Digestly

Konbini
Konbini
Jan 14, 2025

"En 3 jours, j'ai su que je voulais être rappeur": okis est le premier invité de Processus | Konbini

Konbini - "En 3 jours, j'ai su que je voulais être rappeur": okis est le premier invité de Processus | Konbini

The episode features an interview with Okis, a rapper who recently entered the music scene. It delves into his early interest in music, starting from childhood when he was inspired by an accordion. Okis discusses his first release, 'Pas d'effort,' and how it marked a significant step in his career despite having no initial ambitions. The conversation highlights his collaboration with established artist Mani Deïz, which was pivotal in shaping his musical style and gaining recognition. Okis reflects on his creative process, emphasizing spontaneity and personal satisfaction over external validation. He also touches on the importance of maintaining authenticity and the influence of his audience on his music. The episode concludes with Okis sharing his thoughts on the evolving music landscape and his aspirations.

Key Points:

  • Okis began his music journey at a young age, inspired by an accordion.
  • His first release, 'Pas d'effort,' was a turning point, leading to unexpected recognition.
  • Collaboration with Mani Deïz was crucial, helping him develop a unique musical style.
  • Okis values personal satisfaction in his music creation, focusing on authenticity.
  • He acknowledges the role of his audience but prioritizes his own artistic vision.

Details:

1. 🎤 Introduction to Processus Podcast

  • The speaker prefers having controversial listeners over controversial figures in power, indicating a focus on influence through engagement rather than authority.
  • The speaker suggests that cultural representation is subjective and not exclusively tied to any individual, highlighting the importance of diverse perspectives.
  • There is an acknowledgment of potential strained relationships due to prioritizing personal interests, which could imply the value of staying true to one's passions despite external pressures.

2. 🎧 Meet Okis: The Emerging Rapper

  • The podcast 'Processus,' hosted by Sandra Gomez, Head of Music at Combini, explores the journeys of various artists.
  • This episode aims to uncover the early career, pivotal moments, daily life, and inspirations of the rapper Okis.
  • Okis's journey in music began with a passion for storytelling through rap, drawing inspiration from urban life and personal experiences.
  • Listeners can expect insights into Okis's creative process, challenges faced along the path, and future aspirations as an artist.

3. 🎶 Okis' Early Musical Journey

  • Okis is a new rapper in the industry but already has a Wikipedia page detailing his political stance and a collaborative album with a notable name in French rap.
  • Okis expresses readiness to discuss the process that led him to his current position in the music industry.
  • The journey of Okis began with significant influences from the French rap scene, which shaped his musical style and political viewpoints.
  • Despite initial challenges in gaining recognition, Okis leveraged collaborations to enhance his visibility in the competitive music industry.

4. 🎹 Inspirations and First Release

  • The track 'Pas d'effort' was released in January 2022, marking the artist's debut in publishing music online.
  • This release signifies a significant milestone as the artist's first song posted on platforms, showcasing their entry into the music industry.
  • The artist has been involved in music from a young age, indicating a long-standing passion and dedication to their craft.
  • Musical influences for the artist include a blend of genres and styles experienced throughout their life, though specific influences are not detailed in the transcript.

5. 📜 From Childhood Dreams to Reality

  • At the age of 3, the speaker expressed a desire to learn a musical instrument, inspired by a friend's child-sized accordion.
  • The speaker's interest in music was sparked during visits to a neighbor, Eveline, who owned the accordion.
  • This early exposure to music led to a lifelong passion and pursuit of musical skills.
  • The speaker's early musical aspirations laid the foundation for future achievements in music, illustrating the impact of childhood influences on long-term goals.

6. 🎵 Musical Influences at Home

6.1. Early Personal Musical Experiences

6.2. Family's Role in Musical Exposure

7. 🎼 Crafting Music: The Creative Process

  • Influence and Inspiration: The creative process in music often involves drawing inspiration from existing works, such as 'Crocodile Rock' and covers of 'Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds' by the Beatles. This shows the importance of classic melodies in shaping new music.
  • Musical Foundations: The first CD owned was 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' by the Beatles, highlighting how iconic albums can serve as foundational influences for musicians.
  • Milestones in Music Creation: The release of a first EP is an important milestone in an artist's journey, marking a significant step in their musical narrative and development.
  • Legacy and Impact: The goal of creating music is to contribute something important to the history of music, focusing on legacy and long-term impact rather than just immediate commercial success.

8. 🎙️ Becoming a Rapper Unexpectedly

  • The artist had no initial ambition to become a rapper, marking the release of their music as a personal achievement rather than a career goal.
  • The process involved receiving a sound card from friends, learning self-recording, and reaching a personal standard of music quality.
  • There were no significant expectations for the music release, but within three days, notable contacts and support emerged, prompting a swift realization of wanting to pursue a rap career.

9. 📀 Growth in Music Production Skills

  • Initially, the artist did not anticipate attracting a significant audience, leading to minimal investment in professional production elements.
  • The cover photo, taken spontaneously by a friend, showcased an authentic approach that resonated unexpectedly with the audience.
  • Despite limited effort in mixing and mastering, the artist's work attracted around 200 listeners, indicating strong potential for growth with enhanced production quality.
  • Future efforts should focus on refining production skills, such as mixing and mastering, to expand audience reach and engagement.

10. 🎤 A Pivotal Career Moment

  • The speaker reflects on an early project with limited skills in mixing, recognizing that the surprising quality of the outcome was due to the charm of its imperfections, as it contributed to its unexpected success.
  • In a professional studio setting, the speaker realized the imperfections in their work, yet noted that these flaws added a unique charm that might have been lost if the work were flawless.
  • The speaker acknowledges that the absence of flaws might have led to a lack of character or charm, suggesting that sometimes imperfections can enhance the appeal of creative work.
  • Prompted to discuss a pivotal moment, the speaker shares personal insights into how embracing imperfections played a crucial role in their career, indicating a shift in perspective that contributed to their growth and success.

11. 🎤 Evolution through Collaborations

  • The discussion highlights a pivotal moment in a rapper's career when he transitioned from being relatively unknown to gaining recognition among hardcore boombap fans and supporters of Olympique Lyonnais on Twitter.
  • The rapper chose a particular track to discuss, which he believes marked this transition and helped him connect with a wider audience.
  • The collaboration and the release of this track were instrumental in expanding his reach and increasing his visibility in the music scene.
  • This segment underscores the importance of strategic collaborations and releases in artistic growth and audience engagement.

12. 🔊 Defining a Unique Sound

12.1. Strategic Collaboration with Money Day

12.2. Thematic Shift and Artistic Evolution

13. 🎵 Mani Deïz's Impact on Okis

  • Okis transitioned from using generic YouTube beats to collaborating directly with a producer to create a unique musical universe.
  • The collaboration with Mani Deïz involved custom production decisions, such as selecting specific drums and sound elements.
  • The partnership began unexpectedly when Mani Deïz reached out to Okis on Twitter, offering to produce for him after just 250 listens on Okis's first EP.
  • This collaboration marked a significant turning point in Okis's music career, moving from online beats to personalized music creation.

14. 🎛️ Exploring Beat-making with Mani Deïz

  • The collaboration began with Mani Deïz sending initial beats remotely for feedback, highlighting a flexible and modern approach to music collaboration.
  • The artist responded to the beats by sending back his best text to ensure alignment and showcase his potential, demonstrating the importance of first impressions in creative partnerships.
  • The text shared was from an older piece called 'Textile,' showing the value of revisiting past works for new projects.
  • Mani Deïz created a new production based on the 'Textile' text, leading to the creation of the track 'J'arrive,' indicating the significance of iterative collaboration and adaptation in music production.
  • The process was efficient and creative, with the final piece emerging quickly once the artists met in person, underscoring the impact of personal interaction on creative synergy.

15. 🎤 Encounters that Shape Identity

  • Money, a French composer and beatmaker, has been active for over 20 years, starting his work in 1998.
  • Despite not being as widely recognized as other names, Money is crucial to a select group of French rappers.
  • Throughout his career, Money has collaborated with numerous artists, which has profoundly impacted his musical style and identity.
  • His unique contributions have helped shape the sound of French rap, showing the influence of his encounters on both his personal and professional development.

16. 🎵 The Role of Influences in Okis' Sound

  • The collaboration with Manie is a pivotal moment in Oki's career, emphasizing the strategic importance of key partnerships in shaping musical direction.
  • The release of the track list for 'Rêve d'un rouilleur' featuring Limsa surprised fans, suggesting a significant artistic shift, yet Oki perceives it as a natural continuation of his work.
  • This artistic evolution is subjective; while fans see a new dimension, Oki views it as consistent with his existing musical narrative.
  • The collaboration and track release highlight the dynamic nature of music evolution and the impact of strategic partnerships and artistic choices.

17. 🎶 Juggling Personal and Public Influence

  • Public perception can elevate an artist to a higher category even if the music remains the same, highlighting the power of image and reputation in the music industry.
  • Personal milestones, such as collaborations with legendary figures, not only enhance an artist's credibility but also have significant symbolic importance, boosting their career profile.
  • Connections within the music industry, exemplified by relationships with influential figures like Limsa, can lead to significant projects, such as the PR for "4 décembre" by Starting Block, demonstrating the value of strategic networking.

18. 🎤 Audience Insights and Criticism

  • Collaboration was facilitated by pre-existing relationships and mutual respect, highlighting the importance of networking in creative projects.
  • Artists had the autonomy to choose from a list of 15 preferred collaborators, showcasing a strong network and strategic decision-making.
  • The final collaborator was chosen through mutual agreement, reflecting a shared creative vision and alignment in artistic goals.
  • Personal engagement and approval were crucial, as the collaborator agreed to participate only after enjoying the work, illustrating the importance of authentic connections.
  • Criticism focused on the need for clearer separation of insights and criticism to enhance understanding and provide a balanced view.

19. 🔊 Future Musical Directions

  • The speaker discusses the discovery of beatmaking after purchasing an MPC One, which marked a pivotal shift in their musical exploration.
  • Initial exposure to beatmaking was through observing a friend who worked with the machine, sparking interest and curiosity.
  • Hands-on experience began during a trip to Switzerland for a performance, highlighting the immediate impact and integration into their creative process.
  • The discovery of beatmaking has significantly influenced the speaker's approach to music production, enabling more personalized and innovative compositions.

20. 🎵 Continuous Beat-making Journey

  • The speaker has dedicated significant time to beat-making since acquiring an MPC One in January, demonstrating a shift in focus from previous writing and rapping activities.
  • The speaker's primary objective is to achieve a high level of personal satisfaction with their musical productions before releasing them.
  • Feedback and advice from a colleague, Manie, play a crucial role in the speaker's skill development, highlighting the importance of constructive critique.
  • There is a strong sense of excitement and fulfillment in the speaker's creative process, suggesting potential for future collaborations with other artists.

21. 🎤 Okis' Creative Routine

  • Okis' production process is heavily influenced by specific productions, which can inspire collaborations with certain rappers.
  • He is considering producing music under his real name rather than using an alias, indicating a potential shift in personal branding.
  • Despite not always feeling ready to share his work, Okis remains committed to his creative process, even if it takes years for him to feel satisfied with his work.
  • Okis doesn't have a strict creative routine but integrates music production consistently into his lifestyle, highlighting its significance in his daily life.

22. 🎵 Collaborating with Eloquence

22.1. Optimizing the Creative Process

22.2. Influence of Environment on Writing

22.3. Impactful Meeting with Eloquence

22.4. Eloquence's Multifaceted Contributions

22.5. Longstanding Influence of Eloquence

23. 🎤 Evolving Artistic Perspectives

  • The artist collaborates with a rap artist who is regaining popularity by returning to an acclaimed original style, enhancing both their profiles.
  • The collaboration unfolded in phases: initial interest was sparked when the rap artist showed appreciation for the textile Protte; the artist then shared their music preferences, including 'maison suave', which solidified their connection.
  • This partnership led to innovative artistic expressions, combining music and textile art, and has been met with critical acclaim, further boosting both artists' visibility in their respective fields.

24. 🎧 Embracing Creativity and Spontaneity

  • Leveraging spontaneous opportunities can lead to successful creative collaborations, as illustrated by the impromptu session with Eloquence.
  • Being open to last-minute changes and quick thinking can help capitalize on unexpected situations, such as a rapper missing a session but quickly replacing them with another artist.
  • The ability to adapt and think on one's feet is crucial in creative industries, allowing for the harnessing of unexpected opportunities for collaboration.
  • Maintaining a network of reliable and versatile artists can facilitate quick problem-solving and creative synergy when plans change.

25. 🎤 Flexibility in Songwriting Approaches

  • Embracing spontaneity in songwriting can enhance creativity, as exemplified by the practice of writing lyrics on the spot and then recording them immediately, which contrasts with the more traditional method of meticulously refining lyrics before recording.
  • The influence of a mentor or collaborator who values spontaneous creation can lead artists to rethink and adjust their own songwriting processes, promoting a more fluid and dynamic approach.
  • Adapting to different environments and writing processes, such as composing directly in the studio, can introduce fresh perspectives and inspire creativity.

26. 💼 Art and Profession: A Delicate Balance

  • The speaker embraces a flexible approach to creativity, avoiding strict routines, which fosters a more organic artistic process.
  • They treat their creative work as a profession, proactively engaging to prevent future regrets associated with missed opportunities.
  • By leveraging their current status as an intermittent performer, they focus on maximizing this phase as it is not permanent.
  • Their strategy involves being active in music-related activities, structuring their work approach, and actively seeking out performance opportunities.
  • They capitalize on their strong musical network and existing interest in their work to enhance their professional standing.

27. 🎵 Music as a Personal Expression

27.1. Music Creation Workflow

27.2. Personal Motivation and Audience

28. 🎤 Handling Criticism and Growth

28.1. Acknowledgment of Criticism

28.2. Coping Mechanisms and Personal Growth

29. 🔍 Impact of Growing Audience

  • Receiving positive feedback is surprisingly impactful, despite the prevalence of negative comments, highlighting the importance of acknowledging even small percentages of positive interactions.
  • Only about 1% of the audience sends positive messages, demonstrating a significant reach and engagement as these messages accumulate in large numbers.
  • As an audience grows, public perception often shifts from initial support to skepticism, particularly as the creator achieves greater success.
  • There is a noticeable trend where early-stage support from audiences can turn critical as the creator becomes more successful, suggesting a need for strategic engagement management.

30. 🎤 Balancing Public Expectations

  • Artists face significant challenges in dealing with online criticism and insults, which can adversely affect their mental health and self-confidence. This is particularly true for those without prior experience in public scrutiny.
  • There is a strong desire among artists for constructive feedback and analysis of their work, as opposed to mere praise, highlighting a need for more meaningful engagement from their audience.
  • Rap artists may struggle more with criticism due to either its scarcity or its often harsh nature, indicating a potential area for growth in accepting and utilizing feedback constructively.

31. 🎵 Understanding and Engaging with Audience

  • Artists should actively seek and engage with audience feedback to refine and adapt their music, improving their overall appeal and success.
  • Meeting audiences can lead to a reassessment of one's music, emphasizing the role of audience perception in shaping an artist's work.
  • Artists can build stronger connections with their audience through shared cultural heritage, creating unique narratives and emotional ties.
  • Implementing audience feedback effectively can result in a more polished and relatable artistic product, enhancing both artist reputation and audience satisfaction.
  • Creating interactive experiences, such as Q&A sessions or live feedback opportunities, can deepen audience engagement and provide valuable insights.

32. 🎧 Aligning Values with Audience

  • The artist prioritizes creating music that satisfies personal values rather than conforming to public approval, indicating a commitment to authenticity.
  • Recognition of the artist's music during social movements, such as protests, highlights a strong connection with young, leftist audiences who value social change.
  • The artist values the perception and recognition from a socially conscious listener base, suggesting that their music resonates with audiences engaged in everyday social issues.

33. 🎤 Political Engagement in Music

  • Some rappers distance themselves from audiences who don't share their values, which is a particularity of politically engaged music.
  • Musicians like the speaker clearly define their opinions and values, marking boundaries and attracting audiences who share similar views.
  • Many rappers are political without militant discourse; the speaker's militant past influences their vocabulary, making it resonate with politically active audiences.
  • The speaker notes the inevitability of being heard by audiences with opposing views, referencing an incident involving humor about Olympique Lyonnais and capitalism.
  • Artists like Kendrick Lamar incorporate political themes into their music, effectively engaging audiences on social issues without alienating them.
  • The speaker's militant past includes active participation in political movements, which shapes their musical discourse and audience engagement.
  • Political engagement in music can manifest in various forms, from subtle lyrical references to overt calls for action, as seen in artists like Public Enemy.
  • The speaker's approach highlights the importance of authenticity and personal experience in resonating with politically conscious audiences.

34. 🎶 Artists' Social Responsibility

  • Artists express personal political views which may alienate some fans but strengthen connections with like-minded individuals.
  • This expression often leads to a natural selection of audience, fostering a more engaged and resonant community.
  • Some artists prefer to have fans with opposing views engage with their music rather than see those views gain political power.
  • There is a significant influence on young listeners who are exposed to diverse ideas through music, potentially shaping their political perspectives.
  • Recent trends show rappers increasingly taking a stand on social issues, driven by public demand and notable events.
  • Artists like Kendrick Lamar and Childish Gambino have successfully balanced political expression with maintaining a broad audience.
  • Artists' political expressions can significantly impact their careers, either by enhancing their reputation among certain groups or risking commercial success.

35. 🎧 Pop Culture Moments that Influence

  • Artists and athletes should not shy away from engaging with pop culture and should capitalize on their influence.
  • Using pop culture moments effectively requires sincerity; it shouldn't feel obligatory but rather a genuine expression.
  • The influence of celebrities and public figures is often significant, and their opinions can resonate widely with the public.
  • Engaging with pop culture can be a strategic move in communication, allowing one to capitalize on public attention.

36. 🎤 The Simpsons' Impact on Okis

36.1. Influence of The Simpsons

36.2. Personal Reflections on Legacy

37. 🎶 Building a Legacy through Collaboration

  • Collaborating with respected artists like Samir Amamad, known for his demanding style in French rap, significantly enhances artistic credibility, even if high sales figures are not achieved.
  • These collaborations are not just joint efforts but are seen as forms of inheritance and inspiration, leading to the creation of notable works such as 'rêve d'un rouilleur HM'.
  • Validation from veteran artists in the industry provides a sense of belonging and the ability to either integrate into an existing scene or forge a new, unique one.
  • Specific collaborative projects, such as the one with Samir Amamad, demonstrate how partnerships can result in influential works that contribute to an artist’s legacy.
  • The impact of these collaborations is multi-faceted, affecting personal growth, artistic development, and industry standing.

38. 🎤 Defining Okis' Musical Style

  • Okis identifies with a musical scene but not strictly with a specific generational category, suggesting a blend of influences across eras.
  • At 26 years old, Okis experiences a generational gap with some peers but straddles 'old school' and 'new gen' labels, creating a unique musical identity.
  • Respect for certain aesthetic codes is central to Okis' style, emphasizing a commitment to traditional sampling techniques in music production.
  • While often categorized as 'rap à l'ancienne,' Okis' style integrates digital elements, providing a modern twist to the boombap old school sound.
  • The integration of digital elements involves innovative uses of technology to enhance traditional sampling, bridging the gap between old and new musical styles.

39. 🎧 Bridging Generations in Rap Music

39.1. Personal Musical Preferences

39.2. Influences and Inspirations

40. 🎵 Navigating Old School and New School

  • The artist discussed has a distinct personality, offering something unique in the music scene, illustrating the blend of old and new styles.
  • Old school rap styles are often generalized, losing sight of their unique characteristics compared to new school innovations.
  • NextGen artists are noted for more radical directions, incorporating unconventional structures and electronic influences without standard refrains.
  • The new generation emphasizes artistic freedom, with a blend of rapping and singing that expands beyond traditional rap boundaries.
  • Specific examples of NextGen artists could include artists like Lil Uzi Vert or Billie Eilish, who embody this blend of styles and artistic freedom.
  • The evolution in music reflects a broader acceptance of varied artistic expressions, bridging traditional and new school influences.

41. 🎤 Evolving Musical Styles

  • The hybridization of musical genres in recent years has led to a creative evolution, challenging the traditional categorization of music in France.
  • There is a focus on finding 'the sound of tomorrow,' which may not necessarily be completely new but rather a reinterpretation or self-reference of past styles, especially in French rap, which has a 40-year history.
  • The narrative of the current era is crucial, with modern storytelling being more important than purely aesthetic or sonic innovation.
  • French music often aesthetically mirrors what was initially done in the U.S., especially in mainstream rap, yet there is also a movement towards more acoustic and simple drum patterns, which is seen as a form of artistic choice or activism.
  • Prominent French artists are blending diverse genres, such as electronic, pop, and traditional French music, creating unique sounds that reflect both global influences and local culture.
  • The use of digital platforms and technology is facilitating this evolution, allowing artists to experiment and reach broader audiences.
  • Cultural exchanges, particularly between France and the U.S., play a significant role in shaping current musical trends, enabling a fusion of styles and narratives.

42. 🎵 Personal Philosophy in Music Creation

42.1. Next Gen vs. Old School

42.2. Lyrics Interpretation and Personal Insight

43. 🎤 Essence and Purpose in Okis' Music

43.1. Okis' Personal Approach to Music

43.2. Views on Cultural Representation

44. 🎶 Okis' Favorite Track

  • The track 'J'arrive' is Okis' favorite from his discography, released in November 2023.
  • Okis believes 'J'arrive' is in a class of its own and evokes a unique emotion in listeners.
  • The track was produced after Okis sent his best lyrics to Manie, who then created the production.
  • Upon receiving the production, Okis wrote the song overnight, completing it between 9 PM and 11 AM.

45. 🎤 What's Next for Okis?

  • The production of Okis's new track was extended to align with his artistic vision, resulting in a final length of 5 minutes, showing a commitment to personal expression.
  • Okis dedicated around a month to refining the piece, emphasizing his focus on quality and personal storytelling, sharing deep personal insights and experiences.
  • The challenge of transitioning from private writing to public sharing marked a significant step in Okis's career, highlighting his growth as an artist.
  • The track is Okis's first collaboration with producer Malie, a milestone that signifies a new direction and potential for future collaborations.
  • A curated playlist featuring Okis's essential tracks has been created, showcasing his key works and musical evolution, providing a comprehensive overview of his artistic journey.
  • These developments are expected to enhance Okis's career trajectory, opening opportunities for further artistic exploration and audience engagement.
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