Stevie Wonder.
Isaac: Out of your entire song collection that you've written thus far, which song(s) would you say is/are the most personal/meaningful to you?
Osaru: 1st would be 'Pretty Lady' which I wrote for my wife and performed on our wedding day.
2nd would be 'Keep it real' which talks about my journey to where I am now and celebrates it, whilst remembering to stay true to my principles and values in life.
Isaac: Which singers/groups do you enjoy/like from some of today's music genres?
Osaru: John Legend, Alicia keys, Norman Brown, Stanley Clarke, Chris Daughtry, Kanye West, Kirk Franklin, etc.
Isaac: What charities are you involved with or support?
Osaru: None at present.
Isaac: Have you (or would you ever consider) writing a song about any of today's particular world issues/problems? If so, what world issue would speak to you the most to write about?
Osaru: Yes, certainly! The world economy is on a downward spiral. I would like to focus on where to go from here, how to avoid making the same mistakes, and also bring some positivity to today's world with
inspiring music.
Isaac: Why should people listen to your music?
Osaru: My music is 'Urban Jazz with a twist' combining R&B with Smooth Jazz. This is good quality music for both the younger and older generation and all will be enjoyed by all great music lovers. It has
been described by friends and fans as relaxing mid tempo music great for listening whilst driving to work or school, having dinner or cocktails, having a quiet moment with a loved one or entertaining. The
lyrics are thought provoking and delivered passionately with soul; each unpredictable song will keep you nodding your head or tapping your foot.
Isaac: What has been the greatest moment for you as an entertainer thus far in your career?
Osaru: Releasing my Debut CD, Home on August 22nd 2008 on CDBaby.
Isaac: How far into the creation of a song do you share any of it with anyone? Who would you play it for? Would it be a chorus, a verse and chorus, or a complete song?
Osaru: I usually share the whole song first with my 7 year old who plays the piano. He has a good music ear and when he starts to hum the song or tap his foot to the beat, I take this as a positive response.
(This is usually done on the school run). My Wife and close friends also listen to my different 'takes' after tracking. I get a lot of 'constructive' and 'not-so-constructive' criticism which always gives me some more ideas to work on.
Isaac: How much do you let others "mess around with" one of your new songs?
Osaru: I do not let others mess around with my music; at least not yet.
Isaac: Do you have to be a tortured soul to be a singer-songwriter?
Osaru: Certainly not! I would not describe myself as a tortured soul. Song writing takes talent, dedication, hard work and commitment. The passion in your music does not have to come from a tortured soul. The theme of the song dictates the mood. Song writing and music to me is a
great avenue of expression and relaxation during my day to day Life experiences as a growing adult, husband, father and working Physician.
Isaac: Do you prefer to write music from your own personal experience, life's issues, or a little of both (explain why)?
Osaru: A little of both. My life experiences have always been an inspiration be it good or bad. I learn from experiences and move on. This directs the tone and style of the music and also fuels the
passion behind the singing and lyrics. Life's issues are also powerful inspirational tools, evoking emotions which depending on the situation inspire the song writing process. Many a night after watching a movie,
documentary or realty show I would sit at the piano with my Dictaphone and just play and sing. This is often the start of another song. 'Keep it real' was written this way as well as numerous piano pieces which are yet to be released.
Isaac: How long does it take you to process your emotions and turn them into songs?
Osaru: it varies from a couple of hours to a few months depending on the genre, complexity and other day to day commitments.
Isaac: The best piece of advice you actually followed?
Osaru: "Follow your Dream and let other People hear your music. It is refreshingly unique" A friends comment about my music 2 years ago.
Isaac: Give Shutouts to your family and friends.
Osaru: Shout out to my Lovely wife, I.T. Thanks again for sharing me with my music! Shout out to Tola, Carol, Mike, Stacy, Ken, Igho, staff and colleagues at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC and all my friends and fans out there who have listened to and enjoyed my music. Thank you for all the support and encouragement.
Isaac: Last but certainly not least, what are you working on, now?
Osaru: I am working on 2 projects presently. A Holiday smooth Jazz CD based on 'home' and an R&B single. Hopefully ready for the Holiday Season by the end of the Year. I also hope to release another Urban Jazz CD mid next year.
Osaru
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