Singer-songwriter and alt-pop artist Oz has released her debut single ‘Money’ via Truth Records.
The track, like Oz herself is said to be “headstrong, provocative, fierce and honest” and was inspired by a friend back home in Croydon, who Oz saw lose her identity in an attempt to appease the posh parents of a new boyfriend.
Money Discusses Dangers of “Keeping Up With The Jones”
Oz explains, “‘Money’ is a song that discusses the dangers of the ‘keeping up with the Jones’’ mentality. We change so much of ourselves to conform to the western ideals of beauty or success. It sounds so clichéd but what really matters is who you are. Of course, people change and grow, that’s what we’re meant to do as human beings. But when you aren’t being true to yourself, you’re in dangerous territory. In my experience, it normally leaves you sad and vacant.”
Money is accompanied by a Natalie Sakstrup video compiling a range of elegant monochrome visuals illustrating Oz’s words and demonstrating the all-pervading power of money.
“Money can be such an uncomfortable subject and especially now in this climate it feels even more contentious,” Oz adds. “I wanted the visual to make people feel, think and even shiver. I like the idea of keeping a bit of mystery to a project, especially in a world where your physical appearance is under a constant microscope, so I chose not to be in the video at all. I wanted it to stand alone as a piece of art without having my appearance scrutinised.”
‘Money’ is the first taste of Oz’s debut EP which will be released later this year via Truth Records. The EP will further develop the themes that she is innately drawn to defiance, identity, and self-discovery.
Oz is “Never Afraid To Be Exactly Who She Wants To Be”
Oz has been a songwriter since her early teens, after her father’s passion for music inspired her immersion in the worlds of bold musicians like The Clash, Dolly Parton, No Doubt and Kate Bush. Her fascination with life’s rough edges is inspired by her youth spent in her family’s pizzeria in a pre-gentrified Soho. It was one of London’s best-kept secrets: a centrally located hideaway favoured by actors and musicians along with drag queens, sex workers, go-go dancers, and old-school gangsters. People with stories to tell.
Her own story also quickly took shape. Some of Oz’s early demos attracted attention, which resulted in her working with producers and writing songs from just 15-years-old. Oz penned a deal with a music publisher writing for other artists before a session with Biff Stannard instigated her new direction. As for her choice to record as Oz?
“The part of me that’s Oz is my weirder, more left side,” Oz explains. “Oz has always been the nutter. She’s my protection but she’s also my freedom — freedom to laugh with my mates in the street at 3am with Red Stripe, wear leather, do crazy 70s makeup, do whatever I like. Oz is the part of me who’s never afraid to be exactly who she wants to be.”
- Visit Oz Official Facebook Page
- Check back to Ents South Wales soon as Oz discusses her Music DNA